The sewer sage's final flush

• During that time, the 70-year-old raised a family, welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren and became a widower.

🎉 Driving the news: Duran retires Tuesday — though he'll stay on part-time through the summer to train his replacement.

The main line: After nearly a half-century inside the city's sewer system, Duran says he's learned how to handle life's messes.

• 💩 Here's his advice to help you deal with yours:

Don't fight your flow: "Find your happiness, find your bliss. If you're not happy — no matter how much you make — you're gonna work miserable jobs your whole life."

Strong pipes don't crack under pressure: "If you get yourself to the place where you're confident with the decisions you make and the people you're around, it's so much easier to do life."

Bring a flashlight: "Ask questions about who you want to be and how you'll get there. Be curious. Go in every day with the attitude that `This is my choice.'"

Sometimes, life's going to stink — embrace it: "There's always a solution; it might not always be exactly what you want, but you've got to do your best. Just get up and know you can take this on."