Sewer Repair Technician

Job Description

About the Role

We are hiring a Sewer Repair Technician to run residential service calls as well as support large projects to repair or replace sewer lines.

You will be the person the homeowner meets — diagnosing the problem, clearing and repairing sewer and drain lines, explaining what you found in plain language, including any recommendations for additional repairs, and leaving the property better than you found it.

No plumbing license is required. What matters is mechanical ability, a strong work ethic, and the willingness to learn this trade properly. If you have run a rodding machine, a jetter, or a camera, you will be up to speed quickly.

What You’ll Do

• Clear blockages — rod, cable, and hydro-jet residential sewer and drain lines, including main lines, kitchen and laundry lines, floor drains, and catch basins.
• Run camera inspections — televise sewer lines, locate defects and depths, and record findings for the customer file.
• Diagnose line failures — identify root intrusion, grease, bellies, offset or separated joints, cracked or collapsed pipe, and improper pitch, and recommend the right fix.
• Perform repairs — spot repairs, sewer line replacement, backwater valve and cleanout installation, and related excavation work alongside the crew.
• Service pumps and related equipment — ejector pumps, sump pumps, and overhead sewer components as assigned.
• Explain the work to the homeowner — walk the customer through what you found, present repair options and pricing clearly, and answer questions without pressure.
• Document every job — complete work orders, photos, and camera footage in our field software before leaving the site, and collect payment where required.
• Protect the property — use floor protection and containment, control odors and mess, and clean up fully at the end of every call.
• Work safely — follow JULIE / 811 and Chicago DIGGER locate procedures, respect tolerance zones and APWA color codes, and follow trench and confined-space safety rules without exception.

What We’re Looking For

• Valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to our insurance carrier.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with your hands and with powered equipment.
• Dependable — shows up on time, every day, ready to work.
• Able to speak with homeowners respectfully and clearly, and stay professional in stressful situations. Sewer backups are bad days for our customers.
• Comfortable working in basements, crawl spaces, tight quarters, and around raw sewage with proper PPE.
• Basic comfort with a smartphone or tablet for work orders, photos, and payment.
• Able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Prior experience in sewer and drain cleaning, plumbing, excavation, or underground utility work.
• Experience operating rodding machines, hydro-jetters, sewer cameras, and line locators.
• Experience running or spotting for a mini excavator or backhoe.
• Bilingual English / Spanish.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly lift and carry up to 75 lbs, and occasionally move heavier equipment with assistance.
• Bend, kneel, crawl, climb ladders and stairs, and work in confined spaces throughout the day.
• Work outdoors in all Chicago weather conditions, year-round.
• Operate hand tools, powered equipment, and vibrating tools for extended periods.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.

- 4:00 p.m. Occasional overtime on week days as needed.

Madden Sewer & Drain is a family-owned residential sewer, drain, and plumbing company serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

We take pride in doing the job right, treating customers and their homes with respect, and standing behind the quality of our work. We are looking for technicians who take pride in their work and want to learn and grow within the company.

Madden Sewer & Drain is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, d