Greater Seattle: Sewer, Plumbing, and Drain Cleaning Experts

Greater Seattle: Sewer, Plumbing, and Drain Cleaning Experts

CALL 206-789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

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Rated 5 stars by Megan B. on Google

Megan B., another satisfied Bob Oates customer. smiling while looking at the camera

"Highly recommended! They cleared a tough blockage in my main line and were incredibly thoughtful throughout the process. They walked me through the potential culprits and valued my input as the homeowner, which I really appreciated. Professional, knowledgeable, and effective. 10/10 service. I'd hire them back in a heartbeat, but fingers crossed my pipes behave from here on out!"

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LICENSED RSSC

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20-YEAR WARRANTY

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LOCAL, NEVER
SUBCONTRACTED

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SAME-DAY SERVICE

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FREE SECOND OPINION

Group photo of of Bob Oates technicians standing in front of company trucks

At Bob Oates, our plumbing services keep your home safe from ruined foundations, fungal growth, septic leaks, and other hazards. Count on fast response and transparent pricing, always.

Sewer repair technician climbing into large pit to repair pipes

Camera inspection first, then the right fix. Whether it's trenchless pipe lining or traditional excavation, every repair is backed by our 20-year transferable warranty.

Bob Oates technicians preparing a blue CIPP liner for trenchless sewer repair.

Fix your sewer line without digging up your yard. Bob Oates uses CIPP lining and pipe bursting to restore pipes in a single day, with results that last 50+ years.

Tree roots removed from a sewer line during professional drain cleaning service

Professional hydro jetting and power rodding clear the full pipe — not just the clog. Every cleaning includes a free camera inspection to confirm results.

Up close new copper pipes installed

Broken water mains can cause leaks that go undetected and result in high water bills, mold, mildew, and rot. Maintenance is recommended on a yearly basis.

Sewer technician working on residential sewer line outdoors

Our highly-skilled technicians are trained to perform comprehensive inspections as part of the repair process, and also as preventative maintenance.

CALL 206-789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

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Fast, Local, Reliable

For 30+ years, Bob Oates has been Greater Seattle's trusted choice for sewer, plumbing, and drain cleaning needs. Free camera inspection with every sewer cleaning! Call 206-789-4944.

Fully Equipped

Trucks are outfitted with hundreds of common parts, saving you time and money. Techs arrive on time displaying company IDs, ready to tackle any problem. Schedule an appointment today.

Home of the Second Opinion!

Have a written estimate from another company? We'll happily review it for free and provide a competitive bid of our own. Let's talk!

Play Video

Fast, Local, Reliable

For 30+ years, Bob Oates has been Greater Seattle's trusted choice for sewer, plumbing, and drain cleaning needs. Free camera inspection with every sewer cleaning! Call 206-789-4944.

Fully Equipped Trucks

Trucks are outfitted with hundreds of common parts, saving you time and money. Techs arrive on time displaying company IDs, ready to tackle any problem. Schedule an appointment today.

Home of the Second Opinion!

Have a written estimate from another company? We'll happily review it for free and provide a competitive bid of our own. Let's talk!

five stars favicon

Rated 5 Stars by Jake A. on Google

Jake A., another satisfied Bob Oates customer, smiling while looking at the camera

"For years I dreaded having to completely reline my sewer. But Bob Oates and specifically TJ were absolutely incredible. They not only got the job done at a great price, but helped me in every step of the process. TJ made sure I thoroughly understood my options and didn't just upsell me. They actually cared that I got a good product and was happy at the end. WHICH I AM! 10 out of 10. Would recommend TJ and Bob Oates to anyone I know."

CALL 206-789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Seattle's Trusted Plumber Since 1991

Bob Oates is the trusted plumbing company in Seattle, WA, and all surrounding areas.

We proudly serve residential and commercial clients across communities throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties:

Sewer, Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Services for Greater Seattle

Bob Oates handles everything from emergency sewer repairs to routine drain maintenance — all with in-house crews, transparent pricing, and a 20-year warranty on sewer work.

Sewer Repair → When a sewer line fails, we start with a free camera inspection to pinpoint the problem — no guesswork. From there, we recommend the right solution: trenchless lining, pipe bursting, or traditional excavation. Every repair is backed by our 20-year transferable warranty.

