Testimonials and Customer Success Stories

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

The Bob Oates team has been honored to serve communities across the greater Seattle region for three decades — and we're just getting started!

Our motto is "People Helping People," and that mindset drives every aspect of every job we do in the neighborhoods and cities around Seattle.

Check out what some of our valued clients have to say about their experience working with the Bob Oates family of professionals. (And be sure to visit our Reviews page as well!)

Sewer Line Replacement in Magnolia

After completing a sewer replacement in Magnolia, Seattle, for a concrete sewer line dating back to the 1940s, we were honored to receive this extremely detailed letter from the homeowner going over every aspect of our job performance:

"I already had three other estimates and watched sewer scopes from these other businesses, so it was educational to see how you approached it — a sewer with cracks, bellies, and on its last legs — without the usual over-the-top scare tactics I had from other companies...." Read the full review

New Plumbing in Queen Anne Home

On a plumbing job Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, we replaced galvanized water pipes as well as installed new kitchen and bath faucets for an older home’s update. Check out what the homeowners had to say!

"We are very impressed with the professional services received from your company in May 2023. Real (very nice) people answered your phone line, the team came when they said they would, did what they said they’d do, and completed the work on time as scheduled..." Read the full review

Sewer Replacement and Nu-Flow Liner Installation in Magnolia

We’re very pleased to include this testimonial of homeowners in Magnolia choosing us over other contractors bidding for the opportunity to fix their broken sewer. It’s a perfect description of how the Bob Oates team is with our clients every step of the way!

"Friday afternoon after speaking to someone in the office when our sewer broke, Bob Oates had someone out to our house with in the hour. Very respectful associate and team came out and had assessed the situation and had a plan to fix the sewer by the end of the day." Read the full review

Water Main Replacement in Capitol Hill

We’re honored to post this testimonial describing how our team helped a homeowner get their water service back up and running quickly with the installation of a new water main!

"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." Read the full review

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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

5 Quick Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes in Check

By Bob Oates | November 2, 2025

Your home’s plumbing system works hard behind the scenes — delivering clean water, moving wastewater away safely, and keeping everyday routines running smoothly. But like anything that gets constant use, your pipes and fixtures need regular care to stay reliable. A little maintenance now can prevent expensive problems later. Here are five quick, practical plumbing…

Plumbing Nightmares and How to Avoid Them

By Bob Oates | October 19, 2025

Happy Halloween from Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter! Halloween season is here — the perfect time for a few scary stories. But instead of ghosts or ghouls, I’m sharing something truly terrifying: real-life plumbing nightmares from my time on the job. Each one of these situations could have been avoided with a bit of…

5 Fall Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home

By Bob Oates | October 5, 2025

As the seasons change in the Pacific Northwest, vibrant leaves and cooler weather signal more than just cozy sweaters — they’re also a reminder to get your home ready for the colder, stormier months ahead. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent costly plumbing and drainage issues later. Below are five practical fall maintenance tips…

The 5 Most Famous Plumbers (and What We Can Learn From Them)

By Bob Oates | September 29, 2025

There’s something quietly heroic about plumbers. We tend to admire folks who do a job most of us never could—or would. Plumbers (alongside electricians) are the unsung gatekeepers of modern civilization. Without them, we might still rely on outhouses, city streets could flood with waste after every storm, and hot showers would remain a luxury.…

Signs You Need to Replace Your Sewer Line

By Bob Oates | September 21, 2025

When your home’s sewer line fails, the signs often start out small — a slow drain, a damp patch in the yard, or an unpleasant odor you can’t quite place. But if ignored, these issues quickly escalate into costly repairs, health hazards, and even structural damage to your home. Knowing when it’s time for a…

5 Tips for Daily Pipe Maintenance Every Seattle Homeowner Should Know

By Bob Oates | September 14, 2025

When it comes to home maintenance, plumbing often gets overlooked — until there’s a problem. A little daily attention can go a long way. Leaks, clogs, and even burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, not to mention major stress. The good news? You don’t need to be a plumber to practice daily…

4 Hidden Dangers of DIY Drain Cleaner Chemicals — and What Actually Works

By Bob Oates | September 13, 2025

When your sink or tub backs up, it’s tempting to grab a bottle of liquid drain cleaner off the store shelf. These products are marketed as quick fixes — just pour them in, wait a few minutes, and the clog magically disappears. But here’s the problem: chemical drain cleaners rarely solve the real issue, and…

What Is Tree Root Invasion and How Is It Affecting Your Pipes?

By Bob Oates | August 24, 2025

Seattle’s tree-lined neighborhoods and steady rainfall are part of what makes living in the Pacific Northwest special. But those same elements also create the perfect storm for a hidden problem: tree root invasion in sewer lines. Roots naturally seek out moisture underground. If your home has older pipes made of clay or concrete, they’re especially…

Seattle Water Main Repair: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Bob Oates | August 18, 2025

Every Seattle home relies on a main water line to deliver fresh water from the city meter, a well, or a neighborhood water system. If your water main was installed before 1965, it’s likely made from galvanized steel. After 1978, newer materials like copper, PVC, or polyethylene became common. But no matter the material, water…

Tips for Saving Water at Home

By Bob Oates | August 11, 2025

Saving water at home does more than lower your monthly bill — it helps protect your plumbing system, extend the lifespan of fixtures, and reduce strain on Seattle’s water supply. By making a few mindful changes, you can also reduce runoff pollution into local watersheds and support the environment for future generations. Here are the…

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area