Professional Drain Inspections in Seattle, WA, and Surrounding Areas
CALL (206) 789-4944
Serving the Greater Seattle Area
Rated 5 Stars by Ken X. on Google
"I had a suddenly leaking drain which connects to kitchen disposal. I called them around 9am in the morning and they were able to come in at 11am. Work was done within 1 hour and the drain was fixed. Highly recommend this company if you are unlucky to get into leaking situations."
Fast answers. Clear diagnostics. No guesswork.
If you’re noticing foul odors, recurring backups, or slow-moving sinks and showers, a professional drain inspection is the quickest way to understand what’s happening inside your pipes — before a small issue becomes a costly repair.
At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, our licensed technicians use high-resolution drain cameras to pinpoint the exact cause of your plumbing symptoms. With over 30 years of experience serving the Greater Seattle area, we deliver accurate diagnostics, upfront guidance, and long-lasting solutions you can trust.
Why Drain Inspections Matter
Plumbing issues often start small and out of sight. A drain inspection:
-
Reveals hidden clogs, cracks, corrosion, and root intrusion
-
Confirms whether simple cleaning will resolve the problem
-
Helps prevent future backups or water damage
-
Gives you clear footage and recommendations — no guesswork
Before we clean or repair any line, we inspect it first. That’s how we ensure the right fix the first time, every time.
Our technicians arrive in fully equipped Bob Oates service vehicles to handle sewer, drain, and plumbing issues.
How Our Drain Inspection Process Works
1. Locate the Problem
Using a waterproof, high-definition camera, our technicians inspect your drains from the nearest cleanout or P-trap. This allows us to see:
-
Grease buildup or scale
-
Tree roots invading the line
-
Misaligned joints or bellies
-
Cracked, corroded, or collapsed sections
We can also pinpoint the depth and exact location of any issue using locator tools.
2. Clean the Line (If Needed)
If we find a blockage or buildup, we’ll clear the line using either:
-
Professional snaking — effective for most household clogs
-
Hydro jetting — high-pressure water jetting that cleans and restores the pipe's full diameter
Every cleaning is followed by a second camera inspection to verify that the line is fully clear.
3. Recommend Repairs (When Necessary)
If camera footage reveals cracks or structural damage, our team may recommend a trenchless repair solution such as CIPP lining.
This no-dig method installs a new epoxy-coated liner inside the existing pipe, creating a smooth, durable interior surface with minimal disruption to your home.
When to Schedule a Drain Inspection
A quick camera check can save you time and money if you notice:
-
Slow or standing water in sinks, showers, or tubs
-
Persistent gurgling sounds
-
Sewage odors in bathrooms, basements, or yards
-
Evidence of past backups
-
Older plumbing or previous root issues
-
A new home purchase — especially in Seattle’s older neighborhoods
If you’re unsure, call us — we’re happy to give honest guidance over the phone.
Why Seattle Homeowners Choose Bob Oates
-
Local, in-house technicians — never subcontractors
-
Fast response times across King, Snohomish & Pierce counties
-
Modern diagnostic technology for precise results
-
Upfront pricing & transparent recommendations
-
Home of the second opinion — we’ll review other estimates for free and offer a competitive bid of our own
We believe in doing things the right way: people helping people, with integrity and professionalism on every call.
Related Services
- Plumbing
- Sewer Repair
- Drain Cleaning Services
- Trenchless Sewer Repair
- Trenchless Pipe Repair
- Water Heater Repair
- Water Main Repair
Schedule an Drain Inspection Today
If something doesn’t smell right — or flow right — we can help.
Call now or fill out our online form to schedule a drain inspection with a licensed Bob Oates technician. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout:
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.
How long does a drain inspection take?
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.
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!"
Proud Member of BOMA
CALL (206) 789-4944
Serving the Greater Seattle Area