Bob Oates Sewer Rooter & Plumbing LLC

Although I am selling my home, and the company was hired by the potential buyer, both my son and I were very impressed with the work and this would be the company we would call when needed for any of the services they provide

My experience with them was great. They were knowledgeable, they gave a lot of advice and tips, and they provided a really good service.

They were very helpful, prompt and they called back fast.

I called Bob Oates based on Angie's list. The initial telephone contact was pleasant and professional. She said she would have someone out within two hours. Less than two hours later the technician arrived. I explained the situation, he looked it over, got his equipment, and fixed it. He explained why the drain had clogged and told me how I could avoid this situation again. I thought he was very personable and professional. He clearly knew what he was doing. Everything was neat and clean when he left. I was very happy and will be starting a compost pile soon.

This is a $hitty story with a very happy ending. While foraging behind bushes seeking eggs from our chickens on a Saturday, I discovered a layer of what appeared to be raw sewage surrounding a fixture for a gutter drain. We called Bob Oates because of a positive, simple job a year before. Blain called back within a half hour, explaining the extra charges that we would incur if we had the work done right then compared to waiting until Monday. When he learned where we were, he said he could just drop by. Five minutes later we were talking sewage! Blain expliained that the main sewage line was clogged, forcing the sewage back up the gutter drain line connected to the sewer line - things I had never considered. We decided to wait until Monday, giving us time to do the digging to access the sewer line so we could install an easy access, since the current access was under the house and not really of much use at all. I dug according to Blain's instruction, and on Sunday morning sent a picture of the hole to Blain as we had agreed so he could assess the hole & determine whether more digging was needed. He reurned the call immediately, gave a bit more instruction, and said he would call Monday morning to confirm an appointment time. Note that Blain was not charging for any of this time, AND he gave us the opportunity to save by doing the digging. Monday near noon Blain's work started. He installed the sewer access, and once done gave me the opportunity to put dirt back in the hole while he prepared to clear and scope the drain. This is an important part of the story with Bob Oates Plumbing - there is sensitivity to your pocketbook. Allowing us to dig and fill the hole saved a bundle, I'm sure. Finally, based on the scope results, Blain recommended we "power wash" the line to remove the visible, built-up sludge, which we did. By arrangement, Blain will be back next year to "treat" our sewer - like a colonoscopy for the house over 55!

I called Bob Oates based on the reports here. I stated specifically that access to the sewer line was the basement trap and that I wanted it rooted out and I asked about cleaning a slow drain. The friendly receptionist quoted me a price and said the work could be completed the next day. The following day, the technician called 15 minutes before the appointment to notify me he'd be 10 minutes late. He and his assistant were very friendly, however when we talked about what I needed done, he quoted a price range--the lower end of which was higher than the price the receptionist had given me the day prior. When I informed him of this, he said he'd do it for the low end of his estimate (which was still more than I was quoted on the phone.) After they finished work on the sewer, I asked about the slow drain and again he quoted a higher price. I did not have this work done, however he was very helpful in telling me how to fix it myself. The tech also seemed quite knowledgeable and explained things well as he was doing them. I just can't get over the price discrepancies from one day to the next.

We called them and they came the day after Thanksgiving and it took them just a few minutes to fix the problem. They were very prompt and came out quickly. The person who did the job was pleasant and we were very happy with his service. He also cleaned up after himself.

The experience was great. The technician was in and out within 90 minutes with no mess. He also cleaned out the drain of a nearby laundry sink which I hadn't realized was clogged and contributing to the problem. He also talked to me about getting my sewer line expected in the fall, which I'll definitely do using Bob Oates next year.

My laundry room filled with water from what I thought was the small drain that has plagued me for 20+ years. Blaine came within an hour of my call on 12/23. He snaked the drain and then suspected the problem was a sewer pipe. He did a video camera inspection of both the drain and the sewer pipes and detected a sewer line break. Because I felt confident he was knowledgable, I discussed the laundry room drain which has overflowed every few years because it is too small to handle the several appliances flowing into it. I had a video camera inspection several years ago and asked many other plumbers who were quite vague about the solution. Blaine not only did the video inspection but he really took the time to do a thorough analysis of the problem. The recommendation was to break the concrete and install a 3" pipe and drain inside and extend it to the outside with a new cleanout. Concrete work would be done by the Bob Oates crew. The sewer pipe was replaced on 12/24 and the laundry room pipe/drain was replaced on 12/28-12/29. I am extremely satisfied with the entire process and their work. The sewer pipe was replaced quickly. They even completely removed and hauled away a tree as I requested so no roots would grow into the pipe in the future. The laundry room drain/pipe work was so professional and the guys were just great. Even though it was an unfinished laundry room, they took particular care to do a very nice job on the cement work. I am thrilled that my laundry drain issue is resolved after so many years of not knowing what to do. It says alot about the Bob Oates crew that they took the time and exhibited the knowledge necessary to give me the confidence to make an investment in the solution.

