J & M Plumbing has served Theodore and the surrounding Mobile County area since 1989. That is 37 years of showing up on time, diagnosing the problem correctly, and leaving the job done right. We are locally owned and operated plumbers, and we handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work, from a dripping faucet to a complete repipe. With a local shop, your questions go straight to the people doing the work. Whether you need a same-day repair or a scheduled installation, you get transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job. Right diagnosis. Right repair. Right the first time.
Call (251) 553-6289 for a quote.
Plumbing problems do not keep business hours. A burst pipe, a water heater that quit overnight, or a sewer backup on a Saturday morning all need a real answer fast. We keep same-day availability for urgent calls, and we are ready to respond when the situation cannot wait.
Homeowners, landlords, and property managers across Theodore count on us when a unit floods, a tenant loses hot water, or a main line backs up. We serve rental properties and multi-unit buildings with the same fast response we bring to single-family homes. When you call, you reach someone who can actually schedule the work and get a plumber on the way. We'll get your water flowing again fast.
We've handled everything from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, and the everyday work is what we do best. We are a full-service plumbing contractor, which means one call covers the job from diagnosis through cleanup.
Slow drains and stubborn clogs are some of the most common calls we get. We clear kitchen drains, bathroom drains, floor drains, and main lines. When you schedule a drain cleaning visit, we locate the blockage, choose the right method to clear it, and confirm the line is running before we leave. Sewer backup service and main line cleaning are covered in the regional section below, where we go into more detail on what drives those problems along the Gulf Coast.
A leak you can see is one thing. A leak hiding inside a wall or running underground is another. We use detection equipment to find the source without tearing open more of your home than necessary. Once we have the location, we repair or replace the damaged section and test the line. Underground and slab leak detection are covered in more detail below. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
No hot water is an emergency in any household. We repair tank water heaters and replace units that have reached the end of their life. We carry parts for common makes and can often complete the repair in a single visit. For full replacements, we help you choose the right size and type for your home. Work performed by licensed plumbers on every water heater job, from a thermostat swap to a full tank replacement. Tankless installation is covered in the regional section below.
A running toilet wastes more water than most people realize, and a leaking faucet adds up fast. We repair and replace toilets, fix the fill valve, flapper, or flush mechanism, and handle full toilet replacements when the unit is beyond repair. On the fixture side, we repair dripping faucets, replace worn cartridges, and install new kitchen and bathroom faucets. We also handle garbage disposal repair, replacement, and installation when yours stops working or starts leaking at the base.
Low water pressure affects everything from showers to appliances. We diagnose the cause, whether that is a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed valve, or a problem further down the line, and we fix it at the source. We also repair and replace shutoff valves, including the main water shutoff, so you have reliable control over your water supply when you need it.
When repairs become a recurring expense, repiping is often the smarter investment. We repipe homes and commercial properties using PEX, which holds up well in this region's conditions and is far less prone to corrosion than older galvanized or polybutylene pipe. We walk you through what the process involves, how long it takes, and what access points we will need before we start. We take pride in the plumbing work we leave behind, and a repipe is one of the jobs that shows it most clearly.
Whether this is your first plumbing repair or your tenth, we bring the same level of care to the job. We work with homeowners on everything from routine repairs to full bathroom renovations and plumbing rough-ins for additions. We also serve businesses, office buildings, restaurants, and commercial properties throughout Mobile County that need a reliable contractor for repairs, fixture installations, and line service.
For landlords and property managers, we understand what matters: fast scheduling, honest pricing, and work that holds up so you are not calling back in two weeks. We show up when we say we will, complete the job cleanly, and keep you informed throughout. Pick up the phone and we'll get moving.
Coastal Alabama's climate puts specific demands on plumbing systems. Heavy seasonal rainfall, high humidity, clay-heavy soils that shift with moisture, and aging slab foundations all create conditions that drive certain plumbing problems more than others in this area. The three services below come up regularly in Theodore and across the Gulf Coast, and we have built real experience handling each one.
Gulf Coast rainfall is heavy and fast, and older sewer lines in the area were not always built to handle it. When water saturates the ground, it puts pressure on lateral lines and can push debris back toward the house. Root intrusion through clay soils is another common cause of main line blockages in this region. We clear main sewer line clogs using hydro jetting and mechanical methods, depending on what the line needs. A service call starts with identifying where the blockage is and what is causing it, then clearing the line completely and confirming flow before we leave. We speak only to the line itself; tank service is a separate trade and not something we handle.
Slab foundations are common throughout Theodore, and the clay soils underneath them expand and contract with moisture. Over time, that movement stresses copper and older pipe, and pinhole leaks develop under the slab. A slab leak can run for months before it shows up as a wet floor or a spike in your water bill. We use electronic detection and pressure testing to locate the leak without unnecessary excavation. Repair options include direct access, rerouting the line through the wall or ceiling, or trenchless methods depending on the situation and the pipe condition. We'll walk you through the options before any work begins.
