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Toilet Talk with Bob!

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CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

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Bob Oates shares his years of expertise with you!

Bob has been in the plumbing, drain cleaning, and sewer and rooter game for decades. In these fun, useful self-help videos, Bob shares his wisdom on how to solve common plumbing issues — and, importantly, how to prevent them in the first place.

As you scroll through and watch, you'll learn what to do, what not to do, how to save some money by avoiding a service call, and have a few laughs along the way. Enjoy!

Toilet Talk With Bob | Plunging 101

Toilet Talk With Bob | Toilet Paper Troubles

Toilet Talk with Bob | Meet The Drain Thingy

Toilet Talk With Bob | Tree Roots

Toilet Talk With Bob | Disposal Tips

Toilet Talk With Bob | Winter Pipes

Toilet Talk With Bob | Washing Machine Tips

About the Team at Bob Oates

For more than 30 years, Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter has been Seattle’s trusted choice for complete plumbing, sewer repair, and drain cleaning services.

We’re proud to live by our core values — Integrity (“The Pride’s Inside”), Teamwork (“Together, We Achieve Success”), and Commitment to Excellence (“Dedicated to Our Customers, Our Employees, and the Future”).

With continuous training, advanced tech, and a focus on doing the job right the first time, our skilled technicians deliver fast, reliable service backed by the best warranties in the business.

Whether it’s a quick fix or a major project, you can count on Bob Oates to set the standard for exceptional service. Call or book online today and experience a true home-run service for yourself!

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"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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Close up of flooded lawn from sewer backup, water covering grass

How Spring Can Lead to Sewer Backups

By Bob Oates | May 5, 2026 |

Spring in Seattle brings its own set of troubles to the sewer system. In the springtime, sewer backups are most common because of the thawing snow and seasonal rain. The ground is usually too frozen to soak up the water from the rainy season. This results in water leaking into the walls and basements of…

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Signs of a Sewer Line Belly (And What To Do)

By Bob Oates | May 1, 2026 |

Every homeowner’s goal is to maintain a comfortable and safe environment. However, unexpected plumbing issues — and a sewer line belly is pretty high on that list — can quickly disrupt that peace. Conducting proper, regular sewer inspections are key to healthy drainage and sewage systems staying that way. They’re also essential, once a problem…

Portable sewer inspection camera used to inspect underground pipes through a cleanout

Importance of Sewer Inspections (And Why They Can Save You Thousands)

By Bob Oates | April 29, 2026 |

Your sewer line is one of the most important — and most overlooked — systems in your home. Because it’s buried underground, problems often go unnoticed until something goes wrong: slow drains, recurring clogs, or even a full sewer backup. By that point, repairs can be expensive, disruptive, and stressful. That’s why regular sewer inspections…

Two technicians working with high pressure water jetter

High Pressure Water Jetting in Seattle: Do You Need It?

By Bob Oates | April 28, 2026 |

Clogged drain and sewer lines don’t usually happen overnight. Most problems build slowly — grease, sludge, soap residue, and debris accumulate along pipe walls until water can no longer flow freely. When basic drain clearing isn’t enough, high-pressure water jetting (also known as hydro jetting) is one of the most effective ways to fully restore…

Bob Oates technicians standing by their trucks outdoors

Side Sewer Contractor: Everything You Need To Know

By Bob Oates | April 27, 2026 |

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is a registered side sewer contractor serving the City of Seattle and all surrounding areas. For 30+ 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…

Bob Oates Sewer and Rooter work trucks

Is Pipe Lining a Long-Term Solution? What Seattle Homeowners Should Know

By Bob Oates | April 24, 2026 |

If you’re dealing with sewer line issues, you want more than a temporary fix. Trenchless sewer pipe lining is considered a long-term solution when the existing pipe is structurally sound — and in many cases, it can extend the life of your sewer system by 50 years or more. How Pipe Lining Strengthens Your Sewer…

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter trucks parked at a residential service call in Seattle

Main Issues We Address With Pipe Lining (Seattle Homeowners Guide)

By Bob Oates | April 22, 2026

Sewer line issues don’t always mean excavation. With trenchless sewer pipe lining, many common pipe problems can be repaired from the inside — avoiding the need to dig up your yard, driveway, or landscaping. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we use pipe lining to address several of the most frequent sewer issues seen…

Bob Oates technicians preparing a blue CIPP liner for trenchless sewer repair.

How Trenchless Pipe Lining Came To Be (And Why It’s a Go-To Sewer Repair Solution Today)

By Bob Oates | April 13, 2026 |

Sewer problems are something most homeowners don’t think about — until they’re dealing with a slow drains, backups, or worse. For decades, fixing a damaged sewer line meant one thing: digging. Lawns torn up, driveways broken apart, and days (or weeks) of disruption. Today, there’s a better option. Trenchless sewer repair — including trenchless pipe…

Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter van parked at a residential job site in the Greater Seattle Area, with sewer repair equipment set up nearby.

Do I Need a Video Inspection for My Seattle Sewer Line Repair?

By Bob Oates | April 8, 2026 |

When something goes wrong with your sewer line, the last thing you want is guesswork. Sewer problems happen underground, out of sight — and without the right tools, it’s nearly impossible to know what’s actually causing the issue. That’s where a professional sewer camera inspection comes in. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we…

Bob Oates Plumbing crew wearing safety vests and hard hats standing with a company service van and dog

Why Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter Is Your Go-To Seattle Plumber

By Bob Oates | March 29, 2026 |

Finding a reliable plumber in Seattle isn’t just about fixing a leak — it’s about trusting someone with your home, your property, and often a significant investment. At Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping homeowners across the Greater Seattle area solve everything from clogged drains to full sewer…

Washington State favicon with star for Seattle

CALL (206) 789-4944

Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Book Appointment Online
Cal Raleigh, “Big Dumper,” holding a bat alongside Bob Oates Plumbing mascots Poopy the Plunger and friends, with the Seattle skyline in the background.
Cal Raleigh, “Big Dumper,” holding a bat alongside Bob Oates Plumbing mascots Poopy the Plunger and friends, with the Seattle skyline in the background.