Whether this is your first plumbing repair or your tenth, the company you call makes a real difference. We started in 1989 as a small operation with deep roots in Theodore and the surrounding parts of Mobile County. The Gulf Coast has its own personality when it comes to plumbing: the humidity, the soil conditions, the mix of older housing stock and newer construction, the way heavy rainfall taxes drainage systems season after season. After nearly four decades working in this area, we understand those conditions the way only a long-tenured local plumber can.
The work is performed by licensed plumbers who take code-compliant plumbing seriously on every job, large or small. That matters whether we are replacing a water heater in a family home or running new supply lines in a commercial building. We take pride in the plumbing work we leave behind, which means we do not cut corners when the camera is not on us. The job gets done right, and it stays done.
We have served homeowners, landlords, property managers, and business owners across Mobile County for going on four decades. That kind of tenure is not an accident. It comes from doing the work well and treating people fairly, job after job, year after year. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
We cover the full range of residential and commercial plumbing needs. Below is a look at the core services we provide and what each one means for you as a customer.
A slow drain is an inconvenience. A completely blocked drain is an emergency. We handle both. Kitchen drains, bathroom drains, shower drains, and floor drains all develop buildup over time, and when that buildup reaches a tipping point, water backs up fast. We clear clogs using the right method for the situation, including hydro jetting for stubborn blockages or heavy buildup in main lines. If your drains are running slow, do not wait for a backup to call us.
A leak you cannot see can do serious damage before you ever notice it. We locate hidden leaks in water lines, supply pipes, and under slabs using diagnostic methods that pinpoint the source without unnecessary demolition. Slab leak detection is particularly relevant in this part of Alabama, where slab-on-grade construction is the norm and shifting soils can stress embedded pipes over time. Once we find the leak, we walk you through the repair options before any work begins.
No hot water is one of the most disruptive plumbing problems a household or business can face. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, and we stock the knowledge to handle most brands and configurations. If your unit is aging, failing to keep up with demand, or simply done, we will help you choose a replacement that fits your household size and budget. Tankless water heater installation is a popular upgrade in this area for its long-term efficiency.
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a month. A dripping faucet is not just annoying, it adds up on your water bill. We repair and replace toilets, faucets, sinks, showers, and garbage disposals. If you are remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, we handle the fixture installation side so everything is connected correctly and up to code. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job means you know what the work costs before we start.
Sewer backups are messy, urgent, and not something to put off. We clear main line clogs, repair damaged sewer lines, and handle sewer line replacement when the pipe itself is the problem. Our sewer work stays focused on the line that runs from your home to the city connection. We use the right tools for the job, including options that minimize disruption to your yard when conditions allow.
If you're not sure your water pressure is where it should be, or you have noticed something unusual with your floors or your water bills, local conditions may be part of the explanation. Mobile County's climate and geology create specific plumbing stresses that we deal with regularly.
Slab-on-grade is the dominant foundation type along the Gulf Coast, and it comes with a particular plumbing vulnerability. The pipes embedded in that concrete are subject to soil movement, moisture cycling, and the gradual wear that comes with age. When a pipe under the slab develops a leak, the signs are easy to miss at first: a warm spot on the floor, a water bill that has crept up without explanation, flooring that feels soft or shows moisture. By the time those signs appear, the leak has usually been going for a while.
We locate slab leaks accurately and lay out the repair options in plain language before any work begins. Whether the solution is a targeted repair or a reroute, we handle it with the care that work in a concrete slab demands.
Older homes in Theodore and across Mobile County were often built with galvanized steel pipe. That material has a lifespan, and many of those pipes have reached or passed it. Discolored water, low pressure, and recurring leaks in different parts of the house are all signs that the pipe itself may be the problem rather than any single fitting or joint.
When the pipe is the issue, a targeted repair buys time but does not solve the underlying problem. A whole-house repipe with PEX is a durable, long-term solution that holds up well in the humid Gulf Coast climate. We assess the situation honestly and tell you what we find, so you can make the call that makes sense for your home and your budget.
A burst pipe, a major leak, a sewer backup, or a water heater that stops working on a Sunday night are not situations where you want to wait until Monday morning. We move fast on plumbing emergencies and offer same-day service options for urgent situations. Call us first and tell us what is happening. We will get someone out to assess the situation and get the repair underway.
