Drain technician

Drain technicians install and maintain drainage equipment used in sewer systems, such as pipes and valves. They analyse the design and ensure the proper installation of the drainage system, and perform maintenance and repair duties.

The duties of a drain technician include, but are not limited to:

• Cleaning drains using hand tools such as brushes, rods, and hoses
• Inspecting drain systems to locate clogs or leaks, using cameras and listening devices such as stethoscopes to pinpoint the problem spots
• Installing new pipes and drainage systems according to design specifications
• Diagnosing problems with drain systems and identifying solutions to resolve them
• Repairing broken pipes using welding equipment, pipe cutting tools, and other hand tools
• Cleaning pipes of debris using high pressure water jets or other methods
• Installing new pipes and fixtures such as faucets and sinks in homes or commercial buildings
• Installing and repairing septic tanks, grease traps, and other pipes related to wastewater treatment systems
• Maintaining records of work performed on sewer systems

Drain technicians work in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, and industrial sites. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the job. They may be exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, and dirt. They may work in cramped, uncomfortable positions and be exposed to hazardous materials. They may work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They may be on call 24 hours a day.

The following job titles also refer to drain technician:

sewer inspector
sewer and drain inspector
sewer pipe inspector
sewer pipe repairer
environmental technician, drainage
project technician, drainage
storm water drain technician
drainage system technician
water resources technician
sewer and drain repairer
flood risk technician
sewer line repairer
plumbing and drainage technician
water and drainage technician
public works inspector
drainage systems technician
service drain inspector
sewer cleaner
drain cleaner
sewer line inspector
sewer technician

Most drain technicians have at least a high school diploma. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed a two-year associate degree in plumbing or another related field.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Drain technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to drain technician.

water network operative
sewerage network operative
pipeline maintenance worker
gas transmission system operator
pipeline route manager

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of drain technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of drain technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

water engineering technician
sewerage maintenance technician
gas processing plant operator
pneumatic engineering technician
water plant technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of drain technician.

• Types of pipelines: Know various types of pipelines and their different usages. Differentiate between pipelines used to transport goods over short and long distances, and understand their respective feeding systems.

These skills are necessary for the role of drain technician.

• Ensure regulatory compliance in pipeline infrastructures: Ensure that the regulations for pipeline operations are met. Ensure pipeline infrastructure compliance with legal mandates, and compliance with regulations governing the transportation of goods via the pipelines.
• Detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure: Detect flaws in pipeline infrastructure during construction or over the passage of time such as construction defects, corrosion, ground movement, hot-tap made by error, and others.
• Install drainage well systems: Install systems which are found in residential properties as well as in public properties such as on streets and public building rooftops, and which function to drain excess water from these areas. They function to aid in flood remediation, remove rain, and minimise risk from heavy storms, and subsequently transport the untreated water into nature.
• Lay pipe installation: Install the system of pipes used to transport a fluid, be it a liquid or a gas, from one point to another and connect it to the fuel and water supply lines, air ducts, and other components.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Test pipeline infrastructure operations: Perform tests on pipelines, such checking whether there is continuous flow of materials through them, examining for leakages, and assessing the suitability of the location of the pipeline is.
• Install plumbing systems: Install systems of pipes, drains, fittings, valves, and fixtures designed for the distribution of potable water for drinking, heating, washing and waste removal.
• Assemble manufactured pipeline parts: Assemble parts and components made for pipelines in companies or sites. Construct pipeline infrastructures or re-assemble parts that were taken out for repair. Use welding equipment and other tools in assembly activities.
• Adjust cylinder valves: Adjust the tension on the cylinder valves or change the valves with torque wrench.
• Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of drain technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of drain technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Inspect pipelines: Walk flow lines to identify damage or leaks; use electronic detection equipment and conduct visual inspections.
• Carry out cleaning of road drains: Remove leaves, litter, and other debris to prevent blockages in drains and sewers.
• Maintain records of maintenance interventions: Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
• Maintain water treatment equipment: Perform repairs and routine maintenance tasks on equipment used in the purification and treatment processes of water and waste water.
• Operate welding equipment: Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.
• Maintain industrial equipment: Perform routine maintenance on industrial machinery and equipment to ensure that it is clean and in safe, working order.
• Maintain water storage equipment: Perform routine maintenance tasks, identify faults, and perform repairs on equipment which is used to store wastewater and water prior to treatment or distribution.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Mitigate environmental impact of pipeline projects: Strive to mitigate the potential impact that pipelines and the goods transported in them can have on the environment. Invest time and resources into consideration of the environmental effects of the pipeline, the actions that could be taken to protect the environment, and the potential increase in the costs of the project.
• Advise on equipment maintenance: Advise customers on the appropriate products, methods and, if necessary, interventions to ensure proper maintenance and prevent premature damage of an object or an installation.
• Examine engineering principles: Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
• Maintain water distribution equipment: Perform routine maintenance tasks, identify flaws, and perform repairs on the equipment used in the supply and distribution of clean water.
• Regulate the flow of substances in pipelines: Control of the flow of substances such as gases, chemicals, oils, and other materials transported via pipelines and pump stations.
• Perform follow-up on pipeline route services: Perform follow-up activities related to the plan, the distribution schedule, and the service yielded by the pipeline infrastructure. Ensure that pipeline route assignments are accomplished and meet customer agreements.
• Supervise sewerage systems construction: Supervise the implementation of correct sewerage system plans and methods during construction, installation, and maintenance of sewerage systems to ensure conformity to the approved plans and safety of operations.
• Operate soldering equipment: Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.
• Repair pipelines: Conduct maintenance and repair work on pipelines to prevent or remedy damages using, if necessary, remote-controlled robots.

7126 – Plumbers and pipe fitters

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References

1. Drain technician – ESCO
2. Drain Technician Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By Infrogmation of New Orleans – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0