I called in the morning and described the problem and they asked if I wanted them to come out right away. I said 4:00 pm which is when I would arrive home from work.They said they would be there between 4 and 4:30. I came home about 5 minutes to 4:00 and the service tech, Blaine Bart was waiting for me. He was not at all put out that he'd had to wait a bit. I told him I had plunged it several times and put a flexible wire clasp down the toilet, but to no avail. Blaine took the plunger and using his professional plunging skills, fixed the problem. I was very embarrassed that I had called him out for such a simple problem, but I got a lesson in proper plunging technique and that was worth the cost of the call. He also took a look at my other toilet, which is functional, but does need a minor repair and he gave me advice on what I could do. He was pleasant and professional and I would use this company again with no hesitation.

This was an emergency call for me, nothing was working, the toilet wasn?t flushing and the washing machine was flooding. I had two estimates before I called Angie?s List. I ran into a total scam where an estimate was $485.00 for less work. I called Bob Oates because it sounded owner operated. Tony, Bob?s son came within an hour of my call. They were completely professional, skilled and courteous. They informed me of what they were going to do and what my future needs may be. There was no service charge. The total labor for one hour was $150.00. They added a line that cost $75.00. They also added $21.38 in tax. This was a total plumbing disaster saved by their excellent service. I recommend them with no reservation.

I called them twice. The first time it was a weekend call and there was some confusion in getting someone to work that day. I called them again for another emergency. I chose them as they had good reviews. They did the job and the price was reasonable. Their website listed information on the rates that other websites did not.

I always get nervous when we have to service the side sewer as we have old pipes. I called Bob Oates and was scheduled for the same day (and explained I was on a tight schedule.) The technician was running a tad late, but the office informed me well ahead of time that he would be a little later than the agreed window of time. A very pleasant gentleman named Blaine showed up and went right to work in a tight unpleasant space without complaint. He was in and out quickly, well before I needed to leave for an appointment. And our sewer lives to fight another day.

When I ran the washer one evening, the in-floor drain in the basement backed up and caused flooding(eek!!). Called Bob Oates Sewer and got immediate service. Carl arrived within the hour and went right to work. He was professional, courteous and thorough. He explained the issue and the problem was fixed quickly at a reasonable price. Perfect !!

They found that there was debris in one of the drain seals and they fixed that and it is working fine now. They solved our problem, but my husband had already dug down to area to find out where it was plugged, so they did not have to do any digging. They were able to put their little instruments down there and chop away what was blocking the drain. The only problem was that they were expensive.

In January of '09,I had this company initially come work on a bathroom drain in my 83 year old home that was having difficulty draining water from the tub & sink in the main bath. The worker told me that he could "cable" the line to try to make things better, but that my line had something called a "drum trap" that prohibited "cabeling" beyond the drum trap. What improvement occurred was short lived & I didn't understand what the drum trap was about, or what to do when it really did not result in any lasting good drainage. I had my daughter come be here this time when I called & she did the talking with the worker who came this time. He was very helpful in explaining about the drum trap and what the expensive options would be to try to work around it. I'm still contemplating whether I will have more work done, but I felt as if I got a more clear explanation this time about what wasn't happening and why. Also it seemed as if his using the "cable" this time had more of an affect than the first time. I felt well-treated by this plumbing company, and appreciated their explanation of what wasn't working right and why. They also went over options that would ultimately resolve the vulnerabilities in my system--- expensive & disruptive as they would be to repair. But I understand the problems have to do with the age of my plumbing and the original design.

The evening before, we experienced a little basement flood after running the Washing Machine. It seems that the drain line had clogged and water was backing up through an old floor drain that is no longer used. We contacted Bob Oates, the next day and they were able to send out Carl that afternoon. Carl was able to quickly identify the problem and fix it. He used a long snake to clear out the blockage. I also had him fix a slow draining bathtub upstairs. Carl was very professional, clean and friendly to our little daughter. The price was what was expected and I would certainly use them again -- likely soon for main sewer cleaning.

I feel very fortunate to have found the right company and right crew to resolve a problem that I was totally unprepared for.

I called them to have my sewer rootered to clean out roots growing into the line. I've had this done by other companies multiple times and every 18 months or so when the roots grow back they have to do it again. Blaine rootered the line and then put the camera down to show me all the root wads the rooter couldn't get. Previous companies had not used a camera and told me the roots were growing in at one point only. The camera showed they were growing in every few feet and were too dense for a rooter to cut. When he quoted me $1200 to jet the line I told him I couldn't afford that right now, but would do it later. He said now would be a better time and dropped the price to $800. Jetting got about 95% of the roots. He also discovered a low section in the line where water was collecting and said it should be replaced. He offered to replace the 10 foot section for $600 (dropped from $700) if I would dig it up. I will do this a little later. He was very professional and took the time to explain to me what he was doing. He also offered alternatives. When I said I couldn't afford it right now he was willing to drop the price and work within my budget.