Right diagnosis. Right repair. Right the first time.
When something goes wrong with your plumbing, the last thing you need is a crew that guesses and patches. We diagnose the actual problem, explain what we found, and fix it properly. We'll get your water flowing again fast.
Every plumbing job we complete is done to code. That is not a slogan; it is the standard we hold ourselves to because it protects your home, your tenants, and the people who will own or occupy the property after you. Licensed plumbers on the job means the work is done by people who know what the code requires and why those requirements exist.
We also stand behind what we do. If something we worked on is not right, we want to know about it and we will make it right. That is not a formal guarantee with fine print. It is a straightforward commitment from a local business that depends on its reputation in this community.
Getting your plumbing problem handled starts with a quick call. We work with homeowners on everyday repairs, fixture upgrades, repiping projects, and water heater replacements. We also serve commercial clients: offices, retail spaces, restaurants, multi-unit residential properties, and light industrial facilities. Water pressure diagnostics and shutoff valve replacement are services that matter at both scales, and we handle them with the same attention whether the property is a single bathroom or a multi-floor building.
The scope of the job does not change how seriously we take it.
Plumbing pricing depends on what the job actually involves, and we do not know the full scope until we see what we are working with. What we can tell you is how we handle it: we look at the situation, explain what we found, and walk you through the cost before any work begins. No surprises after the fact. No fees that appear on the invoice that were not discussed beforehand.
Call us for a quote and we will give you an honest answer based on your actual situation. Pick up the phone and we'll get moving.
We are based in Theodore and serve customers throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. The communities we regularly work in include:
If you are nearby and not sure whether we cover your area, give us a call. Chances are good that we do.
We have been doing this work in Theodore since 1989, which puts us at 37 years of local plumbing service. That kind of tenure means we know the housing stock, the soil conditions, the neighborhoods, and the specific plumbing challenges that come up repeatedly in this part of Alabama. It is not the kind of familiarity you build in a year or two.
Yes. We are based in Theodore and have been working throughout Mobile County for nearly four decades. We know the streets, the subdivisions, the older neighborhoods with aging pipe, and the newer construction areas. That local knowledge means we spend less time figuring out where we are going and more time focused on the job.
The work is performed by licensed plumbers who are part of our local operation. You are not getting a rotating cast of strangers sent from a regional dispatch. When we send someone to your home, they know the work, know the area, and represent this business directly.
We are available every day from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM, including weekends. For situations that cannot wait, we offer emergency plumbing service during those hours. Call (251) 553-6289 and tell us what is happening, and we will get someone moving toward your location.
We are locally owned and operated, and we have been building our reputation in this community since 1989. With a local shop, your questions go straight to the people doing the work. We are not a company that moves on after the job is done. We live and work here, and we stand behind what we do.
When you call during our operating hours, you reach someone who can actually help, not a voicemail or a queue. We discuss the situation, assess urgency, and get you scheduled. For emergencies, we move fast. For planned work, we find the earliest available time that fits your schedule.
We come prepared for the work we are called out to do. For most common repairs, including water heater work, drain clearing, leak repairs, and fixture replacement, we carry what we need to complete the job in a single visit. If a job requires a special-order part or additional materials, we will tell you upfront and schedule the follow-up as quickly as possible.
Where a permit is required by local code, we handle the work in a code-compliant manner. Licensed plumbers on the job means the work is done by people who understand what the code requires and why those requirements exist. If you have questions about permits for a specific job, ask us when you call and we will give you a straight answer.
We believe in being straightforward. We look at the situation, explain what we found, and walk you through the cost before any work begins. We take pride in the plumbing work we leave behind, and that starts with making sure you understand what you are paying for and why. No surprises after the fact.
Ready to get the water sorted? J & M Plumbing has been handling plumbing problems in Theodore and across Mobile County since 1989, and we are ready to help with yours. A real local person picks up when you call. That means you get answers from someone who knows the area, knows the work, and can get you on the schedule.
We find the leak. We fix the line. We test the pressure.
