Customer Reviews

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

The Best Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, and Sewer & Rooter Team Throughout Seattle and All Surrounding Communities

From all across Greater Seattle and surrounding cities, check out what folks have to say about their experience working with the crew at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter!

And for even more in-depth customer success stories, be sure to visit our Testimonials page.

“Prompt, friendly and knowledgeable. If only more service companies operated like this!” — David D., Seattle

"Very impressed with the service, professionalism, and deep knowledge and respect for the craft from our plumber. Such consideration to the needs of the project and a prompt wrap up throughout the process. I’d found out about the company through social media and I’m quite pleased with the results." — Jerome V., Ravenna, Seattle

“How wonderful to find a family owned company with good ethics and professional skills.” — Mitzi S., Seattle

"From the moment TJ initially met with us to the completion of the sewer lining project, Bob Oates service has been top notch. Every person, beginning with TJ's project development and management, excavation crew, pipelining crew, backfill crew, and project closeout with TJ and office staff, have been professional, courteous, and efficient. My wife and I are impressed with your service and very pleased. Thank you." — William H., Crown Hill, Seattle

“The price was right and the work was performed on time. Communication was good and we were happy with the results.” — Jason P., Seattle

“Excellent service all around! I would recommend them to anyone in the Puget Sound area.” — Ronnie A., Seattle

"The front office is easy to work with and friendly. Wyatt was our primary plumber and did a great job for us. He was competent and responsive. He offered suggestions and opinions on our project to ensure we were getting the best solution. Very happy." — Chris B., West Seattle

“These guys always do great work. Fast, efficient and know what they’re doing. They are the only plumbing company that I will call.” — Janis R., Seattle

"I came back from vacation with a letter on my door from the water company that there was a leak somewhere in my system. I isolated it to the water main. It was really stressful as I had family in town. I reached out to Bob Oates, and TJ and his crew took great care of me. They ran a whole new line to the water meter. Their work exceeded my expectations. What I appreciated most was the level of communication, the promptness and professionalism. All the work was done while I was at work. I would definitely use them again in the future." — Nam L., Shoreline

“Just had a shower drain cleared by Shane of Bob Oates Plumbing. He was friendly, completed his work quickly and was very understanding about protecting our floors.” — Lee S., Seattle

"Everyone one at this business was kind, efficient and helpful! I would absolutely use these folks again if I have future plumbing issues at my home." — Maryrose E., Ballard, Seattle

“Professional and responsive. They called me earlier than expected because of a cancellation and were able to quickly replace my pressure reducing valve.” — Chris P., Seattle

"I had my 100 year old sewer lined by Bob Oates plumbing. They quickly provided an estimate and explained the details and options. They were able to schedule my job quickly. When there was confusion about which pipe to access the project manager came with in the hour to scope the sewer and find the right pipe. The work was done neatly and on time with a 20-year guarantee. The workers were very polite and my project manager promptly answered my emails and a couple phone calls. I highly recommend them." — Joan R., Wedgewood, Seattle

"Excellent service. Our root infested sewer pipe to the city main was professionally cleaned and lined. Overall great service. The Bob Oates representatives and workers were competent, communicative and professional." — Tad M., West Seattle

"We hired Bob Oates to re-plumb our entire house and are very satisfied with the results. Ephraim and his assistant Brady proposed a quality plan that matched our budget, coordinated with us throughout the project, and lessened the upheaval on our home life whenever possible. We could not be more pleased." — Richard L., Burien

"Mykal was a huge help, not just with the blockage of my drain, but also in identifying where the blockage was, exactly. Since it was outside of my condo unit, I was able to submit the charges to my HOA for reimbursement!" — Jason P., Queen Anne, Seattle

"I worked with TJ who completed a sewer repair for me while I was in the process of selling my house. He was communicative and professional throughout the process and got the project done right on schedule ahead of the sale. Thank you TJ and the entire Bob Oates team!" — Ryan P., Ballard, Seattle

"Daniel at Bob Oats plumbing was great. Very knowledgeable, quick and thorough. He identified the source of our shower leak and fixed it without replacing our pipes or valves saving us a costly bathroom remodel. His service wasn't cheap, but well worth the cost." — Mika and Vanessa S., Sammamish, WA

"Highly recommend. When the sump pump alarm went off, we called and got through on Saturday and it was fixed by noon on Monday. Super professional, on time, awesome." — Michi B., Rainier Beach, Seattle

"We found ourselves in a quandary with our plumbing in our 100-yr-old house. The first company I called sent up many red flags. I called my daughter's friend who recommended Bob Oates. They came the next day and fixed the problems right away. The employees were professional, capable, respectful, and fun too!" — M.R., Seattle

"The plumbers from Bob Oates did a great job. They completely explained what the issue was and how best to fix it for a long lasting repair. Also they were very friendly and professional." — Sharon M., Bothell

"The technicians were very responsible, caring, and performed their work with professionalism. They were highly recommended by Saela Pest Control and I also recommend Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter!!!" — Glenn R., Edmonds

"I had called 3 other plumbers to replace my frost free hose bib and they were all stupid expensive just to show up. After getting an advertising postcard, I called Bob Oates. They set an appointment to come and check out the job the next day. The two guys showed up, said it was an easy fix and they did it on the spot for a reasonable price. Very happy!" — Deb P., Lake Forest Park, Seattle

