Efficient sewer systems are crucial for keeping our living spaces clean, safe, and free from disease. They remove waste and wastewater, and support the quality of life for people in homes, at businesses, and in communities. Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners are employed by both public works departments and private companies to clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, and drains. They inspect manholes to find problems in a sewer line, and run sewer cleaning equipment to clear out stoppages. They also repair breaks in underground piping, and may install water mains and fire hydrants. Public health departments may require sewer pipe cleaners to collect samples from sewer systems, and report on their findings. Servicers and cleaners drive trucks to haul crews and equipment to work sites. They may use shovels and other hand tools to dig out sewer lines or maintain the area around pump or lift stations. Communication is an important part of these jobs, with supervisors and co-workers to clarify details and troubleshoot on the job, or with customers, to explain services or gather information. Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
What they do:
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.
On the job, you would:
Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
Business
customer service
management
Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Independence
Cooperation
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Route navigation software
Route mapping software
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
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