Will “Electric Sewer Cleaning Machine Operator” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Update sewer maps and manhole charts.

• Start machines to feed revolving cables or rods into openings, stopping machines and changing knives to conform to pipe sizes.

• Requisition or order tools and equipment.

• Rotate cleaning rods manually, using turning pins.

• Install rotary knives on flexible cables mounted on machine reels, according to the diameters of pipes to be cleaned.

• Withdraw cables from pipes and examine them for evidence of mud, roots, grease, and other deposits indicating broken or clogged sewer lines.

• Break asphalt and other pavement so that pipes can be accessed, using airhammers, picks, and shovels.

• Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.

• Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.

• Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.

• Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.

• Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.

• Tap mainline sewers to install sewer saddles.

• Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.

• Operate sewer cleaning equipment, including power rodders, high-velocity water jets, sewer flushers, bucket machines, wayne balls, and vac-alls.

• Cut damaged sections of pipe with cutters, remove broken sections from ditches, and replace pipe sections, using pipe sleeves.

• Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.

• Ensure that repaired sewer line joints are tightly sealed before backfilling begins.

• Locate problems, using specially designed equipment, and mark where digging must occur to reach damaged tanks or pipes.

• Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.

• Cover repaired pipes with dirt, and pack backfilled excavations, using air and gasoline tampers.

• Clean and disinfect domestic basements and other areas flooded by sewer stoppages.