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What Does it Take to Be a Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner?
Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner Definition 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.
What Do Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
- Rotate cleaning rods manually, using turning pins.
- Clean and disinfect domestic basements and other areas flooded by sewer stoppages.
- Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
- Update sewer maps and manhole charts.
- Ensure that repaired sewer line joints are tightly sealed before backfilling begins.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner?
When polled, Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Other Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner Job Titles
- Laborer
- Pipe Cleaning Machine Operator
- Septic Cleaner
- Drain Technician
- Transport Tank Technician
Is There Job Demand for Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners?
There were about 28,500 jobs for Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,900 new jobs for Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,300 positions for Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner per year.
The states with the most job growth for Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner are Utah, Hawaii, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in North Dakota, New Jersey, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners Make A Lot Of Money?
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners make between $25,900 and $61,320 a year.
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners who work in Alaska, New Jersey, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $35,560 |
Alaska | $50,370 |
Arizona | $40,100 |
Arkansas | $31,790 |
California | $44,160 |
Colorado | $47,320 |
Connecticut | $44,840 |
Delaware | $39,650 |
Florida | $37,890 |
Georgia | $35,560 |
Hawaii | $45,530 |
Idaho | $31,900 |
Illinois | $50,090 |
Indiana | $39,300 |
Iowa | $43,430 |
Kansas | $35,920 |
Kentucky | $41,090 |
Louisiana | $35,740 |
Maine | $35,640 |
Maryland | $40,340 |
Massachusetts | $49,770 |
Michigan | $40,040 |
Minnesota | $43,930 |
Mississippi | $30,000 |
Missouri | $36,290 |
Montana | $36,110 |
Nebraska | $41,420 |
Nevada | $47,050 |
New Hampshire | $40,170 |
New Jersey | $56,060 |
New Mexico | $34,190 |
New York | $42,090 |
North Carolina | $34,210 |
North Dakota | $44,790 |
Ohio | $43,150 |
Oklahoma | $31,710 |
Oregon | $47,860 |
Pennsylvania | $45,520 |
Rhode Island | $41,700 |
South Carolina | $34,090 |
South Dakota | $34,100 |
Tennessee | $34,880 |
Texas | $32,960 |
Utah | $45,090 |
Vermont | $36,350 |
Virginia | $41,800 |
Washington | $44,070 |
West Virginia | $39,090 |
Wisconsin | $45,930 |
Wyoming | $44,190 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Work scheduling software
- Route mapping software
How do I Become a Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.