Top 10 Questions for Drainer Interview

1. What are the various types of drainage systems commonly used in civil engineering?

• Surface drainage systems: These systems are designed to collect and remove water from the surface of the ground. They include measures such as ditches, channels, and culverts.
• Subsurface drainage systems: These systems are designed to collect and remove water from below the surface of the ground. They include measures such as perforated pipes, french drains, and sump pumps.
• Roof drainage systems: These systems are designed to collect and remove water from roofs. They include measures such as gutters, downspouts, and scuppers.

2. What are the key considerations when designing a drainage system?

Factors to consider:

• Rainfall intensity and duration: The amount and duration of rainfall will determine the capacity of the drainage system required.
• Topography of the site: The slope and contours of the site will influence the flow of water and the design of the drainage system.
• Soil conditions: The type of soil will affect the infiltration rate of water and the design of the drainage system.
• Environmental regulations: The design of the drainage system must comply with any relevant environmental regulations.

Steps to design a drainage system:

• Determine the design rainfall intensity and duration.
• Estimate the runoff from the site.
• Select the appropriate type of drainage system.
• Design the drainage system to meet the required capacity.
• Obtain any necessary permits and approvals.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using perforated pipes for subsurface drainage?

Advantages

• Perforated pipes are relatively easy to install.
• They are less expensive than some other types of subsurface drainage systems.
• They are effective at removing water from the ground.

Disadvantages

• Perforated pipes can become clogged over time.
• They can be damaged by tree roots.
• They may not be suitable for all soil conditions.

4. What are the different types of materials used for drainage pipes?

• Concrete pipes: Concrete pipes are strong and durable, but they are also heavy and expensive.
• Plastic pipes: Plastic pipes are lightweight and easy to install, but they are not as strong as concrete pipes.
• Metal pipes: Metal pipes are strong and durable, but they are also expensive and can corrode.
• Clay pipes: Clay pipes are durable and resistant to corrosion, but they are also fragile and can be difficult to install.

5. What are the different methods used to install drainage pipes?

• Trenching: Trenching is the most common method of installing drainage pipes. A trench is dug in the ground, and the pipes are laid in the trench and covered with soil.
• Boring: Boring is a method of installing drainage pipes without digging a trench. A hole is drilled in the ground, and the pipes are inserted into the hole.
• Jacking: Jacking is a method of installing drainage pipes by pushing them through the ground. A pit is dug at one end of the pipe, and a jacking machine is used to push the pipe through the ground.

6. What are the different types of drainage outlets?

• Open channels: Open channels are used to convey water away from a site. They can be constructed of concrete, metal, or plastic.
• Closed conduits: Closed conduits are used to convey water underground. They can be constructed of concrete, plastic, or metal.
• Perforated pipes: Perforated pipes are used to collect and remove water from the ground. They can be constructed of plastic or metal.

7. What are the different factors to consider when selecting a drainage outlet?

• Capacity: The capacity of the outlet must be sufficient to handle the expected flow of water.
• Type of water: The outlet must be compatible with the type of water that will be discharged. For example, an outlet that is used to discharge wastewater must be able to withstand the corrosive effects of the wastewater.
• Location: The outlet must be located in a place where it will not cause flooding or other problems.

8. What are the different types of drainage easements?

• Flowage easement: A flowage easement gives the holder of the easement the right to flood the land of another person.
• Drainage easement: A drainage easement gives the holder of the easement the right to drain water from their land across the land of another person.
• Maintenance easement: A maintenance easement gives the holder of the easement the right to enter the land of another person to maintain a drainage system.

9. What are the different types of drainage districts?

• General drainage districts: General drainage districts are formed to provide drainage for a specific area of land. They are typically governed by a board of directors elected by the landowners in the district.
• Special drainage districts: Special drainage districts are formed to provide drainage for a specific purpose, such as flood control or irrigation. They are typically governed by a board of directors appointed by the county or state government.
• Municipal drainage districts: Municipal drainage districts are formed by cities and towns to provide drainage for their residents. They are typically governed by the city or town council.

10. What are the different types of drainage permits?

• NPDES permits: NPDES permits are required for any discharge of wastewater into waters of the United States. They are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or by authorized state agencies.
• SWPPP permits: SWPPP permits are required for any construction activity that will disturb more than one acre of land. They are issued by the EPA or by authorized state agencies.
• Local drainage permits: Local drainage permits are required by some cities and counties for any work that will affect the drainage system. They are issued by the local government.

Drainers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of drainage systems. They perform a variety of tasks to keep water flowing smoothly, including inspecting and cleaning drains, unclogging blockages, and repairing damaged pipes.

1. Inspect and clean drains

Drainers use a variety of tools to inspect and clean drains, including cameras, augers, and jetters. They check for blockages, corrosion, and other problems that could cause water to back up.

• Use a camera to inspect the inside of drains for blockages or damage.
• Use an auger to clear clogs from drains.
• Use a jetter to flush out drains with high-pressure water.

2. Unclog blockages

Drainers use a variety of techniques to unclog blockages, including snaking, hydro-jetting, and chemical drain cleaning. They choose the best method based on the type of blockage and the size of the drain.

• Use a snake to break up clogs in small drains.
• Use a hydro-jetter to blast clogs out of large drains with high-pressure water.
• Use chemical drain cleaner to dissolve clogs in drains.

3. Repair damaged pipes

Drainers can repair damaged pipes using a variety of methods, including patching, relining, and replacement. They choose the best method based on the type of damage and the location of the pipe.

• Patch damaged pipes with epoxy or other materials.
• Reline damaged pipes with a new layer of material.
• Replace damaged pipes with new pipes.

4. Maintain drainage systems

Drainers perform regular maintenance on drainage systems to keep them in good working order. They check for leaks, clean out debris, and make sure that all components are functioning properly.

• Check for leaks in drains and pipes.
• Clean out debris from drains and pipes.
• Make sure that all components of the drainage system are functioning properly.

Interviewing for a Drainer position can be daunting, but by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

1. Research the company and the position

Before you go to your interview, take some time to research the company and the position you are applying for. This will help you understand the company’s culture, its goals, and the specific requirements of the job.

• Visit the company’s website to learn about its history, its products or services, and its mission statement.
• Read online reviews of the company to get a sense of its reputation and its work environment.
• Talk to people you know who work for the company to get their insights into the company culture and the position you are applying for.

2. Practice answering common interview questions

There are a few common interview questions that you are likely to be asked, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?” It is helpful to practice answering these questions ahead of time so that you can deliver your answers confidently and concisely.

• Write out your answers to common interview questions and practice saying them out loud.
• Ask a friend or family member to practice interviewing you.
• Take a mock interview online or with a career counselor.

3. Be prepared to talk about your experience and skills

The interviewer will want to know about your experience and skills as a Drainer. Be prepared to talk about your experience inspecting and cleaning drains, unclogging blockages, and repairing damaged pipes. You should also be able to talk about your knowledge of drainage systems and your commitment to safety.

• Highlight your experience and skills in your resume and cover letter.
• Be prepared to give specific examples of your experience and skills during your interview.
• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

4. Be professional and enthusiastic

First impressions matter, so it is important to be professional and enthusiastic during your interview. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and respectful to the interviewer. Show the interviewer that you are interested in the position and that you are confident in your abilities.

• Dress professionally and arrive on time for your interview.
• Be polite and respectful to the interviewer.
• Show the interviewer that you are interested in the position and that you are confident in your abilities.