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:

Cal Raleigh, “Big Dumper,” holding a bat alongside Bob Oates Plumbing mascots Poopy the Plunger and friends, with the Seattle skyline in the background.

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

Timmy Tubes, a tubing-themed plumbing mascot with wide eyes standing in a baseball locker room
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.
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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Is Pipe Lining a Long-Term Answer to Sewer Damage?

By Bob Oates | June 24, 2026

When homeowners learn about trenchless sewer repair, one of the first questions they often ask is whether sewer pipe lining is truly a long-term solution or simply a temporary fix. Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is here with the answer: Modern sewer pipe lining provides results that are comparable to traditional sewer replacement while…

Why We Often Recommend Trenchless Sewer Repair

By Bob Oates | June 23, 2026

A damaged sewer line can quickly become one of the most disruptive problems a homeowner faces. Recurring drain backups, sewer odors, slow drains, and soggy areas in the yard may all indicate an issue beneath the surface. Traditionally, repairing a sewer line often meant extensive excavation across lawns, driveways, patios, and landscaping. Today, modern trenchless…

When’s the Best Time for A Sewer Pipe Relining?

By Bob Oates | June 21, 2026

A damaged sewer line rarely fixes itself. In fact, most sewer problems gradually worsen over time, eventually leading to recurring drain backups, foul odors, slow drains, and expensive repairs. Many Seattle homeowners ask whether there is a “best” time of year to schedule sewer pipe relining. The short answer is simple: the best time for…

4 Main Causes of Cracked Sewer Pipes

By Bob Oates | June 19, 2026

Cracked sewer pipes are a common cause of recurring drain backups, slow drains, sewer odors, and unexpected plumbing repairs. While modern sewer lines are designed to last for decades, age, environmental conditions, tree roots, and installation issues can all contribute to pipe damage over time. Fortunately, a professional sewer camera inspection can often identify a…

Cost-Effective Advantages of Trenchless Pipe Lining

By Bob Oates | June 18, 2026

When a sewer line begins to crack, leak, separate, or become blocked by tree roots, many homeowners assume a major excavation project is unavoidable. Fortunately, modern trenchless sewer pipe repair methods often provide a faster and more cost-effective solution. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we help Seattle-area homeowners restore damaged sewer lines using…

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

By Bob Oates | June 16, 2026

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…

4 Steps to Take When a Pipe Bursts

By Bob Oates | June 15, 2026

A burst pipe can quickly cause water damage to walls, flooring, furniture, and personal belongings. Whether the break is caused by freezing temperatures, corrosion, age, or accidental damage, acting quickly can help limit repairs and protect your home. At Bob Oates Sewer and Rooter, we’re proud to serve our community, and eager to pass along DIY…

6 Benefits of Water Jetting for Seattle Homeowners

By Bob Oates | June 8, 2026

Hydro jetting, also called high-pressure water jetting, is one of the most effective methods available for cleaning clogged drain and sewer lines. Unlike traditional drain snaking, which often creates a small opening through a blockage, hydro jetting uses a controlled stream of high-pressure water to remove buildup throughout the entire pipe. At Bob Oates, hydro…

Spring Plumbing Checklist: 6 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Warmer Weather

By Bob Oates | June 1, 2026

Spring is a popular time for home maintenance in the Seattle area. As temperatures rise and homeowners spend more time outdoors, it’s also a good opportunity to check on the plumbing system that worked hard through the winter months. A few simple inspections can help identify small issues before they turn into larger repairs. Whether…

Emergency Plumbing Issues You Can Avoid

By Bob Oates | May 25, 2026

Plumbing emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A clogged drain before work, an overflowing toilet during a family gathering, or a leaking pipe overnight can quickly turn into stress, cleanup, and unexpected repair costs. The good news? Not every plumbing emergency appears without warning. Many urgent plumbing problems begin as small habits or maintenance…

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area