Water Heater Repair in Seattle, WA, and Surrounding Areas

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

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Rated 5 Stars by Enada H. on Google

"The team at Bob Oates was amazing. My water heater was leaking and extremely pressurized. They were out to my house almost instantly. Prices were very reasonable. 10/10 service! Thank you."

Running out of hot water is frustrating. Discovering your water heater is leaking or has completely failed can quickly become an emergency.

Whether you need a repair, routine maintenance, or a complete replacement, the licensed plumbing professionals at Bob Oates provide fast, honest water heater service throughout the Greater Seattle area.

We service both traditional tank and tankless systems, helping homeowners choose the right solution for reliable hot water and long-term peace of mind.

Tankless water heater installed by Bob Oates Plumbing technicians in a Seattle basement.

Energy-efficient tankless water heater installation by Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter.

Common Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement

Most water heaters don’t stop working without warning. If you notice one or more of these signs, it may be time to schedule a professional inspection or consider replacing your unit before a complete failure leaves you without hot water.

  • Rust or Corrosion – Rust on the outside of the tank or rust-colored hot water may indicate internal corrosion that can eventually lead to leaks.
  • Unusual Noises – Popping, rumbling, or banging sounds often point to mineral buildup inside the tank, reducing efficiency and putting additional stress on the system.
  • Leaking Water Heater – Water collecting around the base of the tank should never be ignored. Even a small leak can quickly become a much larger problem.
  • Inconsistent Hot Water – If your hot water runs out quickly or frequently turns cold, your water heater may no longer be heating efficiently.
  • Metallic Taste or Discolored Water – Changes in the taste, color, or clarity of your hot water can be a sign of corrosion inside the tank or plumbing system.
  • Older Water Heater – Most traditional tank water heaters last about 8–12 years. If yours is approaching that age, replacement is often more economical than repeated repairs.

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How to Select the Right Water Heater for Your Seattle Property

Finding the most efficient and reliable water heater to meet the needs of your home or office is an important task, one that may require the help of a professional plumbing company. Our qualified techs are trained to recognize the type and size of water heater that can best fit your needs.

Our goal is to help you find the best water heater that can save you money on energy costs and provide all the hot water your property requires.

Newly installed Rheem gas water heater by Bob Oates Plumbing inside a Seattle home closet.

New Rheem gas water heater installation by Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter.

How to Properly Install Your New Water Heater

You may be tempted to install your water heater yourself, but incorrect installation can lead to more expensive, time-consuming, and even dangerous issues down the road. There are several serious issues that could occur if your new water heater is not installed the right way:

  • An improperly installed water heater can result in leaks and extensive water damage
  • An incorrectly-piped pressure relief valve can result in electrical short-outs
  • An ineffectively-vented gas water heater can result in carbon monoxide poisoning

The experts at Bob Oates will install your water heater safely and correctly the first time around, so you won’t have to deal with the hassle!

Whether it’s electric water heater repair and gas water heater repair, our team is experienced at selecting, installing, and maintaining water heaters for our customers. We’re Seattle’s water heater repair specialists!

Bob Oates and general manager John Peterson posing with Poopy the Plunger mascot in front of Bob Oates service vans

Bob Oates and GM John Peterson stand beside company mascot Poopy the Plunger and two of the fleet’s service vans.

Serving Greater Seattle for Over 30 Years

From sewer repair and replacement to professional drain cleaning, we provide a wide range of services across the Greater Seattle Area, including in the following communities:

We strive to be the best in the industry, so if you want the job done right, call us today or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. And be sure to check out Bob’s profile piece in Cleaner Magazine!

Image of Bob Oates on the cover of Cleaner magazine

FAQs About Water Heater Repair

What are the signs my water heater needs repair?

Common warning signs include inconsistent hot water, strange noises like popping or rumbling, rusty or cloudy water, leaks around the tank, or a water heater that takes too long to heat.

How long do water heaters usually last?

Most traditional tank water heaters last 8–12 years, while tankless models can last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Age and maintenance history are big factors.

Can you repair both tank and tankless water heaters?

Yes. Our team services both traditional tank models and modern tankless systems, providing repairs, maintenance, and replacement when needed.

Do you offer same-day water heater repair in Seattle?

Yes. We provide same-day and emergency service when your water heater fails, so you don’t have to go without hot water.

When is replacement better than repair?

If your water heater is near the end of its lifespan, leaking from the tank, or requiring frequent repairs, replacement may be more cost-effective than ongoing fixes.

Coupon for $100 off any traditional water heater replacement

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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!"