Trenchless Sewer Repair → Restore your sewer line without digging up your yard. Using CIPP lining and pipe bursting, our crews complete most jobs in a single day — protecting your landscaping, driveway, and schedule. Results last 50+ years.

Drain Cleaning Services → Professional hydro jetting and power rodding clear the full diameter of your pipe, not just the immediate clog. Every cleaning includes a complimentary camera inspection to confirm results and catch any underlying issues.

Sewer Camera Inspection → High-definition camera inspection through your sewer line from cleanout to city main — no digging required. Free from an exterior cleanout with any sewer cleaning, or as a standalone diagnostic. Essential before any real estate transaction.

Plumbing Repair & Services → From leaky faucets and cracked pipes to clogged drains, running toilets, and old pipe replacement, Bob Oates handles the full range of residential and commercial plumbing repair. Our licensed plumbers arrive fully equipped, diagnose fast, and fix it right — with transparent pricing and no subcontractors, ever.

Additional Services

We also handle toilet repair, drain clog removal, cracked pipe repair, leaky faucet repair, and old pipe replacement — browse all services or call 206-789-4944 for fast help.

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Contact Bob Oates today!

Whenever you need a sewer repair expert or trusted plumber in Greater Seattle, contact Bob Oates. We are a family-run, full-service company that is honored to have served communities and neighborhoods around Seattle for over 30 years.

From Everett and Lynnwood up north, to Tacoma and the entire Southend, to Bellevue and all of the Eastside, we're available for all of your residential and commercial needs, employ the latest tech and methods, offer 24-hour emergency service, and provide an option for financing as well.

Questions? Check out our dedicated FAQs page or some specific questions and answers below.

And you can always give us call at 206-789-4944 or reach out via email anytime — we're here for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What sewer repair services does Bob Oates offer in Seattle?

Bob Oates provides full-service sewer repair for residential and commercial properties throughout Greater Seattle, including trenchless pipe lining, pipe bursting, traditional excavation, sewer camera inspection, hydro jetting, and side sewer permitting. As a licensed Registered Side Sewer Contractor (RSSC), we handle the entire process — from diagnosis to restoration — with in-house crews and no subcontractors.

What is trenchless sewer repair and is it right for my home?

Trenchless sewer repair fixes a damaged sewer line from the inside, without digging up your yard, driveway, or landscaping. Using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining or pipe bursting, most jobs are completed in a single day. It's the right choice when the pipe is cracked, root-intruded, or corroded but still structurally intact enough to serve as a host. A free camera inspection from your exterior cleanout tells us whether your line qualifies.

How much does sewer repair cost in Seattle?

Sewer repair costs in Seattle vary based on the length and depth of the affected line, the pipe material, whether trenchless methods are possible, and whether permits are required for side sewer work. Trenchless repairs typically avoid the restoration costs — landscaping, concrete, pavement — that come with open-trench excavation. Bob Oates provides free camera evaluations and transparent, upfront quotes before any work begins — call 206-789-4944 or book online.

Is Bob Oates a licensed side sewer contractor in Seattle?

Yes. Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is a licensed Registered Side Sewer Contractor (RSSC) — a specific certification required by the City of Seattle to perform permitted side sewer repairs. This means we handle all permitting, inspections, and coordination with Seattle Public Utilities directly, so you don't have to.

Does Bob Oates offer emergency plumbing and sewer service?

Yes. Bob Oates provides 24-hour emergency service for sewer backups, burst pipes, clogged drains, and other urgent plumbing situations throughout Greater Seattle. Call 206-789-4944 any time — day or night.

What plumbing services does Bob Oates provide?

In addition to sewer repair, Bob Oates handles the full range of residential and commercial plumbing — including leaky faucet repair, cracked and old pipe replacement, drain clog removal, water heater repair, water main repair, and sump pump installation. Same licensed, in-house technicians. No subcontractors.

How does Bob Oates compare to national plumbing chains?

Bob Oates is locally owned and family-run, with 35+ years serving Greater Seattle. Unlike national chains or private equity-backed companies operating under local names, every job is performed by in-house Bob Oates technicians — never subcontractors. We also provide a 20-year transferable warranty on sewer repairs, and a free second opinion on any written estimate.

CALL 206-789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Cal Raleigh, “Big Dumper,” holding a bat alongside Bob Oates Plumbing mascots Poopy the Plunger and friends, with the Seattle skyline in the background.

And Be Sure to Visit Our Big Dumper & Friends Page!

