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Overhead photo of a clogged kitchen sink drain with food debris and standing water in a Seattle home

4 Hidden Dangers of DIY Drain Cleaner Chemicals — and What Actually Works

By Bob Oates | Sep 13, 2025

When your sink or tub backs up, it’s tempting to grab a bottle of liquid drain cleaner off the store shelf. These products are marketed as quick fixes — just pour them in, wait a few minutes, and the clog magically disappears. But here’s the problem: chemical drain cleaners rarely solve the real issue, and…

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Exposed tree roots spreading across the ground, symbolizing how roots can invade and damage sewer pipes in Seattle homes

What Is Tree Root Invasion and How Is It Affecting Your Pipes?

By Bob Oates | Aug 24, 2025

Seattle’s tree-lined neighborhoods and steady rainfall are part of what makes living in the Pacific Northwest special. But those same elements also create the perfect storm for a hidden problem: tree root invasion in sewer lines. Roots naturally seek out moisture underground. If your home has older pipes made of clay or concrete, they’re especially…

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Bob Oates work truck parked near Lake Union with Seattle skyline in the background.

Seattle Water Main Repair: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Bob Oates | Aug 18, 2025

Every Seattle home relies on a main water line to deliver fresh water from the city meter, a well, or a neighborhood water system. If your water main was installed before 1965, it’s likely made from galvanized steel. After 1978, newer materials like copper, PVC, or polyethylene became common. But no matter the material, water…

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Bathroom with toilet and tub

Tips for Saving Water at Home

By Bob Oates | Aug 11, 2025

Saving water at home does more than lower your monthly bill — it helps protect your plumbing system, extend the lifespan of fixtures, and reduce strain on Seattle’s water supply. By making a few mindful changes, you can also reduce runoff pollution into local watersheds and support the environment for future generations. Here are the…

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Several food particles falling into kitchen drain with water running

Top 5 Ways to Ruin Your Garbage Disposal (and What to Do Instead)

By Bob Oates | Aug 2, 2025

Your garbage disposal is a workhorse in the kitchen, tackling food scraps and keeping your sink clear. But it’s not indestructible. Many common household habits can damage the disposal, dull its blades, clog your pipes, and lead to costly plumbing repairs. Before you flip that switch, let Bob Oates show you five sure ways to…

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Why Trenchless Sewer Repairs Are Affordable, No-Dig Solutions For Seattle Homeowners

By Bob Oates | Jul 29, 2025

When a sewer line needs attention, many homeowners immediately picture torn-up yards, broken concrete, and weeks of disruption. Fortunately, modern trenchless sewer repair technology makes that scene a thing of the past. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we specialize in no-dig solutions that fix your pipes quickly, efficiently, and with far less mess…

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CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area