Call us at (251) 553-6289 to request a quote or schedule a service call. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work in Theodore and across Mobile County, from a dripping faucet to a whole-house repipe. Every job gets the same attention: find the problem, fix it right, and leave the work in better shape than we found it. The table below covers what we do, who each service fits best, and a few practical things worth knowing before you call.
| Service Type | What's Included | Recommended For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement | tank water heater repair, water heater replacement, element and thermostat repair, water heater flush | households or businesses with no hot water, a leaking unit, or an aging heater | If repair costs approach replacement cost, we will tell you honestly before any work begins |
| Emergency Plumbing | burst pipe response, major leak repair, sewer backup emergency, same-day urgent service | any situation where waiting until the next business day is not an option | We offer same-day and emergency availability for calls that cannot wait |
| Sewer & Main Line Service | main sewer line cleaning, sewer line inspection, root intrusion clearing, water service line repair | properties with multiple slow drains, foul odors, or a history of backups | Keeping the main line clear is one of the best investments a property owner can make |
| Tankless Water Heater Installation | on-demand unit installation, supply line and valve connection, gas or electric plumbing hookup, post-install testing | Gulf Coast homeowners looking for consistent hot water with lower long-term energy use | Tankless units are a strong fit for this climate because heating demand runs high year-round without hard winters |
| Slab Leak Detection & Repair | acoustic leak location, pressure testing under slab, targeted slab repair, line rerouting | homeowners on slab foundations noticing warm spots on floors or unexplained water loss | Shifting clay soils in this area put extra stress on under-slab lines; early detection limits foundation damage |
| Leak Detection & Repair | pressure testing, acoustic leak location, supply line repair, burst pipe repair | any property with unexplained water stains, rising water bills, or damp walls | Finding a leak early limits water damage and keeps repair costs lower |
| Sewer Backup & Drain Cleaning | high-water-table backup clearing, root intrusion removal, hydro jetting, post-clearance flow verification | Theodore and Mobile County properties affected by heavy rainfall and saturated ground | Clay soils and a high water table make sewer backups more common here than in drier regions |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | running toilet repair, toilet replacement, clog and overflow service, low-flow and comfort-height models | homeowners dealing with a running, leaking, or clogged toilet | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a month; it is worth fixing quickly |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation | faucet repair and replacement, sink installation, garbage disposal service, commercial fixture work | anyone upgrading fixtures or dealing with drips, leaks, or worn-out hardware | Properly fitted parts last longer and hold up better than quick-swap hardware |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal | drain snaking, hydro jetting, rooter service, recurring backup diagnosis | homeowners and commercial properties with slow or blocked drains | Recurring clogs usually point to a deeper issue; we find the source, not just clear the symptom |
| Repiping (PEX) | whole-house PEX repipe, galvanized pipe replacement, pressure and flow restoration, aging copper replacement | older homes with recurring leaks, low pressure, or discolored water | PEX handles Gulf Coast humidity and mineral content without the corrosion risk of older pipe materials |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair | pressure regulator diagnosis, shutoff valve replacement, main water shutoff repair, outdoor spigot and hose bib repair | homeowners with noticeably low or inconsistent water pressure | Low pressure can signal a hidden leak, a failing regulator, or mineral buildup in the line |
How do I know if my water heater needs repair or full replacement?
Age is the first factor. Most tank water heaters last 10 to 12 years; if yours is in that range and showing problems, replacement often makes more sense than repair. Signs that point toward replacement include rusty or discolored water, a unit that takes much longer to recover than it used to, visible corrosion around the tank or connections, and a leak at the tank itself. A failing heating element or a bad thermostat can often be repaired on a younger unit. When you call us, we will look at the unit, give you an honest read on its condition, and walk you through the options before any work begins.
What causes drains to back up repeatedly even after they are cleared?
A drain that clears and then backs up again is usually telling you the root cause was not addressed. Common culprits include grease and soap buildup that reforms over time, tree roots that grow back into a sewer line, a partial pipe collapse that catches debris, or a main line that is graded incorrectly and holds standing water. Snaking a drain removes the immediate blockage, but if the line has root intrusion or structural damage, the problem comes back. We inspect the line after clearing it so we can tell you whether the drain is in good shape or whether something deeper needs attention.
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater?
