Sanitary Sewer

Term from Plumbing industry explained for recruiters

A sanitary sewer is the main pipe system that carries wastewater from homes and buildings to treatment facilities. It's different from storm sewers, which only handle rainwater. When plumbers mention this in their resumes, they're referring to their experience working with these essential systems that connect household plumbing to the city's main wastewater system. This is a critical part of any building's plumbing infrastructure and requires specific knowledge and certifications to work on. You might also see it referred to as a "wastewater line" or "sewer main."

Examples in Resumes

Installed and repaired Sanitary Sewer lines for residential developments

Led maintenance team responsible for Sanitary Sewer and Wastewater Line repairs

Supervised installation of Sewer Main systems for commercial properties

Typical job title: "Plumbers"

Also try searching for:

Plumber Sewer Line Specialist Wastewater Technician Pipe Fitter Plumbing Technician Municipal Plumber Commercial Plumber

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a large-scale sanitary sewer installation project for a commercial building?

Expected Answer: A senior plumber should discuss project planning, coordination with other trades, proper sizing calculations, compliance with local codes, and supervision of junior team members. They should also mention safety protocols and quality control measures.

Q: What factors do you consider when troubleshooting major sanitary sewer system failures?

Expected Answer: They should explain their systematic approach to problem-solving, including inspection methods, use of diagnostic tools, consideration of building usage patterns, and knowledge of common system failure points.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain the difference between sanitary and storm sewer systems.

Expected Answer: Should be able to clearly explain that sanitary sewers handle wastewater from buildings while storm sewers handle rainwater, and why they need to be separate systems.

Q: What are the main considerations when connecting a building's plumbing to the main sanitary sewer line?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper slope calculations, pipe material selection, permit requirements, and common connection methods.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety precautions do you take when working with sanitary sewer systems?

Expected Answer: Should mention personal protective equipment, confined space procedures, and basic safety protocols for working with wastewater systems.

Q: What are the basic tools used in sanitary sewer maintenance?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain common tools like pipe cameras, snakes, augers, and basic hand tools used in sewer maintenance.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic pipe fitting and repair
  • Reading plumbing blueprints
  • Using basic plumbing tools
  • Understanding of local plumbing codes

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Installation of complete sewer systems
  • Troubleshooting complex problems
  • Using diagnostic equipment
  • Understanding of building codes

Senior (5+ years)

  • Project management
  • Team supervision
  • Complex system design
  • Code compliance expertise

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of local plumbing codes
  • Lack of proper licensing or certification
  • No experience with safety protocols
  • Unable to read plumbing blueprints