Most Trusted Plumber in the University District of Seattle

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CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

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The University District, home to the University of Washington and a vibrant student population, is known for its mix of academic life, unique eateries, and bustling urban scene. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we are dedicated to keeping homes and businesses in the U-District functioning smoothly with our expert plumbing and sewer services.

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, we provide cost-effective, long-lasting repairs that don’t disrupt your daily life. From drain cleaning to trenchless pipe repairs, we have the solutions to keep your plumbing in peak condition:

Schedule an appointment with us today, and let us handle your U-District plumbing needs!

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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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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

Man showing small boy the plumbing pipes underneath the sink area.

Teaching Kids About Plumbing

By Bob Oates | February 22, 2025

Teaching kids about plumbing is a great way for little ones and older children to learn helpful skills like conserving water and other responsible behaviors. Following these tips from your friends at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter will help prevent plumbing issues in the future. And, bonus, we’ve included some fun activities at the end…

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Seattle’s Premier Plumbing Services — A Message From Company Founder Bob Oates

By Bob Oates | January 20, 2025

Some years ago, I was featured as the cover story in Cleaner magazine. Not to toot my own horn, but that article really got me thinking about what sets Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter apart. I reflected on my time in this industry and how our team will continue providing Seattle’s premier plumbing services…

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CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Book Appointment Online