A tank water heater keeps a stored supply of hot water warm around the clock, which means it uses energy continuously whether or not anyone is drawing hot water. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, so there is no standby heat loss. In a climate like Theodore's, where hot water demand runs high all year and winters are mild, tankless units tend to perform well. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term energy savings and the benefit of not running out of hot water during high-demand periods make them a popular choice here. We can walk you through the tradeoffs for your specific home and usage.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
Plumbing problems do not keep business hours, and we do not either. We offer same-day scheduling for urgent calls and emergency availability when the situation cannot wait.
How do you find a leak that is hidden inside a wall or under a slab?
We use pressure testing to confirm that a leak exists and narrow down its location, then acoustic listening equipment to pinpoint where the water is escaping. For slab leaks, this approach lets us locate the problem without tearing up large sections of flooring or concrete. Once we find it, we present the repair options, whether that is opening the slab at the leak point or rerouting the line around the damaged section entirely. The goal is to find the leak accurately so the repair is targeted and the disruption to your home is as limited as possible.
How do tree roots damage a sewer line, and what can be done about it?
Tree roots follow moisture, and a sewer line is a reliable source of it. Roots enter through joints, small cracks, or any gap in the pipe and grow inside the line over time. As they expand, they catch debris and eventually create a full blockage. In Mobile County, the combination of clay soils, a high water table, and mature trees makes root intrusion one of the more common causes of sewer backups we see. We clear the roots using snaking or hydro jetting depending on the severity, then inspect the line to assess whether the pipe itself has been damaged. If the pipe is compromised, we discuss repair or replacement options.
What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
Low pressure that affects the whole home usually points to one of a few things: a partially closed main shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, mineral buildup narrowing the inside of older pipes, or a leak somewhere in the supply system that is bleeding off pressure before it reaches the fixtures. If the pressure drop is sudden, a leak is a likely cause and worth checking quickly. If it has been gradual over time, pipe corrosion or a regulator issue is more likely. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix, so you are not paying to replace a regulator when the real problem is a shutoff valve that was never fully reopened.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
We walk you through what the job involves and what it will cost before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprise charges on the invoice.
What should I do right now if a pipe has burst or water is flooding my home?
Shut off the main water supply to the home immediately. The main shutoff is typically near the water meter or where the supply line enters the house. Once the water is off, call us so we can get someone out to you. If water is near electrical panels or outlets, stay clear and contact your utility if needed. Do not wait to see if the situation stabilizes on its own. A burst pipe will not seal itself, and the longer water runs, the more damage it does to walls, flooring, and structural materials. We offer emergency availability for exactly these situations.
Is there a difference between a clog in a single fixture and a main line problem?
Yes, and the distinction matters for how we approach the repair. A clog in a single fixture, like one slow bathroom sink, is almost always localized to that drain or the branch line serving it. A main line problem shows up differently: multiple fixtures back up or drain slowly at the same time, and you may notice gurgling in one drain when another is used. A toilet that bubbles when you run the washing machine is a common sign. When more than one fixture is affected, we go to the main line first rather than clearing individual drains one by one.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job, from a faucet swap to a full repipe, is handled by licensed plumbers who know what a proper installation and a code-compliant repair look like.
How does your pricing work, and will I know the cost before you start?
We give you a clear picture of what the job involves and what it will cost before any work begins. Plumbing costs depend on the scope of the repair, the materials needed, and how accessible the problem is, but there are no surprises on the invoice. We use transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job. Call us, describe what you are dealing with, and we will give you an honest estimate of what the work involves.
Do I need to be home when the plumber arrives?
In most cases, yes. We need access to the work area, and for many repairs we will need to walk through the situation with you before we start, especially if there are options to consider. If you are a landlord or property manager who cannot be on site, let us know when you call. We can arrange access with a tenant or a designated contact and keep you informed throughout the job.
How long does a whole-house repipe typically take?
The timeline depends on the size of the home, how the existing pipes are routed, and how accessible the walls and crawl spaces are. A typical single-family home repipe takes one to three days. We work to minimize disruption to your water service and clean up after each phase of the job. Before we start, we will give you a realistic timeline based on what we find during the initial assessment so you can plan accordingly.
Call us at (251) 553-6289 to talk through what you are dealing with and get a quote before we start.
(251) 553-6289