Septic Tank Servicer and Sewer Pipe Cleaner
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.
Annual openings
84
BLS median wage
$51,700
Typical education
High school (GED).
10-year growth
+9%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High school (GED).
Credential requirement
A certification is valued by many employers.
Work experience
This is an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience developing the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is valued.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Trades
- Construction
Automation exposure
High exposure
Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.
A typical day
- Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
- Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
- Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.
- Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
- Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.
- Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.