In a climate with high humidity and mild winters, a tankless water heater is a practical upgrade for most homes. Tankless units heat water on demand rather than keeping a tank warm around the clock, which reduces energy use and frees up space. They also tend to hold up well in this region because they are not constantly cycling against mineral buildup the way tank units are. We handle the full installation, including the gas line or electrical connection the unit requires, and we service existing tankless units when they need maintenance or repair. Work performed by licensed plumbers on every tankless installation. Drains that run clear. Faucets that don't drip. Pipes that hold.
Our primary service area is Theodore, and we also cover the surrounding communities throughout Mobile County. If you are in Tillman's Corner, Semmes, Irvington, Grand Bay, Eight Mile, or Mobile proper, we can get a plumber to you. If you are not sure whether you are in our range, call and ask. We will tell you straight.
If you're not sure your water pressure is where it should be, or you've got a leak you can't locate, the first step is a call. We give you a clear picture of what the job involves and what it will cost before we start work. Plumbing costs vary depending on the scope of the job, the materials required, and how accessible the problem is, but you will always know the price before we proceed. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job, and that means no surprises on the invoice.
As locally owned and operated plumbers, we have been building our reputation in this area for nearly four decades. We are not a company that sends whoever is available and moves on. We are people in this community who want the work to go well. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
Clear the area around the work site as much as you can. Under-sink cabinets should be emptied, and the path to the water heater or main shutoff should be accessible. If you have pets or young children, keep them away from the work area for their safety and so the plumber can move freely. The more accessible the work area, the faster and cleaner the job goes.
A burst or actively leaking pipe, a sewer backup that is affecting multiple drains, no hot water in the home, a water heater that is leaking from the tank, and a main shutoff that will not close are all situations that warrant an immediate call. If water is flowing where it should not be or you have no control over it, call us right away at (251) 553-6289.
We start by talking with you about the problem and looking at the affected area. From there, we diagnose the cause, walk you through what we found and what the repair involves, and confirm the price before we start work. Once the repair is complete, we test the line or fixture to confirm everything is working correctly and clean up the work area before we leave.
We use pressure testing and acoustic listening equipment to narrow down the location of a hidden leak. This lets us pinpoint the source without opening up more of your home than necessary. Once we know where the leak is, we explain the repair options and get your approval before any work begins.
Rust-colored water, a unit that takes longer than usual to heat water, visible corrosion around the tank or connections, water pooling near the base of the unit, and unusual popping or rumbling sounds are all signs that a water heater is in trouble. If you notice any of these, call us so we can assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
When the same home is experiencing leaks in different locations, when water pressure has dropped noticeably across multiple fixtures, or when the pipe material itself is the problem, a full repipe is usually the better long-term solution. Galvanized steel and polybutylene pipe both have finite lifespans, and repeated repairs on deteriorating pipe add up quickly. We assess the situation honestly and tell you what we find before recommending a repipe.
Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside out over time, reducing water pressure, discoloring the water, and eventually developing leaks at multiple points. Polybutylene pipe, common in homes built between the 1970s and mid-1990s, is prone to becoming brittle and failing at fittings and joints. Both materials have been largely replaced in modern plumbing for good reason. If your home has either, it is worth having the system evaluated.
Low water pressure can come from a partially closed shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, mineral buildup inside the pipe, a hidden leak reducing flow, or corroded pipe restricting water movement. We diagnose the actual cause rather than guessing, because the fix depends entirely on what is driving the pressure loss. Catching a pressure problem early often reveals a larger issue before it becomes an emergency.
If we open up a wall or access a pipe and find damage that was not visible during the initial assessment, the scope of the job may change. We will always stop and talk with you before proceeding if the situation is different from what we quoted. Hidden damage, additional material requirements, or a more complex repair than the initial look suggested are the most common reasons a price changes, and we explain it before we continue.
We test the repair before we leave to confirm the fix is holding and the line or fixture is functioning correctly. We clean up the work area and walk you through what was done. If there is anything you should watch for or any follow-up that might be needed, we will tell you before we go.
Heavy Gulf Coast rainfall saturates the ground quickly, which puts pressure on lateral sewer lines and can force debris back toward the house. Saturated clay soils also shift, which stresses buried pipe over time. Root intrusion is common in this area because tree roots follow moisture into pipe joints. These are the main reasons sewer backups and main line problems come up more often here than in drier climates.
After we locate the leak using detection equipment, we assess the pipe condition and present the repair options. A targeted repair involves accessing the slab at the leak point, which requires breaking a section of concrete. A reroute avoids the slab entirely by running a new line through the wall or ceiling. The right approach depends on the pipe condition, the location, and the extent of the damage. We walk you through the options before any work begins so you can make an informed decision.
We run the proper supply and delivery lines, verify the gas line or electrical connection is correctly sized and in good condition on the plumbing side, and test the unit fully before we leave. The installation also involves properly venting the unit and confirming that water flow and temperature are set correctly. Work is performed by licensed plumbers on every tankless installation.
J & M Plumbing is ready to take your call. We serve Theodore and the surrounding Mobile County communities with same-day availability for urgent situations and flexible scheduling for planned work. We find the leak. We fix the line. We test the pressure.
Whether you have an emergency right now or a repair that has been on your list, call (251) 553-6289 for a quote. We will get someone out to you and get the job done right.
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