BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasSeptic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

O*NET · 47-4071.00

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

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.

Also called Aseptic Tech · Aseptic Tech (Aseptic Technician) · Drain and Sewer Technician · Drain Cleaner · Drain Technician · Electric Sewer Cleaning Machine Operator · High Reach Operator · Pipe Cleaning Machine Operator
20 more

Priming Machine Operator · Public Works Operator · Public Works Technician · Reach Operator · Roto Rooter Operator · Septic Cleaner · Septic Pump Truck Driver · Septic Tank Cleaner · Septic Tank Service Technician · Septic Technician · Service Technician · Sewage Screen Operator · Sewer and Drain Technician · Sewer Bricklayer · Sewer Cleaner · Sewer Line Repairer · Sewer Pipe Cleaner · Sewer Technician · Stormwater Technician · Transport Tank Technician

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.26
  • I Investigative2.07
  • S Social1.45
  • E Enterprising1.19
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma37%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent40%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate22%
Related work experience
None (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (40%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (42%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.93.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Monitoring3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Repairing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Equipment Maintenance3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Quality Control Analysis3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Complex Problem Solving2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Speakingbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Service Orientation2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Equipment Selection2.61.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Writingbasic2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Mathematicsbasic2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Persuasion2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Evaluation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Systems Analysis2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Installation2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Technology Design1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operations Analysis1.50.8
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

10 core · 12 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.4.0
  2. Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.4.0
  3. Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.4.0
  4. Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.3.9
  5. Operate sewer cleaning equipment, including power rodders, high-velocity water jets, sewer flushers, bucket machines, wayne balls, and vac-alls.3.9
  6. Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.3.9
  7. Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.3.9
  8. Locate problems, using specially designed equipment, and mark where digging must occur to reach damaged tanks or pipes.3.7
  9. Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.3.7
  10. Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.3.5
Show the other 12
  1. Ensure that repaired sewer line joints are tightly sealed before backfilling begins.3.7
  2. Withdraw cables from pipes and examine them for evidence of mud, roots, grease, and other deposits indicating broken or clogged sewer lines.3.7
  3. Clean and disinfect domestic basements and other areas flooded by sewer stoppages.3.7
  4. Install rotary knives on flexible cables mounted on machine reels, according to the diameters of pipes to be cleaned.3.6
  5. Rotate cleaning rods manually, using turning pins.3.6
  6. Start machines to feed revolving cables or rods into openings, stopping machines and changing knives to conform to pipe sizes.3.5
  7. Cut damaged sections of pipe with cutters, remove broken sections from ditches, and replace pipe sections, using pipe sleeves.3.4
  8. Cover repaired pipes with dirt, and pack backfilled excavations, using air and gasoline tampers.3.4
  9. Update sewer maps and manhole charts.3.4
  10. Requisition or order tools and equipment.3.3
  11. Break asphalt and other pavement so that pipes can be accessed, using airhammers, picks, and shovels.3.2
  12. Tap mainline sewers to install sewer saddles.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Mechanical3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Transportation3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • English Language3.42.9
  • Public Safety and Security3.42.9
  • Mathematics3.22.9
  • Administration and Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Building and Construction2.82.9
Show all 33
  • Education and Training2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Law and Government2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Design2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Production and Processing2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administrative2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Physics2.42.6
  • Chemistry2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Computers and Electronics2.22.6
  • Sales and Marketing2.21.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Geography2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Telecommunications2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Biology1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Communications and Media1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • Foreign Language1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Food Production1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Manual Dexterity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Control Precision3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Flexibility of Closure3.52.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Multilimb Coordination3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Oral Comprehension3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Depth Perception3.42.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
Show all 52
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Near Vision3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Reaction Time3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Oral Expression3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Static Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Trunk Strength3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Dynamic Strength2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Finger Dexterity2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Information Ordering2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Rate Control2.92.9
  • Response Orientation2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.6
  • Category Flexibility2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Gross Body Coordination2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Speech Recognition2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Glare Sensitivity2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Spatial Orientation2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speech Clarity2.62.8
  • Stamina2.62.8
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Closure2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Written Expression2.52.6
  • Memorization2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.42.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Sound Localization2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Night Vision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Explosive Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.60.8

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.44.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Getting Information4.33.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.62.9
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.42.9
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.22.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.12.8
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Thinking Creatively2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching Others2.92.2Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Processing Information2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.61.8Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.61.8Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Developing and Building Teams2.00.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.90.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Working with Computers1.6—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.5
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.4
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.3
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.3

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (3)

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
  • Route mapping software
  • Web browser software
  • Work scheduling software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  2. Pipelayers
  3. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
  4. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  5. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  6. Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
  7. Construction Laborers
  8. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  9. Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
  10. Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.