Professional Sewer Pipe Lining in Seattle, WA, and Surrounding Areas
*20 year transferable warranty on all sewer repairs*
CALL (206) 789-4944
Serving the Greater Seattle Area
Rated 5 Stars by Tracy M. on Google
"Sewer pipe lining project on 100 year old house made easy! Our project manager handled the bid, set up the crew and the inspection, and got the whole project done in just a few days. Communication was excellent and there was very minimal disruption to us. The pricing was reasonable compared to other quotes. I would highly recommend using Bob Oates for any plumbing projects."
Sewer Pipe Lining: A Smarter Way to Repair Sewer Pipes
Sewer pipe problems used to mean excavation — torn-up yards, broken concrete, and days of disruption.
Today, there’s a better solution.
At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we use advanced trenchless sewer pipe lining technology to repair your existing line from the inside — without major digging.
Sewer pipe lining is a trenchless sewer pipe repair method, and at Bob Oates, our team is expertly trained to employ this solution with precision.
What Is Sewer Pipe Lining (CIPP)?
Sewer lining — also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) — creates a new pipe inside your existing one without removing it.
A flexible liner coated with epoxy resin is inserted into the pipe, inflated, and cured in place.
The result is a new pipe that:
- Seals cracks and small gaps
- Blocks root intrusion
- Resists corrosion
- Restores smooth flow
How the Sewer Lining Process Works
At Bob Oates, we follow a precise, step-by-step method to ensure your sewer line is properly restored with minimal disruption:
1. Sewer Camera Inspection
We begin with a high-resolution sewer camera inspection to evaluate the condition of your sewer line. This allows our technician to identify cracks, root intrusion, and buildup — and confirm whether pipe lining is the right solution.
A Bob Oates technician monitors a live sewer camera feed while inspecting underground drain lines.
2. Pipe Cleaning (Hydro Jetting)
Before lining can begin, the pipe must be thoroughly cleaned. We use high-pressure water jetting (hydro jetting) to remove debris, corrosion, and roots, creating a smooth interior surface for proper liner adhesion.
3. Liner Installation
A flexible liner saturated with epoxy resin is inserted into the existing pipe through an access point such as a cleanout or drain opening.
A Bob Oates technician prepares a sewer liner before installation. Trenchless sewer repair allows many damaged sewer lines to be restored with minimal digging and disruption to the surrounding property.
4. Inflation & Curing
The liner is carefully positioned, then inflated so it presses tightly against the inside of the pipe. The resin is then cured and hardened in place, forming a durable new pipe within the existing line.
A Bob Oates technician sets up the inversion equipment used to install a CIPP sewer liner. Once positioned inside the existing pipe, the resin liner is cured with blue light to form a strong new pipe within the old sewer line.
5. Final Inspection
After curing, we perform a second camera inspection to ensure the new pipe is fully sealed, smooth, and structurally sound.
The result is a durable, eco-friendly, jointless pipe that resists corrosion and root intrusion — typically completed in a single day.
On this trenchless sewer repair job, Bob Oates techs installed 70 feet of 4-inch liner using blue light curing — restoring service in hours with no digging required. Traditional methods can take up to 48 hours and involve major excavation.
Built for Seattle Sewer Systems
Seattle homes present unique challenges:
- Aging clay and cast iron pipes
- Heavy tree root intrusion
- Wet soil conditions
- Side sewer regulations
Bob Oates is a licensed side sewer contractor in Washington State — we'll handle all permitting needed with the City of Seattle or any neighboring cities or counties.
Pipe Lining vs. Traditional Sewer Replacement
When comparing trenchless pipe lining to traditional excavation, the differences are significant — especially for Seattle homeowners looking to avoid unnecessary disruption and cost.