After calling Rescue Rooter and getting quoted huge sums of money ($700 to $1200) for taking out some tree roots in our drain line, I found Bob Oates here on Angie's List. I was quoted $175, which included the service call fee, the cabling of the drain and an inspection by a camera. The tech showed up just before the appointed time (which is ok) and was friendly, helpful and cleaned up after himself. We discussed the drain, its condition and what I could do to minimize the root issue. I also purchased two $60 containers of foaming agent for the line to kill the roots - bringing the bill to just over $300. I found the tech to be very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about his tasks. After he left I felt pretty good about the entire transaction, and have placed Bob Oates in my calendar to have the lines done again in two years time.

The technician was prompt, friendly and efficient. The initial call to the store however was unpleasant. I was asked several times how I heard about Bob Oates or who referred me to them. Also, when I was considering having them come out to look at the clogged drain the person on the phone turned up the sales pitch telling me that they were the best and least expensive and that I should simply choose them. If I had more time to make more calls to find another service provider I would have. The efficiency of the technician is what turned what otherwise was not a positive experience into a recommendation.

I called this company at 1 pm and within the hour, they were at my door! And it wasn't an emergency. I had the sewer main rootered because I had just had a tree cut down whose roots were getting in the water line. I was pleased that they explained what they were doing and why. We investigated whether I was having a leaky toilet as we had seen water moving into the main. Although the toilet was not responsible, it did have a part that was making noise. They very kindly replaced this part for the cost of the part only and did not charge extra for this labor. I was very pleased by their courteousness and willingness to explain as well as the availability and promptness of their work.

It was a nightmare, but that wasn't Bob Oates company's fault. It began with sewage backing up in my basement. I called BO, who immediately sent out someone to attempt to clear the line. When they could not get through, a second person came with a camera to scope the line. This revealed a break in the old concrete sewer. Now another person had to come, look at the video, and estimate a repair cost (of about $3,000). The next day, another crew showed up to dig up about a six foot area where the break was. This was repaired, a city inspection set for the next day after another video scope. When that scope took place, more crumbling and leaks were found. 70 year old concrete sewers give up the ghost eventually. Similar damage was identified in the second sewer line. So all the lines were scheduled to be removed and replaced. This entailed digging three different gigantic holes and attempting to pull the old pipes. Difficulties ensued, and another company had to be called in to get the old pipes out. Large piles of dirt, placed on plastic sheets, littered the landscape, flashing lights illuminated the yard at night, barricades and yellow tape abounded. Neighbors on both sides of the house had unreasonable angry outbursts about the mess. When the lines were replaced, scoped, and inspected, we thought the project was finished, but when the downstairs toilet was fortuitously flushed before the hole was filled in, a leak in the line running from the toilet out of the house and joining the new sewer line was discovered. This was then replaced as well. The repairs were finished in about 10 days, taking--for a variety of reason--several days longer than originally anticipated. The BO workers were extremely pleasant, informative, and helpful. They did their best to preserve the landscape, but there's only so much you can do with this many holes going as deep as they did. They did put the excavated dirt on plastic and tried to keep it on my yard as much as possible, but with narrow Ballard yards, it was impossible to keep everything from the neighbors, who--even though I had attempted to warn them--threw a fit. My yard now is a complete wreck on three sides, as landscaping and replacement of sidewalks are not part of what sewer repairers do. BO was helpful, though, in giving me recommendations of people who could do this kind of work.

I called Bob Oates about a plugged toilet at a rental property. They came out that day and fixed it right away. Don, the plumber who did the work is a real pro. Knows his stuff and works quickly and efficiently. Good thing too as I had to call a few days later about a stopped up kitchen sink in my own home. That little problem ended up requiring digging up and replacing corroded pipe outside. Again, Don came, tested the problem and assessed what needed to be done. He came back in a couple of days (my request) and did the hard work to fix the pipe. It was not an expense I expected but I think it could have been a lot more if it weren't for Don's knowledge of exactly what to do and how to do it and the fact that there was no time wasted in getting the pipe fixed. Also, luckily, the broken pipe was not under my paved patio - but just barely! The work required hard digging in the dirt & mud (of course it rained that day) but the crew was careful with plants and shrubs around the hole. The third and final problem occurred just a few days later at yet another rental property. This was a slow draining toilet that unfortunately could not be fixed and the whole toilet had to be replaced. Again, Don was quick and efficient and got the job done promptly. The final total cost caused me to gulp but I felt it was reasonable. Once cannot live without a functioning toilet and kitchen sink. In spite of the three unexpected plumbing costs in a row, I was very happy with the service from Bob Oates. They were professional on the phone and in person. I would recommend them to anyone with a plumbing problem.

I gave them a call and they came out the same day, and I hired them. It took them about 2-3 hours to get the job done.