Sewer Inspections in Seattle, WA, and Surrounding Areas

The Importance of Side Sewer Inspections

When your sewer line is acting up, you don’t want guesswork — you want clear answers. A sewer camera inspection shows exactly what’s happening inside your pipes so we can recommend the right fix the first time.

For more than 30 years, Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter has been Greater Seattle’s trusted choice for sewer inspections, cleaning, and repairs. We offer free sewer camera inspections with every cleaning, and we’re proud to be the home of the second opinion.

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.

A Bob Oates technician monitors a live sewer camera feed while inspecting underground drain lines.

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. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent backups and protect your home from unexpected sewer failures.

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:

• Fast response: Local crews can often arrive within the hour; 24/7 emergency service available.

• Licensed, in-house technicians: We never use subcontractors — only trained Bob Oates employees.

• Modern technology: High-resolution cameras, accurate locators, and trenchless repair capabilities.

• Home of the second opinion: We review repair quotes and give you clear, unbiased guidance.

• 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:

• Drain Cleaning: Jetting and rooter services to restore proper flow.

• Sewer Repair: Spot repairs or full replacements with minimal disruption.

• Trenchless Sewer Repair & Relining: CIPP lining or pipe bursting for no-dig solutions.

• Rooter Services: Targeted clearing of branch lines, downspouts, and main lines.

• 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, check out 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 high-resolution camera is fed through your side sewer to view the pipe interior in real time. It reveals blockages, cracks, roots, and other defects.

When should I schedule a sewer inspection?

If you have recurring clogs, sewer odors, slow drains, or a history of backups — or if you’re buying a home.

What problems can a camera inspection find?

It can reveal root intrusion, grease buildup, offsets, cracks, bellies, standing water, and collapsed or misaligned sections, along with the depth and location of issues.

Do I get a video and summary?

Yes. We provide video footage and a written overview of the findings.

Does a sewer inspection require permits in Seattle?

A camera inspection does not require permits. If repairs are needed, we handle all permitting with the City of Seattle.

Can an inspection confirm if trenchless repair is possible?

Absolutely. Camera footage helps us determine whether pipe lining or pipe bursting can be used, or if excavation is necessary.