The team at Bob Oates is thrilled to collaborate with Cal Raleigh, aka “Big Dumper.”

New episodes of Big Dumper & Friends are uploaded regularly — be sure to check back often!

The team at Bob Oates is thrilled to collaborate with Cal Raleigh, aka “Big Dumper.”

New episodes of Big Dumper & Friends are uploaded regularly — be sure to check back often!

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Rated 5 Stars by Johanna G.
via Yelp.com

"Nothing but great experiences with Bob Oates! Would highly recommend for all your sewer and plumbing needs! Honest, hard working company!"

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Proud Member of BOMA

6 Benefits of Water Jetting for Seattle Homeowners

By Bob Oates | June 8, 2026

Hydro jetting, also called high-pressure water jetting, is one of the most effective methods available for cleaning clogged drain and sewer lines. Unlike traditional drain snaking, which often creates a small opening through a blockage, hydro jetting uses a controlled stream of high-pressure water to remove buildup throughout the entire pipe. At Bob Oates, hydro…

Spring Plumbing Checklist: 6 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Warmer Weather

By Bob Oates | June 1, 2026

Spring is a popular time for home maintenance in the Seattle area. As temperatures rise and homeowners spend more time outdoors, it’s also a good opportunity to check on the plumbing system that worked hard through the winter months. A few simple inspections can help identify small issues before they turn into larger repairs. Whether…

Emergency Plumbing Issues You Can Avoid

By Bob Oates | May 25, 2026

Plumbing emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A clogged drain before work, an overflowing toilet during a family gathering, or a leaking pipe overnight can quickly turn into stress, cleanup, and unexpected repair costs. The good news? Not every plumbing emergency appears without warning. Many urgent plumbing problems begin as small habits or maintenance…

6 Things That Should Never Be Flushed

By Bob Oates | May 24, 2026

The toilet and the trash can are not the same thing. Your toilet is designed to handle two things: human waste and toilet paper. But every day, household items that seem harmless get flushed anyway — and many of them can contribute to clogs, sewer backups, damaged pipes, and unnecessary repair costs. Trash can do a lot…

Emergency Plumbing Seattle: Keep Your Home Safe By Calling the Professionals

By Bob Oates | May 22, 2026

A plumbing emergency rarely happens at a convenient time. Whether it’s a burst pipe, overflowing toilet, sewer backup, sudden loss of water, or a leak that won’t stop, knowing when to act can help protect your home and limit damage. This guide covers common signs of a plumbing emergency, how to recognize when professional help…

Pipe Issues Seattle Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

By Bob Oates | May 12, 2026

A hidden pipe problem can turn into a major sewer repair before most homeowners even realize something is wrong. Slow drains, recurring backups, foul odors, or unexplained wet spots in the yard are often signs that a sewer line is beginning to fail. And in many Seattle-area homes — especially older properties with clay or…

How Spring Can Lead to Sewer Backups

By Bob Oates | May 5, 2026

Spring in Seattle brings its own set of troubles to the sewer system. In the springtime, sewer backups are most common because of the thawing snow and seasonal rain. The ground is usually too frozen to soak up the water from the rainy season. This results in water leaking into the walls and basements of…

Signs of a Sewer Line Belly (And What To Do)

By Bob Oates | May 1, 2026

Every homeowner’s goal is to maintain a comfortable and safe environment. However, unexpected plumbing issues — and a sewer line belly is pretty high on that list — can quickly disrupt that peace. Conducting proper, regular sewer inspections are key to healthy drainage and sewage systems staying that way. They’re also essential, once a problem…

Importance of Sewer Inspections (And Why They Can Save You Thousands)

By Bob Oates | April 29, 2026

Your sewer line is one of the most important — and most overlooked — systems in your home. Because it’s buried underground, problems often go unnoticed until something goes wrong: slow drains, recurring clogs, or even a full sewer backup. By that point, repairs can be expensive, disruptive, and stressful. That’s why regular sewer inspections…

High Pressure Water Jetting in Seattle: Do You Need It?

By Bob Oates | April 28, 2026

Clogged drain and sewer lines don’t usually happen overnight. Most problems build slowly — grease, sludge, soap residue, and debris accumulate along pipe walls until water can no longer flow freely. When basic drain clearing isn’t enough, high-pressure water jetting (also known as hydro jetting) is one of the most effective ways to fully restore…