# Tasks & work activities — water network operative

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 47-4071.00 (Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners).

## Task statements

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

## Detailed work activities

- Break up rock, asphalt, or concrete.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
- Communicate with other construction or extraction personnel to discuss project details.
- Compact materials to create level bases.
- Cut metal components for installation.
- Decontaminate equipment or sites to remove hazardous or toxic substances.
- Dig holes or trenches.
- Drill holes in construction materials.
- Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
- Edit documents.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
- Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
- Install equipment attachments or components.
- Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
- Maintain construction tools or equipment.
- Maintain mechanical equipment.
- Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
- Measure work site dimensions.
- Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
- Order construction or extraction materials or equipment.
- Record operational or environmental data.
- Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
- Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces.