How to become a septic tank servicers 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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners do

• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Writing

Is septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaner a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 2% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Nebraska $66,890
• New Jersey $64,650
• New Hampshire $64,590
• Washington $63,090
• Minnesota $62,190

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.