Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Septic tank servicers usually work for small companies or are self-employed. They service septic tanks at private homes that are not hooked up to city sewers. Sewer pipe cleaners usually work for city sewage systems or public works departments.

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners share many of the same tasks. Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners operate cleaning equipment such as power rodders and high speed cleaning jets. They clean sewage collection points and sanitary lines. They use a device with a revolving cable to clear mud or roots from the line.

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners also repair:

• Sewer lines
• Catch basins
• Manholes
• Culverts

Septic tanks and sewer lines are underground. Servicers and cleaners measure and mark where to dig. If the job is small, they dig out the area themselves. Otherwise, they get help from a crew. If necessary, they use an air hammer or pick and shovel to break asphalt or concrete. Once they find the damaged pipe, servicers cut it out and replace it using a pipe sleeve. They make other types of repairs to catch basins or culverts. Once the repair is made, they use tools to cover the repaired area and pack the ground.

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners perform various other tasks. They report to and communicate with supervisors. They keep records of the maintenance and repair work they do. In addition, they often service and make small repairs to the equipment they use. They also drive large trucks to transport their equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Construction Helpers
• General Construction Workers
• Pipelayers
• Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Pump Operators
• Roustabouts
• Trash Collectors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.

• Operate cleaning equipment, including power rodder, high speed water jet, and sewer flusher.
• Clean sewage collection points and sanitary lines. Repair catch basins, culverts, and breaks in holding tanks.
• Install rotary knives on flexible cable according to diameter of pipe to be cleaned.
• Feed revolving cable into pipe opening. Stop machine to change knives to fit pipe size.
• Observe pipe for mud, roots, and other deposits that might break or clog sewer line.
• Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes and tapelines. Mark where digging must occur to reach damaged pipes.
• Break asphalt or pavement using airhammer, pick, and shovel.
• Dig out ruptured line or shallow sewers using shovel.
• Cut damaged section of pipe and replace using pipe sleeve.
• Cover repaired pipe with dirt and pack backfilled area.
• Communicate with supervisor and other workers using radio telephone.
• Order tools and equipment.
• Prepare records showing action taken.
• Update sewer maps and manhole charts.
• Drive trucks to haul crew, materials, and equipment.
• Service, adjust, and make small repairs to equipment and machines.

Common work activities

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Control machines and processes
• Perform for or work with the public
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very high level of social contact. They contact supervisors to find out about jobs and interact regularly with customers.
• Talk to others mostly by telephone and in person.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by coworkers.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work outdoors, but may work indoors on rare occasions.
• Regularly wear protective clothing or equipment.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as cleaning products, and diseases and infections carried in waste.
• Are often exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outside.
• Are regularly exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• May work in bright or dim lighting, depending on the weather and work site.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions and situations.
• Sometimes must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
• May travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May work physically near others, such as within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could damage waste systems.
• Must allow the pace of work to be dictated by the speed of equipment.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where weekly and monthly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a full time, regular schedule if they work for local government.
• May work more hours one week and fewer hours the next, depending on demand. This applies more to those who work for or own small companies.
• May travel to work sites.

Physical demands

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners to be able to:

• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very low light.

Skills and abilities

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Repair machines or systems.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Plumbing and Water Supply

Other programs of study to consider

• Construction Trades
• Truck and Bus Driving

Training

To work as a septic tank servicer or sewer pipe cleaner, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school. Septic tank servicer and sewer pipe cleaner jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. 

On-the-job training

Most septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners learn their skills on the job. They are trained by experienced workers. Training may take several months to one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire applicants with mechanical aptitude. Any related experience would also be helpful. Many employers require that applicants have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants applying for jobs with local governments may be required to pass a written civil service test. These exams are more likely to be given when applying in larger cities or towns. The test measures basic math skills, mechanical aptitude, and general intelligence.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary according to the worker's experience. In addition, those who have more responsibility usually earn higher wages. Wages may vary by employer. Those who are self-employed or work for small companies may work more or less than 40 hours a week. Thus, their wages often vary from month to month.

Benefits vary by employer. Sewer pipe cleaners who work for the government usually work full time and receive benefits. These generally include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Septic tank companies
• Local government agencies (city water departments)

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be very strong. One reason for this growth is that the number of new houses built with septic systems is increasing. Also the majority of homes are still built on sewer systems.

This occupation is not affected by downturns in the economy. Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners perform tasks that cannot be put off when money is tight.

Job openings occur as people leave the occupation for other jobs.

Other resources

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 
4755 East Philadelphia Street
Ontario, CA 91761
909.472.4100

National Association of Wastewater Technicians 
2800 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 440
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners (47-4071.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Sewer-line Repairer (869.664-018) 
• Sewer-pipe Cleaner (899.664-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled