High-Quality Drain Cleaning in Seattle, WA, and Surrounding Areas

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Drain Cleaning and Sewer Water Jetting

When a drain slows to a trickle or an unexpected backup floods your floor, the result can be anything from an aggravating inconvenience to a full-blown emergency. That’s why homeowners and businesses across Seattle trust Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter for fast, reliable drain cleaning.

From stubborn kitchen sink clogs to deep-rooted sewer line blockages, our expert technicians use advanced tools and decades of experience to get your drains flowing freely again.

We proudly serve the Greater Seattle area, offering same-day service and 24/7 emergency response. No chemicals, no quick fixes — just honest, thorough drain cleaning done right.

Owner Bob Oates standing with his plumbing crew and company service dog in front of a Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter truck during a residential drain cleaning service in the Seattle area.

Bob Oates and his team on site for a residential drain cleaning and sewer maintenance service call in Greater Seattle.

Why Choose Bob Oates for Drain Cleaning?

For more than 30 years, our family-owned and locally dispatched team has been helping homeowners and businesses keep their Seattle-area plumbing in tip-top shape. Every service call reflects our core values: people helping people, done with integrity and care.

Here’s what sets our drain cleaning apart:

  • Complete drain inspection: We thoroughly assess all symptoms in order to determine the cause of the problem and best solution to solve it.

  • Comprehensive cleaning policy: Every line is cleared all the way to the city main — not just the visible clog.

  • Verify results with a sewer camera inspection: We always confirm an “all clear” with high-resolution video equipment.

  • Fast local response: Technicians are based throughout the Puget Sound, and we show up when we say we will.

  • Trusted experience: Our specialists are trained in the latest safe and effective drain cleaning techniques.

  • Free advice for those DIYers: Just call the office; if we can help you over the phone, we will!

Whether it’s a slow shower drain or a sewer line backup, one call brings immediate expert help from the team Seattle has counted on for decades.

Our Drain Cleaning Methods

Professional Snaking & Power Rodding

For minor to moderate clogs, our team uses Spartan drain cleaning machines with precision cutting blades. These tools break through roots, grease, and debris without damaging your pipes. Power rodding, which employs rotating cables and blades, is ideal for cutting through thicker blockages and restoring full flow.

We avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that can corrode your plumbing — every cleaning method we use is mechanical, environmentally safe, and built for lasting results.

Hydro Jetting (High-Pressure Water Cleaning)

For the toughest clogs, nothing compares to hydro jetting. This advanced process uses a pressurized stream of water to scour your entire pipe — top to bottom — removing grease, sludge, and tree root intrusions.

Unlike traditional cable cleaning, which only cuts a path through debris, hydro jetting cleans the full diameter of the pipe. The jetter is also able to clean a larger diameter pipe than the cleanout would normally allow a cable machine — and we can clean up to 200’ in length.

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter technicians using high-pressure water jetting equipment to clean and clear a residential sewer line in the Seattle area.

Bob Oates crew on site using professional hydro jetting tools to clear and maintain residential sewer lines.

When your drains need deep cleaning, our high-pressure water jetters deliver unmatched results without damaging your plumbing. It’s safe for all types of drain lines, from residential kitchens to commercial sewer mains, and helps prevent future clogs by thoroughly flushing away buildup.

When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

You don’t have to wait for a total blockage to call us. Early warning signs can save you time, money, and stress. It’s time to schedule a professional cleaning if you notice:

  • Slow draining sinks, tubs, or showers
  • Gurgling noises or recurring backups
  • Foul odors near floor drains or sinks
  • Unexpected increases in water bills
  • Standing water after using fixtures

Ignoring these issues often leads to larger plumbing problems. Our technicians will inspect, clean, and verify your drains — often within the same appointment — so you can get back to your day!

Bob Oates plumbing technician smiling and giving a thumbs up after completing a bathroom repair

A job well done! One of our techs giving the thumbs up after finishing a bathroom repair.

Preventative Maintenance & Routine Inspections

The best way to avoid major plumbing headaches is through routine maintenance. Regular drain cleaning helps extend the life of your pipes, prevent leaks, and reduce costly emergencies.

At Bob Oates, every cleaning includes a complimentary camera inspection. This ensures we’ve fully removed the blockage and gives you a clear picture of your system’s condition.

We also offer seasonal drain cleaning specials for Seattle homeowners, making preventative care both simple and affordable. Because a little maintenance today can prevent standing knee-deep in water tomorrow.

Bob Oates Plumbing technician standing beside a massive 300-pound tree root pulled from a clogged sewer line during a drain cleaning service in Seattle.

Bob Oates techs always get to the "root" of the problem — like this 300-pound tangle of tree roots pulled from a clogged sewer line to get the drains flowing again.

Full-Service Plumbing Solutions

As a full-service plumbing company, we do far more than clear drains. Our certified technicians provide complete repair and replacement services throughout Greater Seattle, including:

From the first inspection to final repair, the team at Bob Oates has you covered. One call, we do it all!

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

We proudly serve residential and commercial clients across communities throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties.

Contact us today or fill out our online form. And to learn more about the Bob Oates philosophy, check out Bob’s profile piece at Cleaner Magazine!

Image of Bob Oates on the cover of Cleaner magazine

Hire the best employees. Buy the best equipment. And offer customers permanent, long-term solutions to their drain problems.” — Bob Oates

FAQs About Drain Cleaning Services

What are the signs I need professional drain cleaning?

Recurring clogs, slow drains in multiple fixtures, gurgling sounds, fruit flies near sinks, or sewage odors indicate buildup or a blockage farther down the line.

What methods do you use for drain cleaning?

We use professional snaking and, when appropriate, hydro jetting to remove grease, scale, and debris from pipe walls for a thorough clean.

Is hydro jetting safe for my pipes?

Yes—when performed by a trained technician and used on compatible pipe materials. We inspect first to confirm that jetting is appropriate.

How can I prevent future clogs?

Avoid disposing of grease, wipes, hygiene products, and excess food scraps in drains. Use drain strainers and schedule preventive cleaning, especially in older homes or homes with large trees.

How often should drains be cleaned?

Many homes benefit from preventive cleaning every 1–2 years. High-use kitchens, older piping, or properties with frequent backups may need service more often.

Will drain cleaning fix a sewer line problem?

Drain cleaning clears blockages, but if the underlying issue is a broken or root-intruded sewer line, a camera inspection and repair plan may be needed.

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Serving the Greater Seattle Area