There are approximately 5,500 cesspit owners in Guernsey. George De Carteret, who has been running Drain Away for 25 years, said he gets great job satisfaction out of his important role.
‘I love it, I couldn’t do anything else now,’ he said.
Mr De Carteret said his interest in this line of work sparked when he started working for Geomarine in 1999. Now, he said he enjoyed the variety of his work, and the opportunity it presented to meet new people and travel around the island. Though, with all the recent rainfall, he said about three-quarters of his week is currently spent down a cesspit.
‘It’s quite warm down there, so when it’s raining and windy up here – down there it’s lovely,’ he said.
‘It’s not too smelly either. It’s a nice job. When you get called out, it’s either a blocked drain or a leak – and it’s that satisfaction to see the end product once you’ve been there.’
Before going down the hole, workers have to protect themselves with the proper gear and attire, which includes an overall suit, helmet and face mask.
‘You could die from going in it without the proper equipment,’ said Mr De Carteret.
‘You need a gas detector and all sorts because of all the chemicals.’
Though some people tell him they ‘don’t know how he does it’, Mr De Carteret said that most people say they are grateful for the work he provides.
‘Someone’s got to do it,’ he said.
The business offers drainage services as well as repairs across the island, including root removal, CCTV surveys and leak solutions.
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