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Bob Oates plumbing technician holding a large mass of tree roots removed from a clogged drain or sewer pipe on a residential property

Why DIY Drain Snaking is Not Advisable

By Bob Oates | Jun 18, 2025

When your sink gurgles, your tub drains slowly, or your toilet backs up, it’s tempting to reach for a drain snake or try a homemade solution. After all, how hard could DIY drain snaking actually be? Here’s the truth: while some basic clogs may be manageable with a plunger or enzyme cleaner, most drain blockages…

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Woman holding a blue bucket under a leaking ceiling while calling a plumber on her phone

What NOT to Do During Plumbing Emergencies

By Bob Oates | Jun 17, 2025

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time — and when they hit, every second counts. From burst pipes to backed-up drains, knowing how to respond can make the difference between a quick fix and thousands of dollars in water damage. But while many homeowners know what to do in a crisis, fewer realize there…

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Model house and key on table, representing home ownership or real estate purchase

4 Things Prospective Home Buyers Should Know About Plumbing

By Bob Oates | Jun 16, 2025

Before signing a contract, prospective home buyers should know about each aspect of the house in question. Everything from the foundation to the roof. Being informed and knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a great real estate investment and a home disaster. For smart home buyers, this includes having some basic…

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Two Bob Oates work trucks in the driveway at a sewer pipe relining job. Three technicians are standing in front looking toward the camera, about to go to work.

6 Reasons Why Sewer Pipe Relining Beats Traditional Repair

By Bob Oates | Jun 3, 2025

If you’re dealing with sewer line issues, you’ve probably heard the horror stories — weeks of construction, torn-up landscaping, and sky-high costs. Traditional sewer repair often means deep trenches, heavy equipment, and serious disruption to your home and routine. But there’s a better way. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we offer trenchless sewer…

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Open manhole with removed items from septic system

5 Signs Your Sewer and Septic System Is Not Ready for Summer

By Bob Oates | Jun 1, 2025

Nothing lasts forever — especially not an empty septic tank! Sewer and septic systems need regular maintenance just like most things in a home, commercial or office building. Without receiving the regular attention necessary to keep things operating smoothly, sewer and septic systems can create big problems. These include large costs and lengthy repair times.…

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A generated image of a poop emoji atop a drone in flight. The drone is flying through a large underground sewer doing an inspection, hence the nickname "poop drone"

Poop Drones Have Arrived. It’s OK — That’s a Good Thing!

By Bob Oates | May 20, 2025

When most people think of drones, they imagine aerial photography, package deliveries, or even racing competitions. But flying under the streets of the city is likely not what comes to mind. Until now! Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is here to report that the latest high-tech tools — affectionately dubbed “poop drones” — are…

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CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area