Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, and Sewer Repairs

At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we’ve been helping homeowners across the Greater Seattle area for over 30 years. From simple drain clogs to complex sewer repairs, we believe in clear answers, honest recommendations, and doing the job right the first time.

We’re proud to be the Home of the Second Opinion, offering free estimates and inspections from an accessible cleanout. If you’ve received a quote elsewhere, we’re happy to review it and provide a straightforward, competitive alternative.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners.

Sewer & Drain Problems

How do I know if I have a main sewer line problem?

A main sewer line problem is typically indicated by multiple slow drains, gurgling sounds, foul odors, or sewage backing up into tubs or lower-level drains. If more than one fixture is affected at the same time, the problem is often deeper in the main sewer line.

What are the signs I need professional drain cleaning?

If you’re dealing with frequent clogs, slow drains, standing water, or recurring backups, it’s time for professional cleaning. These issues usually indicate buildup or blockage that household methods can’t fully clear.

Is a sewer backup an emergency?

It certainly can be. A sewer backup can pose health risks and lead to property damage. If wastewater is coming back into your home, it’s important to stop using plumbing fixtures and call for service right away.

What causes sewer lines to fail?

Sewer lines can fail due to tree root intrusion, aging pipe materials, grease buildup, shifting soil, or cracks and collapses. In the Seattle area, older pipes and root intrusion are especially common causes.

Can tree roots damage my sewer pipe?

Yes — and they often do. Tree roots seek moisture and can enter even small cracks in pipes, eventually expanding and causing blockages or structural damage.

Inspections & Diagnosis

Do I need a sewer camera inspection?

A sewer camera inspection is the most accurate way to diagnose problems inside your sewer line. It allows us to see blockages, cracks, or root intrusion without digging and helps determine whether cleaning, repair, or replacement is needed.

Should I have my sewer inspected before buying a home?

Yes, especially for older homes. Many sewer issues aren’t visible during a standard home inspection. A camera inspection can reveal hidden problems before they become costly repairs.

What is a side sewer, and am I responsible for it?

A side sewer is the pipe that connects your home to the city sewer system. In most cases, homeowners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their side sewer, even beyond the property line.

Repair, Replacement & Trenchless Options

What is the difference between sewer repair and sewer replacement?

Sewer repair addresses specific problem areas, such as cracks or localized damage. Sewer replacement is recommended when pipes are heavily deteriorated, collapsed, or causing repeated issues throughout the system.

Can you replace a sewer line without digging up my yard?

In many cases, yes. Trenchless methods like pipe lining and pipe bursting allow us to repair or replace sewer lines with minimal excavation, preserving landscaping and hard surfaces.

What is trenchless sewer repair?

Trenchless sewer repair is a modern method of fixing underground pipes without large-scale digging. It’s faster, less invasive, and often more cost-effective than traditional excavation.

What is pipe lining?

Sewer pipe lining creates a new pipe inside your existing one using a durable epoxy liner. It’s ideal when the pipe is still structurally intact and can often be completed in a single day with minimal disruption.

What is pipe bursting?

Pipe bursting replaces a damaged sewer line by breaking apart the old pipe and pulling a new one into place underground. It’s used when the existing pipe is too damaged for lining.

How long does trenchless sewer repair take?

Most trenchless sewer repairs can be completed in one day, depending on the length and condition of the pipe. This significantly reduces downtime compared to traditional excavation.

General Plumbing & Service Questions

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes?

Frequent use of chemical cleaners can damage pipes over time, especially in older systems. Professional drain cleaning is a safer and more effective long-term solution.

What plumbing services does Bob Oates offer?

We provide full-service plumbing, sewer, and rooter solutions, including comprehensive drain cleaning services, sewer repair, sewer inspections, trenchless sewer repair, and water main services.

Do you offer emergency plumbing services?

Yes! We offer emergency plumbing services for urgent issues like sewer backups, burst pipes, and major leaks.

What areas do you serve?

Our locally dispatched crews serve homes and businesses across King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties, including:

• Ballard
• Bellevue
• Federal Way
• Fremont
• Greenwood
• Kent
• Lynnwood
• Magnolia
• Maple Leaf
• Phinney Ridge / Green Lake
• Queen Anne
• Renton
• Seattle
• Shoreline
• Tacoma
• Wallingford
• West Seattle

How do I schedule service?

Fill out our contact form or call the office anytime. We are here for you!