Drain Cleaning Technician

PMEP; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

PMEP is seeking a Drain Cleaning Technician to diagnose and resolve residential and commercial drainage issues in the Greater New Orleans region. The role involves operating drain-cleaning machines, sewer cameras, locating equipment, and hydro jetting to clear blockages and evaluate system conditions.

You will deliver safe, high-quality workmanship, communicate findings clearly to customers and supervisors, and maintain accurate service records while caring for assigned equipment and vehicles.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated drain-cleaning experience, commercial preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to document findings and explain results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform residential and commercial drain cleaning and clear stoppages.
• Operate sewer inspection cameras and locating equipment to document conditions.
• Use hydro jetting equipment following safety and company guidelines.
• Provide professional recommendations and complete service tickets.
• Maintain equipment and vehicle readiness; travel to service calls.

Skills

Drain cleaning

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Sewer cameras

Hydro jetters

Locating equipment

Job description

About the Company

PMEP is a leading design-build mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor delivering high-quality, technically complex solutions across commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. Built on a foundation of craftsmanship, reliability, and deep technical expertise, PMEP partners closely with clients, designers, and builders to deliver integrated building systems that perform safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who take pride in precision, accountability, and collaboration. We believe that the systems we build are critical to how buildings operate and how people experience them, and we are committed to continuously improving how those systems are designed, installed, and maintained. Headquartered in the Greater New Orleans region, PMEP supports projects throughout the Southeast, delivering dependable execution and long-term value through every phase of construction.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Drain Cleaning Technician that will diagnose and resolve residential and commercial drainage and sewer issues as part of Pontchartrain MEP’s growing Plumbing Service Department. Success in this role means customers receive responsive, professional service and practical recommendations based on observed conditions, sound diagnostics, and work performed within the technician’s training and authorized scope.

This role works independently in the field and uses professional drain-cleaning equipment, sewer cameras, locating equipment, and hydro jetters to clear stoppages, evaluate system conditions, and identify potential causes of recurring problems.

The Drain Cleaning Technician is expected to deliver safe, high-quality workmanship; communicate findings and recommended next steps clearly; maintain accurate service records; and care for assigned equipment and vehicle.

Core Responsibilities

Drain Cleaning and Sewer Service

• Perform residential and commercial drain cleaning and clear stoppages in building drains, sanitary drainage, storm drainage, and sewer service lines within assigned scope.
• Select and operate sectional machines, drum machines, and other approved mechanical equipment based on the application and system conditions.
• Verify flow and operating condition after cleaning and document unresolved or recurring issues.
• Identify conditions that may warrant further inspection, repair, or replacement and elevate work beyond the technician’s training or authorization.
• Protect piping, fixtures, finishes, customer property, and occupied areas throughout the work.

Camera Inspection, Diagnostics, and Escalation

• Operate sewer inspection cameras to document observed blockages, damaged piping, root intrusion, offsets, separations, and other visible system conditions.
• Use approved locating equipment to help identify problem areas and potential repair locations.
• Record inspection findings clearly and communicate observed conditions to customers, supervisors, and repair teams.
• Communicate the limitations of the inspection and elevate suspected structural failures or repair needs requiring additional evaluation.
• Provide complete and accurate information to support repair estimates and recommendations.

Hydro Jetting

• Operate high-pressure sewer-jetting equipment only when trained and authorized and in accordance with company procedures and manufacturer instructions.
• Evaluate available information about pipe material, condition, access, and blockage type before selecting nozzles, pressures, and jetting methods.
• Remove grease, sludge, scale, and debris from drainage and sewer systems using approved methods.
• Inspect hydro jetters, hoses, nozzles, and related accessories before and after use and promptly report defects or maintenance needs.
• Stop work and elevate conditions that may make jetting unsafe or cause damage to the piping system.

Customer Service, Recommendations, and Documentation

• Communicate professionally with customers about reported problems, approved scope, work performed, inspection findings, and recommended next steps.
• Explain camera findings and service recommendations in clear, practical language without overstating observed conditions.
• Identify related plumbing or sewer repair needs and communicate appropriate service options.
• Obtain customer authorization before performing additional work outside the approved scope.
• Complete accurate service tickets documenting work performed, materials used, equipment used, system conditions, and follow-up needs.
• Coordinate effectively with dispatch, supervisors, plumbers, and repair teams to support responsive service and appropriate follow-through.

Equipment, Vehicle, and Material Readiness

• Maintain drain machines, sewer cameras, hydro jetters, locating equipment, tools, materials, and the assigned service vehicle in clean, organized, and service-ready condition.
• Inspect equipment before use and promptly report damaged, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment.
• Properly store and secure tools, equipment, materials, and customer documentation.
• Maintain appropriate vehicle and equipment inventory based on assigned service responsibilities.
• Follow company procedures for vehicle use, fueling, maintenance, and daily inspections.

Safety, Sanitation, and Worksite Care

• Communicate professionally with customers about reported problems, approved scope, work performed, inspection findings, and recommended next steps.
• Explain camera findings and service recommendations in clear, practical language without overstating observed conditions.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed at residential, commercial, and active service or construction locations, including occupied buildings and indoor and outdoor environments.
• Regularly work around wastewater, odors, biological contaminants, mechanical equipment, and high-pressure systems while using required protective equipment and sanitation practices.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, and work in restricted areas for extended periods.
• Lift, carry, position, and operate drain-cleaning machines, hoses, cameras, tools, and related equipment in accordance with company safety requirements.
• Travel to assigned service calls and safely operate a company vehicle based on business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional drain-cleaning experience; commercial drain-cleaning experience preferred.
• Experience operating sewer cameras, hydro jetters, and locating equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of residential and commercial plumbing, drainage, and sewer systems and common causes of blockages and recurring problems.
• Ability to safely operate mechanical and high-pressure equipment, interpret observed system conditions, and recognize when additional repair or escalation is needed.
• Strong customer service, communication, documentation, organization, and independent service-call management skills.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Core Competencies

Drain and Sewer Technical Expertise

• Assesses residential and commercial drainage and sewer problems and selects appropriate drain-cleaning, camera, locating, or jetting methods within authorized scope.
• Demonstrates a Renegade Mentality by asking why a problem is occurring, challenging assumptions, and addressing underlying causes rather than only immediate symptoms.

Equipment Operation and Workmanship

• Operates, inspects, and maintains drain machines, sewer cameras, hydro jetters, locating equipment, and related tools based on the application and system conditions.
• Demonstrates the Sweep Floors mindset by caring for equipment, protecting the work area, attending to details, and completing each job to PMEP standards.

Safety, Sanitation, and Worksite Care

• Recognizes and controls hazards associated with wastewater, biological exposure, rotating machinery, pressure, electricity, traffic, and changing site conditions.
• Honors Promises by following approved procedures, using required protective equipment, and communicating unsafe or uncertain conditions before people, property, or service quality are placed at risk.

Customer Service and Communication

• Explains system conditions, work performed, service limitations, and recommended next steps clearly and obtains authorization before expanding the approved scope.
• Builds Together by earning trust through respectful communication, honest recommendations, and effective coordination with customers, dispatch, supervisors, and repair teams.

Field Ownership, Documentation, and Reliability

• Manages assigned service calls independently while maintaining accurate documentation, organized tools and materials, and a clean, service-ready vehicle.
• Honors Promises by following through on commitments, communicating delays or emerging needs early, and completing service records and closeout requirements accurately.

PMEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.