Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Septic Tank Technician
What septic tank technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Inspect the vacuum truck and review the day’s service calls. From there, the day usually includes pump septic tanks with vacuum trucks, inspect tanks, baffles and filters, and locate and uncover tanks and lids. Most work full-time days, with some emergency calls after hours and on weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a septic tank technician working full time.
- Inspect the vacuum truck and review the day’s service calls.
- Locate and dig up a buried septic lid at a rural home.
- Pump the tank and inspect inlet and outlet baffles.
- Clear a sewer line blockage with a hydro jetter.
- Run a camera through the line to find root intrusion.
- Perform a septic inspection for a home sale.
- Unload septage at the treatment plant and complete manifests.
Where septic tank technicians work
Technicians work outdoors at homes, businesses and job sites, and drive heavy trucks. The work involves digging, lifting hoses and exposure to sewage and gases.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time days, with some emergency calls after hours and on weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Pump septic tanks with vacuum trucks
- Inspect tanks, baffles and filters
- Locate and uncover tanks and lids
- Clear blocked sewer lines with jetters and cables
- Inspect lines with sewer cameras
- Repair or replace components
- Dispose of septage at approved facilities and keep records
Tools you’ll use every day
- Vacuum pump trucks
- Hydro jetters
- Drain cables and augers
- Sewer cameras and locators
- Probes and shovels
- Gas detectors
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Steady, essential work
- Learn on the job
- Outdoor problem solving
- Opportunities to own a business
What’s hard
- Dirty, smelly work
- Exposure to sewage and gases
- Physical digging and lifting
- Emergency calls
You’ll likely thrive if…
- Dirty work doesn’t bother me
- I like driving and operating equipment
- I enjoy solving problems on site
- I want steady, essential work
- I’m comfortable working outdoors
- I might want my own business
Not sure? Take the free Septic Tank Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Never enter septic tanks or manholes without confined space procedures
- Monitor for hydrogen sulfide and other gases
- Wear gloves, boots and eye protection and wash thoroughly
- Secure lids so no one can fall in