Below is a side-by-side breakdown that highlights the benefits of going trenchless:
| Feature | Trenchless Pipe Lining | Traditional Excavation Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Digging Required | No major digging – uses existing access points | Requires trenching and excavation equipment |
| Project Timeline | Typically completed in one day | Can take several days or longer depending on scope |
| Landscape Disruption | Minimal — protects landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks | Significant — may require removal of landscaping and hardscaping |
| Durability | Seamless epoxy liner lasts 50+ years | New pipe life varies; may still face corrosion or root intrusion issues |
| Environmental Impact | Low — minimal soil disruption and material waste | Higher — excavation, debris removal, and disposal required |
| Total Cost | Lower due to reduced labor and restoration | Higher due to excavation and property repair costs |
Trenchless pipe lining offers a faster, less disruptive, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional excavation — especially for properties with established landscaping or limited access.
Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter Pipe Lining Division trailer featuring the company’s Poopy the Plunger mascot and Registered Side Sewer Contractor branding.
Why Seattle Homeowners Choose Pipe Lining
For many Seattle homeowners, trenchless pipe lining isn’t just a repair — it’s a smarter long-term investment.
- Protects your property value by avoiding trench damage to landscaping, driveways, and hardscaping
- Works in tight or complex spaces, including under patios, sidewalks, and rockeries
- Minimizes disruption to your home and daily routine
- Delivers long-term performance with a durable, corrosion-resistant liner
It’s a solution designed for homes where excavation would be costly, disruptive, or impractical.
Bob Oates crew completes a trenchless CIPP lining and cleanout installation as part of a sewer repair project.
Other Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter Services From Bob Oates
We also provide a wide range of services in Seattle and surrounding areas, including:
- Plumbing Repair/Replacement
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Rooter Service
- Water Main Repair
- Water Heater Installation and Repair
- Sump Pump Installation and Repair
Bob Oates and GM John Peterson stand beside company mascot Poopy the Plunger and two of the fleet’s service vans.
Bob Oates: Greater Seattle's Trusted Choice for Over Three Decades
If you’re dealing with recurring backups, slow drains, or signs of sewer line damage, trenchless pipe lining may be the right solution.
At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we take a straightforward approach:
- Thorough inspections
- Clear recommendations
- Long-term solutions — not temporary fixes
Need a second opinion or want to explore your options? We’re here to help. (And PS Bob Oates is the Home of the Second Opinion!)
Our locally dispatched crews serve homes and businesses across King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties, including:
- Ballard
- Bellevue
- Federal Way
- Fremont
- Greenwood
- Kent
- Lynnwood
- Magnolia
- Maple Leaf
- Phinney Ridge / Green Lake
- Queen Anne
- Renton
- Seattle
- Shoreline
- Tacoma
- Wallingford
- West Seattle
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a cracked sewer pipe — such as foul sewer smells emanating from your bathroom or a soggy and smelly patch in your landscaping — give our company a call today or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.
“Hire the best employees. Buy the best equipment. And offer customers permanent, long-term solutions to their drain problems.” Read more about the Bob Oates philosophy by checking out Cleaner Magazine’s profile of Bob!
Let our staff at Bob Oates help you solve your sewer pipe problem in a speedy, professional, cost-effective manner!
FAQs About Sewer Pipe Lining Services
What is sewer pipe lining?
Sewer pipe lining, also called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), installs a resin-saturated liner inside the existing pipe. Once cured, it creates a new, durable pipe within the old one.
When is pipe lining a good option?
It works well for pipes with cracks, root intrusion, or corrosion but that still hold their basic shape. If the pipe has collapsed or shifted significantly, excavation may be needed instead.
How long does a lined pipe last?
A properly installed liner is designed to last decades, often 50 years or more, depending on soil conditions and water chemistry.
Does sewer lining require digging?
No long trenches are needed — only small access points. That means minimal impact on landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks compared to traditional excavation.
Is pipe lining approved for Seattle side sewers?
Yes, pipe lining is an accepted method when conditions allow. Permits are typically required, and we handle the process with the City of Seattle.
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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CALL (206) 789-4944
Serving the Greater Seattle Area