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Septic Tank Servicer or Sewer Pipe Cleaner

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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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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.

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