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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Santi Allende
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They are super easygoing, extremely knowledgable, and not sales-y at all. It's difficult to come by honest and reasonably priced plumbers these days, and so I was really happy to work with them. Also supporting a small family business! They did a solid diagnostic assessment before proposing any work to fix the water pressure in our house. Would highly recommend!
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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!
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Heather Jay Gee
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I had Bob Oates come for an estimate and they far and away beat every estimate. Konrad did  the work and I was very impressed with the work, communication, and professionalism. I will be use Bob Oates from now on.
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Klodian Muca
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I’d be happy to recommend this plumbing company to anyone. They responded to my call quickly, showed up on time, and did an outstanding job on the plumbing work in my home, including my sinks and other maintenance. Their workmanship was excellent, everything was done professionally, and they stand behind their work with a 100% warranty, which gave me great peace of mind. It’s hard to find a company that is this reliable, honest, and responsive. This has been the best plumbing service I’ve ever experienced. I will definitely use them again and recommend them to all my friends and family. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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jamie lawler
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Had the pleasure of being helped by Autumn today. She was friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable about the services this company offers. I wasn’t quite sure what would be right for me, as I’ve never dealt with major plumbing issues before, but she was able to help me choose the services that would best suit my needs. I appreciate her answering all of my silly questions in a way that I could understand. I will definitely be recommending Bob Oates to my friends and family. Thank you, Autumn!
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Jason Voiss
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I just had Henry and Jesse come over to my condo to help me out with a leaking dishwasher... these guys were rockstars! They gave me a courtesy call and were here on time to the minute! Total professionals as soon as they entered the door, asking about my shoe policy and just pleasant people! As I fumbled around to find my dishwasher literature, they already had it pulled up and were running an initial cycle to troubleshoot the problem. Within minutes Henry diagnosed the problem, the two excused themselves to grab a few tools and were back in moments... it couldn't have been more than 10 minutes and they had resolved the problem and were running a cycle to verify their work. They gave me some additional feedback on what may have caused the issue, how to avoid it in the future, and then proceeded to humor me by answering a few unrelated questions I had about my washer. Great guys and great experience! This is now my second time dealing with the Bob Oates team and both times have been a great experience... Local, first rate service, and family owned; I'd recommend them to anyone! Whether you're a GC or a homeowner, having a great plumber in your Rolodex is a must; Bob Oates is my go to and should be yours as well!
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Erin Anderson
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Bob Oates Plumbing came recommended by our neighborhood, well-known real estate agent. We have used them a few times-once for a clogged kitchen sink situation and also for kitchen faucet installation. They have been timely, honest, knowledgeable and nice guys who make sure the job is done right. They can also order fixtures/products for you and they will install. Highly recommend!

Risks of Delaying Sewer Repairs

By Bob Oates | September 8, 2026

Your sewer line is largely out of sight, which can make it easy to put off dealing with a problem — especially when the symptoms seem minor. A slow drain clears up. An occasional sewer odor disappears. A backup happens once and doesn’t immediately return. It can be tempting to assume the problem has resolved…

Side Sewer Contractor: Everything You Need To Know

By Bob Oates | August 28, 2026

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is a registered side sewer contractor serving the City of Seattle and all surrounding areas. For 35+ years, we have provided comprehensive, cost-effective sewer repair solutions for our friends and neighbors in the community. In this post, we’ll answer questions about exactly what a side sewer is. And we’ll…

The Importance of Regular Sewer Inspections

By Bob Oates | August 18, 2026

Your home’s sewer line does an important job every day, but because most of the system is underground, it can be easy to forget about it until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, sewer line problems don’t always appear suddenly. Tree roots can work their way into small openings, debris and buildup can restrict flow, and aging…

What Causes Recurring Drain Clogs?

By Bob Oates | August 13, 2026

A clogged drain every once in a while isn’t unusual. But if the same drain keeps clogging, or you’re regularly dealing with slow drains and backups throughout your home, there may be more going on inside your plumbing system. Recurring drain clogs often mean that the original blockage wasn’t completely removed — or that another…

How to Tackle Roots in Pipes

By Bob Oates | August 6, 2026

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place in which to live and raise a family. However, two of the things that make it beautiful are the trees and rainfall. Unfortunately, these two aspects combined can wreak havoc on your sewer system with the infiltration of tree roots. When you see all the leaves and greenery…

5 Tips to Avoid a Major Sewer Repair Bill in The Future

By Bob Oates | July 31, 2026

A major sewer line problem can be one of the more disruptive repairs a homeowner encounters. While not every sewer issue can be prevented — aging pipes, shifting soil, tree root invasion, and other conditions can develop regardless of how carefully you maintain your plumbing — good everyday habits can make a real difference. Many…

Plumbing Emergency: 5 Things to Do When You Hit a Water Line

By Bob Oates | July 22, 2026

Whether you’re installing a fence, planting a tree, replacing a faucet, or tackling another home improvement project, accidentally damaging a water line can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency. In some cases, a broken water line can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short amount of time, leading to costly damage if it…

DIY Drain Cleaning Tips to Try Before Calling a Plumber

By Bob Oates | July 17, 2026

A slow-draining sink or backed-up shower is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Fortunately, not every clogged drain requires an immediate service call. Many minor drain clogs can be improved with a few safe, do-it-yourself techniques using items you may already have at home. The key is knowing which DIY drain cleaning…

Important Questions to Ask Your Drain Cleaning Company

By Bob Oates | July 6, 2026

You can never go wrong with hiring professionals for any job, especially when it comes to drain cleaning. If you’re considering hiring professionals to clean your drains, there are a few questions that you should always ask before hiring a drain cleaning company. Our team here at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter is proud to…

Is Pipe Lining a Long-Term Answer to Sewer Damage?

By Bob Oates | June 24, 2026

When homeowners learn about trenchless sewer repair, one of the first questions they often ask is whether sewer pipe lining is truly a long-term solution or simply a temporary fix. Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is here with the answer: Modern sewer pipe lining provides results that are comparable to traditional sewer replacement while…

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area