Drain Inspection in Seattle, WA, and Surrounding Areas

Celebrate Cal Raleigh’s 60th HR — Score
$60 OFF with Bob Oates!

Plumbing, Sewer & Drain Service • Limited Time

CALL (206) 789-4944

Drain Inspections and Sewer Detection

If your home is being plagued by pungent odors or wastewater backing up from the sinks or drains, don’t hesitate to call our reliable, punctual staff at Bob Oates for assistance. Our drain inspection services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas are designed to accurately pinpoint problems as well as guarantee an ideal solution for the issue after it’s correctly identified.

Prior to any attempts to repair or clean the pipe, we first take the time to perform a thorough and precise drain inspection allowing us to solve blocked drain symptoms promptly and professionally. Our plumbing company has many solutions for fixing blocked drains that are personalized for each situation we encounter. Our expert techs will consult with you and discuss with you the most cost-effective approach to solving your slow or blocked drain.

Kitchen and bathroom sinks have a P-trap in the pipeline, a u-shaped bend under the basin drain, and can usually be found inside of the basin cabinetry. If we find that the clog is trapped in this location, we will replace and seal the P-trap properly so that no leaks form after our examination.

For blockages or breaks existing further along the length of the pipeline, we perform a sewer camera inspection to determine the location and cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. We utilize our waterproof drain inspection camera attached to the end of a fiber optic cable that is spooled into the pipe from the open P-trap or from the sewer pipeline access point outside the building.

Once a clog or corrosion is discovered in the pipe, we will clean and repair the pipe as needed. One of our most innovative cleaning processes, hydro jetting, relies on high-pressure blasts of water from a hose and a water jetting head to remove the presence of blockages and other problems.

The forceful water jets clean the inside surface of the drainpipe, removing corrosion and dissipating clogs. Once the high-pressure water jetting is completed, the drain inspection camera is redeployed to confirm that the pipe is clean and to check for uncovered cracks.

If cracks are discovered, our experienced techs are prepared to use a cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner process. This process inserts an epoxy resin coated liner inside your current pipe. The camera equipment is again deployed to validate that the liner is situated accurately.

Once the proper location is confirmed, the liner is inflated, molding the resin against the interior surface of the pipeline. The liner remains inflated within the pipe for a few hours, allowing the resin to cure and harden into a new smooth and unbroken interior surface of the pipe.

Image of Bob Oates on the cover of Cleaner magazine

Our drain cleaning solutions are recommended solely based on the discoveries of our drain inspection services and as a result, our team at Bob Oates ensures that no further work is completed until a holistic inspection is completed.

We pride ourselves on the accuracy and precision of all of the work that we do, and our long-lasting solutions are made possible through the time we take to provide comprehensive diagnostics.

Alongside professional video drain inspections, we also provide a wide range of services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas, including:

Schedule an Appointment Today

Should you experience slow or backed up drains do not hesitate to contact us today or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. Allow our licensed and experienced team at Bob Oates to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions to your concerns.

We provide drain inspection services across the Greater Seattle Region, including in the following areas:

FAQs About Seattle Drain Inspections

What is a drain inspection?

A drain inspection uses a specialized camera to look inside your home’s drains and connecting sewer lines. It helps locate clogs, cracks, root intrusion, and other issues before they become emergencies.

When should I schedule a drain inspection?

You should consider one if you have frequent backups, slow drains, foul odors, or after purchasing an older home in Seattle. It’s also recommended if trees are near your sewer line.

What problems can a drain inspection reveal?

It can identify grease buildup, scale, root intrusion, misaligned joints, small cracks, and collapsed sections of pipe, along with the pipe’s condition and material type.

Does a drain inspection take long?

Most inspections take about an hour. We provide video footage and a summary of findings so you know exactly what’s happening underground.

Can a drain inspection prevent costly repairs?

Yes. By catching small problems early, inspections help prevent major blockages or damage that could lead to expensive repairs or sewer replacements.

Coupon for $50 off any interior drain cleaning

Name
Which days work best for you? (For emergencies or Saturday service please call us directly.)
What arrival time would you prefer?

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!"

BOMA King County favicon

Proud Member of BOMA

5 Quick Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes in Check

By Bob Oates | November 2, 2025

Your home’s plumbing system works hard behind the scenes — delivering clean water, moving wastewater away safely, and keeping everyday routines running smoothly. But like anything that gets constant use, your pipes and fixtures need regular care to stay reliable. A little maintenance now can prevent expensive problems later. Here are five quick, practical plumbing…

Plumbing Nightmares and How to Avoid Them

By Bob Oates | October 19, 2025

Happy Halloween from Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter! Halloween season is here — the perfect time for a few scary stories. But instead of ghosts or ghouls, I’m sharing something truly terrifying: real-life plumbing nightmares from my time on the job. Each one of these situations could have been avoided with a bit of…

5 Fall Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home

By Bob Oates | October 5, 2025

As the seasons change in the Pacific Northwest, vibrant leaves and cooler weather signal more than just cozy sweaters — they’re also a reminder to get your home ready for the colder, stormier months ahead. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent costly plumbing and drainage issues later. Below are five practical fall maintenance tips…

The 5 Most Famous Plumbers (and What We Can Learn From Them)

By Bob Oates | September 29, 2025

There’s something quietly heroic about plumbers. We tend to admire folks who do a job most of us never could—or would. Plumbers (alongside electricians) are the unsung gatekeepers of modern civilization. Without them, we might still rely on outhouses, city streets could flood with waste after every storm, and hot showers would remain a luxury.…

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line

By Bob Oates | September 21, 2025

When your home’s sewer line fails, the signs often start out small — a slow drain, a damp patch in the yard, or an unpleasant odor you can’t quite place. But if ignored, these issues quickly escalate into costly repairs, health hazards, and even structural damage to your home. Knowing when it’s time for a…

5 Tips for Daily Pipe Maintenance Every Seattle Homeowner Should Know

By Bob Oates | September 14, 2025

When it comes to home maintenance, plumbing often gets overlooked — until there’s a problem. A little daily attention can go a long way. Leaks, clogs, and even burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention major stress. The good news? You don’t need to be a plumber to practice daily…

4 Hidden Dangers of DIY Drain Cleaner Chemicals — and What Actually Works

By Bob Oates | September 13, 2025

When your sink or tub backs up, it’s tempting to grab a bottle of liquid drain cleaner off the store shelf. These products are marketed as quick fixes — just pour them in, wait a few minutes, and the clog magically disappears. But here’s the problem: chemical drain cleaners rarely solve the real issue, and…

What Is Tree Root Invasion and How Is It Affecting Your Pipes?

By Bob Oates | August 24, 2025

Seattle’s tree-lined neighborhoods and steady rainfall are part of what makes living in the Pacific Northwest special. But those same elements also create the perfect storm for a hidden problem: tree root invasion in sewer lines. Roots naturally seek out moisture underground. If your home has older pipes made of clay or concrete, they’re especially…

Seattle Water Main Repair: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Bob Oates | August 18, 2025

Every Seattle home relies on a main water line to deliver fresh water from the city meter, a well, or a neighborhood water system. If your water main was installed before 1965, it’s likely made from galvanized steel. After 1978, newer materials like copper, PVC, or polyethylene became common. But no matter the material, water…

Tips for Saving Water at Home

By Bob Oates | August 11, 2025

Saving water at home does more than lower your monthly bill — it helps protect your plumbing system, extend the lifespan of fixtures, and reduce strain on Seattle’s water supply. By making a few mindful changes, you can also reduce runoff pollution into local watersheds and support the environment for future generations. Here are the…

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area