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Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners - 47-4071.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Service Technician
  • Septic Pump Truck Driver
  • Sewer and Drain Technician
  • Drain Cleaner
  • Public Works Technician
  • Sewer and Drain Cleaner
  • Maintenance Worker
  • Septic Cleaner
  • Utility Worker

SOC Occupation Groups

47-0000 Construction and Extraction Occupations
47-4000 Other Construction and Related Workers
47-4070 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
47-4071.00 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Break asphalt and other pavement so that pipes can be accessed, using airhammers, picks, and shovels.
  • Clean and disinfect domestic basements and other areas flooded by sewer stoppages.
  • Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.
  • Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
  • Cover repaired pipes with dirt, and pack backfilled excavations, using air and gasoline tampers.
  • Cut damaged sections of pipe with cutters, remove broken sections from ditches, and replace pipe sections, using pipe sleeves.
  • Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.
  • Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
  • Ensure that repaired sewer line joints are tightly sealed before backfilling begins.
  • Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
  • Install rotary knives on flexible cables mounted on machine reels, according to the diameters of pipes to be cleaned.
  • Locate problems, using specially designed equipment, and mark where digging must occur to reach damaged tanks or pipes.
  • Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.
  • 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.
  • Requisition or order tools and equipment.
  • Rotate cleaning rods manually, using turning pins.
  • Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.
  • Start machines to feed revolving cables or rods into openings, stopping machines and changing knives to conform to pipe sizes.
  • Tap mainline sewers to install sewer saddles.
  • Update sewer maps and manhole charts.
  • Withdraw cables from pipes and examine them for evidence of mud, roots, grease, and other deposits indicating broken or clogged sewer lines.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
  • build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
  • clean rooms or work areas
  • dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items
  • drive automobile, van, or light truck
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • inspect sewer, drain, or water main pipe joints to verify alignment or fit
  • lay or install brick, block, stone, tile, or related masonry material
  • maintain repair records
  • measure and mark lay out for construction projects
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • operate cleaning equipment
  • operate jackhammer
  • operate pneumatic tamper to patch pavement or tamp earth
  • perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
  • read blueprints
  • read maps
  • read specifications
  • read tape measure
  • read technical drawings
  • repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
  • requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
  • transport passengers or cargo
  • use building or land use regulations
  • use hand or power tools
  • use hazardous disposal techniques
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
  • use pipe fitting equipment
  • use two-way radio or mobile phone

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Sewer-Line Repairer
  • Sewer-Pipe Cleaner