Sewer Camera Inspection in Seattle, WA (Side Sewer & Sewer Scope Inspections)
*20 year transferable warranty on all sewer repairs*
CALL (206) 789-4944
Serving the Greater Seattle Area
Rated 5 Stars by Conor S. via Yelp.com
"Bob Oates team provided a sewer scope, a liner and pulled permits for me. Our house was in need of this service following an inspection that roots were getting into our pipes. We compared to another company and found Bob Oates to be more reasonably priced than others. The team communicated well and was quick to help."
The Importance of Side Sewer Inspections
When your sewer line is acting up, guessing can cost you thousands. A professional sewer camera inspection shows exactly what’s happening inside your side sewer — before you commit to cleaning, trenchless repair, or full replacement.
At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we use high-resolution sewer scope cameras to diagnose problems accurately and recommend the right solution the first time. That’s why homeowners across Greater Seattle trust us for honest answers, second opinions, and cost-saving repair guidance.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden sewer backup, planning preventive maintenance, or buying a home, a sewer inspection can help you avoid costly surprises.
What a Sewer Camera Inspection Shows
A sewer camera inspection is a quick, non-invasive way to check the condition of your side sewer without digging or opening walls.
We guide a waterproof, high-definition camera through an existing drain or outdoor cleanout and follow the line from your home to the city connection, all with 360° visibility.
The live video reveals issues such as:
- Root intrusion
- Grease or scale buildup
- Cracks, corrosion, or collapsed sections
- Standing water or bellies in the pipe
- Offsets or misaligned joints
Using our locator tools, we can also pinpoint the exact depth and position of any problem areas.
After the inspection, you’ll receive video footage and a clear summary of what we found, along with straightforward recommendations for cleaning or repair, if needed.
A Bob Oates technician monitors a live sewer camera feed while inspecting underground drain lines.
How a Sewer Inspection Helps You Avoid Unnecessary Repairs
One of the biggest advantages of a sewer camera inspection is knowing exactly what you're dealing with before committing to a repair.
Without a camera inspection, homeowners may receive conflicting quotes — or worse, pay for work they don’t actually need. Our inspection process allows us to:
- Confirm whether cleaning, repair, or replacement is needed
- Determine if trenchless sewer repair or pipe lining is possible
- Identify the exact location and severity of damage
- Provide a clear, honest second opinion before you spend money
In many cases, a simple cleaning solves the issue. In others, we can recommend long-term solutions like CIPP pipe lining or trenchless sewer repair — all based on real data from your sewer line.
When to Schedule a Sewer Inspection
Because sewer line issues often start small and out of sight, early signs are easy to miss. Schedule an inspection if you’re noticing:
- Recurring clogs or slow drains
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Sewer odors inside or around your home
- Evidence of past backups, like staining near a basement floor drain
- Lush patches of grass or wet spots in the yard that don’t match rainfall
- Previous tree root problems or an older clay/cast-iron sewer line
- It’s been several years since your last cleaning or inspection
A sewer inspection is also essential before buying a home in Greater Seattle. It can reveal hidden defects, help you negotiate repairs, and prevent expensive surprises after closing.
Regular inspections also work as preventive maintenance and help reduce the risk of sudden backups or water damage.
A sewer line failure is often visible as a lush green stripe cutting through an otherwise brown yard.
Why Seattle Homeowners Trust Bob Oates for Sewer Inspections
Choosing the right sewer inspection company means choosing a team you trust. Homeowners and businesses across Greater Seattle call Bob Oates because we offer:
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Fast response: Local crews can often arrive within the hour; 24/7 emergency service available.
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Licensed, in-house technicians: We never use subcontractors — only trained Bob Oates employees. And Bob Oates Sewer Rooter is a registered side sewer contractor in the State of Washington, verified by the Department of Labor & Industries.
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Modern technology: High-resolution cameras, accurate locators, and trenchless repair capabilities.
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Home of the second opinion: We review repair quotes and give you clear, unbiased guidance.
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Fair pricing: Upfront estimates and free camera inspections from accessible outside cleanouts.
We’re committed to transparency, professionalism, and doing the job right — every time.
Related Sewer & Drain Services
If your inspection reveals a problem, our full-service team can handle the next steps:
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Drain Cleaning: Jetting and rooter services to restore proper flow.
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Sewer Repair: Spot repairs or full replacements with minimal disruption.
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Trenchless Sewer Repair & Relining: CIPP lining or pipe bursting for no-dig solutions.
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Rooter Services: Targeted clearing of branch lines, downspouts, and main lines.
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Water Main Repair: Fast leak detection and repair for low pressure or high bills.
One team, one visit — no subcontractors, no surprises.
Out in the field with one of our excavation trucks — serving Greater Seattle with pride for over 30 years.
Serving the Greater Seattle Area
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 a Sewer Camera Inspection Today
If your drains are acting up — or you simply want peace of mind before buying or remodeling — the team at Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is ready to help.
Call us anytime for:
- Same-day sewer camera inspections
- Free inspections with every cleaning
- Honest second opinions
- 24/7 emergency service
At Bob Oates, we’re all about people helping people. To learn more about our story, head over to our About page, and be sure to check out Bob’s profile in Cleaner Magazine!
FAQs About Sewer Camera Inspections
What is a sewer camera inspection?
A sewer camera inspection uses a high-resolution waterproof camera to view the inside of your side sewer in real time. It helps identify blockages, roots, cracks, bellies, offsets, and other hidden sewer line problems without digging.
When should I schedule a sewer inspection?
Schedule a sewer inspection if you have recurring clogs, slow drains, sewer odors, gurgling sounds, past backups, wet spots in the yard, or an older sewer line. It’s also smart before buying a home in Seattle or the surrounding area.
What problems can a sewer camera inspection find?
A camera inspection can reveal root intrusion, grease or scale buildup, cracks, corrosion, collapsed sections, standing water, pipe bellies, offsets, and misaligned joints. Locator tools can also identify the depth and location of problem areas.
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost in Seattle?
Costs can vary depending on access and the condition of the line. Bob Oates offers free sewer camera inspections with qualifying sewer or drain cleaning services, and we provide clear pricing before any work begins.
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most sewer camera inspections take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the length of the line, access to a cleanout, and what we find during the inspection.
Do I get video footage and a summary?
Yes. Bob Oates provides video footage and a clear summary of the findings, along with straightforward recommendations for cleaning, repair, trenchless sewer repair, or pipe lining when appropriate.
Does a sewer inspection require permits in Seattle?
A camera-only sewer inspection does not usually require permits. If repair work is needed, Bob Oates can help handle the appropriate permitting with the City of Seattle or the relevant local jurisdiction.
Can a sewer inspection confirm if trenchless repair or pipe lining is possible?
Yes. Camera footage helps determine whether trenchless sewer repair, CIPP pipe lining, or pipe bursting may be possible, or whether excavation is needed due to severe collapse or structural damage.
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
Rated 5 Stars by John H. via Yelp.com
"TJ, Joe, and the crew at Bob Oates were awesome in helping restore water service to our home when the water main between street + crawl space burst underground, flooding our garage. They acted quickly, thoroughly, and left our home in arguably better condition than before the pipe burst."