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Proud Member of BOMA

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Stephanie Almeida
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Today it was Henry’s turn to save the day! We discovered after an appraisal that we needed to have earthquake straps attached to our water heater, and he came out within 24 business hours and took care of everything we needed. He did it with a smile, and he did it with excellent customer service. We are never going to call anyone else with plumbing issues - this company surpasses all of our wildest dreams of amazingness! Before and after photos attached!! The whole thing took about 40 minutes from hello to goodbye!
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Cindy Harper
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We've been Bob Oates customers for a few years, and today Konrad provided excellent service locating a water leak in our home. He is a great communicator and I learned a lot as he described his approach to identifying and solving our problem. Also, even though he had to cut into our wall, he did it in a way that makes it easier for us to repair. It's nice to have a reliable go-to person to call on when we need plumbing help. Update: we had Konrad back last week to replace a faucet, and he's still doing great work! Thank you, Konrad!
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B P
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Highly recommended. I had 3 companies come out to give me a quote for preventative clearing of outdoor drain lines. Mike from Bob Oates was the only one who actually opened the drain covers and used a camera to give me a fair assessment of what needed to be addressed, what considerations and complications there might be, and a realistic price quote. Other companies sent more of a salesperson with quotes of thousands of dollars to clear drain lines that they weren't even sure needed to be cleared or could be addressed through the methods quoted. Mike from Bob Oates was knowledgeable, helpful and trustworthy where other companies felt like they were just trying to sell me something.
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Angela alegna
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Prescott has been great to work with. He is extremely attentive and follow-ups promptly on our projects with him.
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Brent Compton
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We have had a great experience using Bob Oats Plumbing. Oliver was especially professional, courteous, and very responsive. I would highly recommend them.
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Kris Boudreaux
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I never thought I would call a plumber a Rockstar but. Henry at Bob Oates plumbing truly is! This company is outstanding. The polite, patient receptionist got me an appointment in one day even though I knew they had no openings. Henry was on time and completed the work in less than an hour. On top of that he is a nice guy to be around. I know my old house has some major plumbing issues coming up in the future - I feel very fortunate to have found this company who I will call with no hesitation!
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Cindy
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great service. when i called late on a saturday i actually got the owners daughter who answers the phones herself even late on the weekend . i was able to get someone to come out in the hour and stop the back up. price was decent and upfront . no surprises
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Alyson Mosher
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We had an emergency clog that turned into a big time sewer line repair job, and the Bob Oates team was timely, thorough, and helpful throughout. Prescott was a great project manager and kept us updated and informed the entire process. We're so glad we contacted them first!

5 Plumbing Tips for Fall

By Bob Oates | October 22, 2026

Fall brings cooler temperatures, heavier rainfall, and falling leaves to the Seattle area. It’s also an excellent time for homeowners to check their plumbing, drainage, and sewer systems before winter arrives. A little preventive maintenance now can help reduce the risk of clogged drains, sewer backups, water damage, and unexpected plumbing repairs. At Bob Oates…

Everything to Know About the Trenchless Pipe Lining Process

By Bob Oates | October 14, 2026

Traditional sewer repairs often require extensive excavation, disrupting lawns, landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks. Modern trenchless pipe lining offers a faster, cleaner alternative, restoring damaged underground pipes with little or no digging. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, our experienced crews use advanced trenchless technology to rehabilitate aging sewer lines throughout the Greater Seattle area.…

Common Drain Issues You Can Avoid

By Bob Oates | October 8, 2026

Most drain problems develop gradually. Grease, soap residue, hair, food particles, and other debris accumulate inside pipes over time, restricting water flow and eventually creating blockages. The good news is that many common drain issues are preventable. A few practical habits, along with timely maintenance and professional drain cleaning when needed, can help keep your…

A Closer Look at the Pipe Lining Process

By Bob Oates | October 5, 2026

Sewer pipe lining may appear straightforward once the job is finished: a damaged sewer line becomes a smooth, seamless pipe without the extensive excavation required for traditional replacement. What happens behind the scenes is in fact extremely precise. Also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, the process requires careful inspection, cleaning, measurement, resin preparation, liner…

Don’t Get Frozen in the Winter Months: Maintain Your Water Heater Today

By Bob Oates | September 27, 2026

As fall and winter approach, so do many family holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are the perfect occasions for friends and relatives to visit, and many times they will stay as guests in the house for a few days. This means that more people will be using hot water for washing laundry, dishes,…

Advantages of Trenchless Sewer Replacement

By Bob Oates | September 25, 2026

Replacing a damaged sewer line doesn’t always mean digging a trench across your property. Modern trenchless sewer pipe repair and replacement methods can restore underground pipes with minimal excavation, helping homeowners avoid much of the disruption, expense, and property damage associated with traditional sewer replacement. Depending on the condition of the existing line, trenchless solutions…

What Happens When Drain Cleaning Is Neglected?

By Bob Oates | September 23, 2026

Your drains handle wastewater every day, and normal use gradually leaves grease, food particles, hair, soap residue, and other material behind. Without occasional drain cleaning, that buildup accumulates, restricts water flow, and makes drainage problems increasingly difficult to ignore. Neglecting drain cleaning doesn’t mean every plumbing system will develop the same problem on the same…

Recurring Clogs and Their Causes

By Bob Oates | September 22, 2026

Clearing a clogged drain is one thing. Having the same drain clog again a few weeks later is another. A recurring clog often means that the original blockage wasn’t completely removed — or that another problem inside the drain or sewer line is causing it to return. Instead of repeatedly treating the symptom, identifying the…

Tips on Dealing With Clogged Drains

By Bob Oates | September 18, 2026

A clogged drain is frustrating, but some simple blockages can be cleared at home without calling a plumber. Below, the team at Bob Oates has assembled some pro tips for dealing with clogged drains. Before you start, take stock of what’s happening: if several drains are slow or clogged, wastewater is backing up into another…

Are Plumbing Inspections Important For Homeowners?

By Bob Oates | September 17, 2026

Yes! A professional plumbing inspection is an important part of understanding the condition of your home’s plumbing and catching potential problems before they turn into expensive repairs. A comprehensive inspection looks beyond faucets and fixtures. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, that means evaluating key components throughout the home — including pipes, toilets, water…

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area