Most Trusted Plumber in Old Ballard, Seattle

Washington State favicon with star for Seattle

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Book Appointment Online

Nestled alongside Salmon Bay, the Old Ballard section of Seattle is full of culture and history. But just because your pipes are old doesn’t mean they can’t be reliable, thanks to some sewer repair from Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer, and Rooter!

Specializing in trenchless sewer repair methods, Bob Oates is the obvious choice when you need efficient, affordable, and reliable sewer repair, or expert technicians for any plumbing job.

Whether you require drain cleaning services, a complete trenchless sewer replacement, or just want to make sure everything is in order with a sewer camera inspection, we've got you covered! Bob Oates has the tools and expertise to make all your sewer repair needs in the Old Ballard part of town a painless experience.

We guarantee that our solutions are eco-friendly and practical. Look no further than Bob Oates for the best results in the industry. Call us today!

We offer a full range of services:

Image of Bob Oates on the cover of Cleaner magazine

Name

No-Flow logo

Puget Sound's original provider of Nu Flow Technologies

Happy customer and holding doggie
five stars favicon

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!"

Contact Bob Oates
BOMA King County favicon

Proud Member of BOMA

Brown, rusty water pouring from a bathroom faucet into a white sink, indicating possible water main damage.

4 Ways to Know if You’re in Need of a Water Main Repair

By Bob Oates | July 14, 2025

When’s the last time you thought about your water main? If you’re like most homeowners, probably not often — until something goes wrong. Your water main is a critical underground pipe that supplies fresh water to your entire home. When it leaks, cracks, or bursts, the consequences can be costly, disruptive, and damaging. As a…

Tile wall with "Learn To Plunge" written across tiles

Toilet Talk with Bob — Plunging 101

By Bob Oates | July 8, 2025

In this episode of “Toilet Talk with Bob,” our very own Bob Oates breaks down Plunging 101 — showing you the do’s, the don’ts, and how to get your toilet flowing again without making things worse. Whether you’re dealing with a mild clog or an unexpected toilet overflow, knowing how to plunge properly can save…

Bob Oates plumbing technician holding a large mass of tree roots removed from a clogged drain or sewer pipe on a residential property

Why DIY Drain Snaking is Not Advisable

By Bob Oates | June 18, 2025

When your sink gurgles, your tub drains slowly, or your toilet backs up, it’s tempting to reach for a drain snake or try a homemade solution. After all, how hard could DIY drain snaking actually be? Here’s the truth: while some basic clogs may be manageable with a plunger or enzyme cleaner, most drain blockages…

Woman holding a blue bucket under a leaking ceiling while calling a plumber on her phone

What NOT to Do During Plumbing Emergencies

By Bob Oates | June 17, 2025

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time — and when they hit, every second counts. From burst pipes to backed-up drains, knowing how to respond can make the difference between a quick fix and thousands of dollars in water damage. But while many homeowners know what to do in a crisis, fewer realize there…

Model house and key on table, representing home ownership or real estate purchase

4 Things Prospective Home Buyers Should Know About Plumbing

By Bob Oates | June 16, 2025

Before signing a contract, prospective home buyers should know about each aspect of the house in question. Everything from the foundation to the roof. Being informed and knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a great real estate investment and a home disaster. For smart home buyers, this includes having some basic…

Two Bob Oates work trucks in the driveway at a sewer pipe relining job. Three technicians are standing in front looking toward the camera, about to go to work.

6 Reasons Why Sewer Pipe Relining Beats Traditional Repair

By Bob Oates | June 3, 2025

If you’re dealing with sewer line issues, you’ve probably heard the horror stories — weeks of construction, torn-up landscaping, and sky-high costs. Traditional sewer repair often means deep trenches, heavy equipment, and serious disruption to your home and routine. But there’s a better way. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we offer trenchless sewer…

Open manhole with removed items from septic system

5 Signs Your Sewer and Septic System Is Not Ready for Summer

By Bob Oates | June 1, 2025

Nothing lasts forever — especially not an empty septic tank! Sewer and septic systems need regular maintenance just like most things in a home, commercial or office building. Without receiving the regular attention necessary to keep things operating smoothly, sewer and septic systems can create big problems. These include large costs and lengthy repair times.…

A generated image of a poop emoji atop a drone in flight. The drone is flying through a large underground sewer doing an inspection, hence the nickname "poop drone"

Poop Drones Have Arrived. It’s OK — That’s a Good Thing!

By Bob Oates | May 20, 2025

When most people think of drones, they imagine aerial photography, package deliveries, or even racing competitions. But flying under the streets of the city is likely not what comes to mind. Until now! Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is here to report that the latest high-tech tools — affectionately dubbed “poop drones” — are…

Cartoon plumber with large wrench next to small graphic of rainy Seattle

3 Signs You Need a Rooter Service In Seattle after Record Rains

By Bob Oates | April 20, 2025

After a long, wet winter, spring has finally arrived. Yay! At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we’re ready to help Seattle-area homeowners tackle the hidden problems heavy rain can leave behind, including how a rooter service can ensure things are flowing exactly as they should. This year’s reliably heavy rainfall didn’t just disrupt weekend…

Exterior view of classic craftsman house and yard

5 Plants That Ruin Sewers

By Bob Oates | March 24, 2025

Plants can make a property more beautiful and improve its personality and atmosphere. No wonder so many homeowners put a great deal of thought into deciding which plants and trees to add to their yard. However, many people fail to consider a crucial aspect of any planting decision for their property: the possibility of using…

Washington State favicon with star for Seattle

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Book Appointment Online