The Most Trusted Plumber in Ballard

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Ballard is one of Seattle’s most distinctive neighborhoods, known for its Scandinavian heritage, the iconic Ballard Locks, and the working waterfront along Shilshole Bay. From historic homes to bustling local businesses, Ballard blends maritime history with modern Seattle living.

But like many older Seattle neighborhoods, Ballard homes can experience plumbing and sewer issues — especially during the region’s wet seasons. Aging sewer lines, tree root intrusion, and slow drains are common concerns for homeowners in the area. That’s where the experienced team at Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter can help.

Our local technicians provide professional drain cleaning, tree root removal, sewer camera inspections, and trenchless sewer repair, helping Ballard homeowners keep their plumbing systems running smoothly. As a trusted, family-owned company serving the greater Seattle area for over 30 years, we’re proud to provide reliable service when it matters most.

Explore the services below to learn more about how we can help.

  • Plumber in Ballard — Whether you need plumbing repairs, installations, or maintenance, our experienced plumbers in Ballard are ready to assist with all residential and commercial plumbing needs.
  • Sewer Camera Inspection Ballard — Using high-resolution video cameras, we inspect your sewer lines to accurately identify issues and provide effective solutions.
  • Trenchless Sewer Repair Ballard — Avoid the mess of traditional sewer repairs with our trenchless methods, which restore your sewer lines without extensive digging.
  • Sewer Pipe Relining Ballard — Our cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining technique reinforces your existing pipes, extending their lifespan without the need for excavation.
  • Frozen Pipe Repair Ballard — When winter hits and pipes freeze, we can thaw them safely and offer solutions to prevent future freezing.
  • Rooter Service Ballard — Our rooter services tackle tough clogs in drainage and sewer lines, restoring proper flow to your plumbing system.
  • Water Heater Repair Ballard — If your water heater is underperforming or making strange noises, our team can provide expert repair or replacement.
  • Water Main Repair Ballard — Leaks or breaks in your water main can cause significant damage. We offer prompt and reliable water main repair services.

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Schedule an Appointment Today

At Bob Oates, we offer convenient free quotes and estimates. We also offer easy payments and bank financing. Call today to find out about our residential and commercial plans and services.

You may also schedule an appointment with our plumbing company by filling out our online form.

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

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

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Floaty, a red toilet flapper mascot holding a baseball glove and ball at a packed baseball stadium

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Rated 5 Stars by Johanna G.
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"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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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…

Side Sewer Contractor: Everything You Need To Know

By Bob Oates | April 27, 2026

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is a registered side sewer contractor serving the City of Seattle and all surrounding areas. For 30+ years, we have provided comprehensive, cost-effective sewer repair solutions for our friends and neighbors in the community. In this post, we’ll answer questions about exactly what a side sewer is. And we’ll…

Is Pipe Lining a Long-Term Solution? What Seattle Homeowners Should Know

By Bob Oates | April 24, 2026

If you’re dealing with sewer line issues, you want more than a temporary fix. Trenchless sewer pipe lining is considered a long-term solution when the existing pipe is structurally sound — and in many cases, it can extend the life of your sewer system by 50 years or more. How Pipe Lining Strengthens Your Sewer…

Main Issues We Address With Pipe Lining (Seattle Homeowners Guide)

By Bob Oates | April 22, 2026

Sewer line issues don’t always mean excavation. With trenchless sewer pipe lining, many common pipe problems can be repaired from the inside — avoiding the need to dig up your yard, driveway, or landscaping. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we use pipe lining to address several of the most frequent sewer issues seen…

How Trenchless Pipe Lining Came To Be (And Why It’s a Go-To Sewer Repair Solution Today)

By Bob Oates | April 13, 2026

Sewer problems are something most homeowners don’t think about — until they’re dealing with a slow drains, backups, or worse. For decades, fixing a damaged sewer line meant one thing: digging. Lawns torn up, driveways broken apart, and days (or weeks) of disruption. Today, there’s a better option. Trenchless sewer repair — including trenchless pipe…

Do I Need a Video Inspection for My Seattle Sewer Line Repair?

By Bob Oates | April 8, 2026

When something goes wrong with your sewer line, the last thing you want is guesswork. Sewer problems happen underground, out of sight — and without the right tools, it’s nearly impossible to know what’s actually causing the issue. That’s where a professional sewer camera inspection comes in. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we…

Why Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter Is Your Go-To Seattle Plumber

By Bob Oates | March 29, 2026

Finding a reliable plumber in Seattle isn’t just about fixing a leak — it’s about trusting someone with your home, your property, and often a significant investment. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping homeowners across the Greater Seattle area solve everything from clogged drains to full sewer…

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area