"Had a great first experience with Bob Oates S&R. James was knowledgeable and clear about the sink issues I faced, and honest about the different options I could take to fix it. I appreciated that he was friendly and able to get me some answers quickly. Thanks James!" — Elizabeth T., Queen Anne, Seattle

"Dear Bob Oates Plumbing: A special shout out to Mikey Brooks (Michael) for rescuing my drainage issue in my kitchen sink. Mikey was patient and did not mind me “hanging around” asking lots of questions. The situation was cured within 1.5 hours and I couldn’t be happier!! Bob Oates, you are simply the best. Your employees are smart, educated, kind, and very tidy! Thanks again from a very, very grateful client!" — Marybeth S., Ballard, Seattle

"Called to make an appt and they came within one hour. Our toilet needed to be replaced. The repair person went to pickup new toilet, took out the damaged toilet and installed new toilet with 3 hours. This is the second call we made to them and the second time there was such a quick response and repair. Wonderful and knowledgeable." — Lynne J., Lynnwood

"Service folks arrived when they promised and fixed a problem that was more involved than anticipated. Very efficient and professional. I have a history with these people---always a good experience. Mikey was wonderful.. very thorough with a tough situation. He explained well what was going on & what he planned to do…did. He was great!" — Marcia V., Burien

"Great service, explained any issues, offered solutions, super friendly & on time!" — Grace O., Greenlake, Seattle

"Great job! James was quick to diagnose and repair, and arrived on time." — Ekta B., Bellevue

"My sewer was very backed up and was flooding my basement. I called Bob Oates plumbing and they arrived immediately. They assessed the problem and began work. They did the major work the very next day. The could have waited a week but they took the problem as an emergency and fixed the problem. T.J., the leader, suggested a sewer liner to prevent future problems. I accepted that and I am tremendously happy I did. It was worth every dollar. I am very grateful to Bob Oates Plumbing, T.J. and his crew for all they did for me." — Joseph O., Magnolia, Seattle

"I had a suddenly leaking drain which connects to kitchen disposal. I called them around 9am in the morning and they were able to come in at 11am. Work was done within 1 hour and the drain was fixed. Highly recommend this company if you are unlucky to get into leaking situations." — Ken X., Sammamish

"My husband John and I had a tremendous experience with TJ Bruckshen and the team at Bob Oates. An unexpected sewer issue required professional help and they were quick to respond and easy to work with along the way. Excellent communication in email, text, and in person, and quick and efficient. We’d hire them again! They were great." — Erika S., Magnolia, Seattle

"They installed a new downspout drain. Their work was outstanding. They were fast efficient friendly and professional. I highly recommend them." — Carol B., West Seattle

"We had a small flood in our basement. Bob Oates responded within a few hours. The technician was thorough, thoughtful and explained his problem-solving approach. Excellent service." — Larry M., Ravenna, Seattle

"TJ and his team were amazing. Had a plumbing emergency, TJ quickly diagnosed the issue and the team repaired it the next day! Couldn’t be happier with the level of service and quality of the job!" — Ty F., Fremont, Seattle

"We had a very positive experience with Bob Oates Sewer Repair. They did an outstanding job in a timely fashion. We were impressed by how well they communicated with us. We would recommend Bob Oates to anyone who needs their sewer system repaired." — Ian K., Queen Anne, Seattle

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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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5 Quick Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes in Check

By Bob Oates | November 2, 2025

Your home’s plumbing system works hard behind the scenes — delivering clean water, moving wastewater away safely, and keeping everyday routines running smoothly. But like anything that gets constant use, your pipes and fixtures need regular care to stay reliable. A little maintenance now can prevent expensive problems later. Here are five quick, practical plumbing…

Plumbing Nightmares and How to Avoid Them

By Bob Oates | October 19, 2025

Happy Halloween from Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter! Halloween season is here — the perfect time for a few scary stories. But instead of ghosts or ghouls, I’m sharing something truly terrifying: real-life plumbing nightmares from my time on the job. Each one of these situations could have been avoided with a bit of…

5 Fall Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home

By Bob Oates | October 5, 2025

As the seasons change in the Pacific Northwest, vibrant leaves and cooler weather signal more than just cozy sweaters — they’re also a reminder to get your home ready for the colder, stormier months ahead. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent costly plumbing and drainage issues later. Below are five practical fall maintenance tips…

The 5 Most Famous Plumbers (and What We Can Learn From Them)

By Bob Oates | September 29, 2025

There’s something quietly heroic about plumbers. We tend to admire folks who do a job most of us never could—or would. Plumbers (alongside electricians) are the unsung gatekeepers of modern civilization. Without them, we might still rely on outhouses, city streets could flood with waste after every storm, and hot showers would remain a luxury.…

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line

By Bob Oates | September 21, 2025

When your home’s sewer line fails, the signs often start out small — a slow drain, a damp patch in the yard, or an unpleasant odor you can’t quite place. But if ignored, these issues quickly escalate into costly repairs, health hazards, and even structural damage to your home. Knowing when it’s time for a…

5 Tips for Daily Pipe Maintenance Every Seattle Homeowner Should Know

By Bob Oates | September 14, 2025

When it comes to home maintenance, plumbing often gets overlooked — until there’s a problem. A little daily attention can go a long way. Leaks, clogs, and even burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention major stress. The good news? You don’t need to be a plumber to practice daily…

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

By Bob Oates | September 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…

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

By Bob Oates | August 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…

Seattle Water Main Repair: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Bob Oates | August 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…

Tips for Saving Water at Home

By Bob Oates | August 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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Serving the Greater Seattle Area