Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
What is a Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners are skilled professionals who play a critical role in maintaining the health and functionality of wastewater systems. They are responsible for inspecting, cleaning, and repairing septic tanks, sewer pipes, and drainage systems to ensure they operate efficiently. These workers are trained to manage sewer and septic systems, which are essential for disposing of liquid waste safely and effectively, particularly in areas not connected to municipal sewer systems.
Their work often involves performing routine maintenance, such as pumping out septic tanks to remove sludge and scum buildup, thus preventing system failures and potential environmental hazards. They utilize specialized equipment, such as vacuum trucks and high-pressure water jetters, to clear blockages in pipes caused by a variety of debris, including grease, roots, and foreign objects. In addition to cleaning and maintenance, these workers may also conduct inspections to diagnose problems and recommend necessary repairs or replacements.
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners are essential for protecting public health and the environment, as they help to prevent sewer backups and overflows, which can lead to contamination of water sources and create sanitary hazards. Their expertise ensures that septic systems and sewer lines function efficiently, which is vital for residential and commercial properties that rely on these systems for waste disposal.
Tasks
- 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.
- Operate sewer cleaning equipment, including power rodders, high-velocity water jets, sewer flushers, bucket machines, wayne balls, and vac-alls.
- Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
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Route navigation software
- Route mapping software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
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Internet browser software
- Web browser software
Tools Used
- Drain or pipe cleaning equipment
- Water pumps
- Two way radios
- Pipe or tube cutter
- Trowels
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Abilities
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Flexibility of Closure
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details.
- Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
- Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
- Record operational or environmental data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$33890.0 - $68700.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.