We've handled everything from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, and the work we do covers the full range of residential and commercial plumbing needs. Drain cleaning, leak detection, water heater repair and replacement, toilet and faucet installation, sewer and main line service, garbage disposals, water pressure diagnostics, shutoff valve repair, and whole-house repiping are all part of what we do every week in this area.
Property managers and commercial clients count on us for the same reliable work we bring to every home visit. Restaurants, offices, and retail spaces all have plumbing that needs to stay functional, and we treat those calls with the same urgency we bring to a homeowner with no hot water. We use code-compliant materials and methods on every job, with licensed plumbers on the job from start to finish. We keep transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any plumbing job, so you know what you are getting before we start. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
Slow drains and full clogs show up in every part of a home or building. Kitchen drains collect grease and food debris. Bathroom drains catch hair and soap buildup. Shower, bathtub, and floor drains back up over time, and when the main drain is involved, the whole system slows down. We clear blockages using drain snaking, hydro jetting, and rooter service, depending on what the line needs. When we leave, the drain runs. If you are dealing with a recurring backup, we will find out why it keeps happening and fix the source, not just the symptom.
Hidden leaks do the most damage because they run undetected behind walls, under floors, and inside slabs before anyone notices the signs. We locate water line leaks, supply line leaks, and pipe leaks using pressure testing and listening equipment so we can pinpoint the problem without tearing up more than necessary. Catching a leak early keeps water damage from turning into a structural repair. We also handle burst pipe and broken pipe repair when the situation is urgent. The sooner a leak gets fixed, the less it costs in the long run.
No hot water is one of the calls that cannot wait. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, and we handle leaking units, failing heating elements, and water heaters that simply reach the end of their service life. A water heater flush can extend the life of an aging unit and improve efficiency. If replacement makes more sense than repair, we will tell you honestly and walk you through the options. Tankless units get a full section below because they are especially well-suited to this area's climate and demand.
A running toilet wastes more water than most people expect, and a clogged or overflowing toilet needs attention right away. We repair and replace toilets of all types, including low-flow and comfort-height models. Leaky faucets, dripping kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and worn-out hardware all get replaced with properly fitted parts that hold up. We also install and repair sinks, garbage disposals, and a wide range of fixtures for both residential and commercial spaces. If it connects to a water line or a drain, we handle it.
When the main sewer line backs up or slows down, every drain in the building is affected. We clean, inspect, repair, and replace main sewer lines and water service lines, speaking to the line itself from the house to the connection point. Sewer line inspection helps identify root intrusion, pipe damage, or buildup before a full backup forces the issue. We also handle water main repair and water service line repair when the supply side is the problem. Keeping the main line clear is one of the best investments a property owner can make.
Galvanized and older copper pipes in aging homes corrode from the inside out, reducing water pressure and water quality over time. A whole-house repipe with PEX replaces deteriorating pipe with material that handles the Gulf Coast's humidity and mineral content without the same corrosion risk. Repiping is a long-term solution for homes where repeated leaks and pressure problems keep coming back. We'll get your water flowing again fast.
If you're not sure your water pressure is where it should be, that is worth a call. Low water pressure can point to a partially closed shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, mineral buildup in the line, or a leak somewhere in the system. We diagnose the cause and fix it rather than guessing. We also repair and replace shutoff valves, including the main water shutoff, and handle outdoor spigots and hose bibs that drip, freeze up, or stop turning. On the gas side, we work the plumbing line and valve that supplies a gas appliance, not the appliance itself. Backflow preventer installation and backflow testing round out the service list for properties that need them. Pick up the phone and we'll get moving.
Whether this is your first plumbing repair or your tenth, the conditions here in Theodore shape what kind of work comes up most often. Mobile County sits on clay-heavy soils with a high water table, and the Gulf Coast brings heavy seasonal rainfall and year-round humidity. Older housing stock in the area means pipes, fixtures, and sewer lines that have been working hard for decades. The three services below come up regularly for a reason, and we know how to handle them.
Heavy rainfall and a high water table put real pressure on sewer lines in this area. When the ground is saturated, the main line can back up even without a blockage, and root intrusion from trees seeking moisture makes the problem worse over time. We inspect the main line, identify what is causing the backup, and clear it using snaking or hydro jetting depending on what the situation calls for. After the line is clear, we confirm the flow is restored and the line is in good condition. Staying ahead of sewer line problems is far easier than dealing with a full backup inside the home. We find the leak. We fix the line. We test the pressure.
Clay-heavy soils shift with the seasons, especially after heavy rain followed by dry spells. That movement puts stress on slab foundations and the water lines running beneath them. A slab leak can go unnoticed for weeks while water erodes the soil under the foundation or damages flooring from below. We use pressure testing and acoustic listening equipment to locate the leak without unnecessary demolition. Once we find it, we present the repair options honestly, whether that is a targeted repair at the leak point or rerouting the line around the damaged section. Protecting the foundation starts with finding the problem early.
The Gulf Coast does not see hard winters, but hot water demand runs high all year. Tankless water heaters are a strong fit for this climate because they heat water on demand rather than keeping a tank warm around the clock. That translates to consistent hot water and lower energy use over time. Installation involves running the proper supply lines, verifying gas or electrical connections on the plumbing side, and testing the unit before we leave. Work is performed by licensed plumbers who know what a proper installation looks like. We take pride in the plumbing work we leave behind, and a tankless installation is no exception. We'll handle the pipes so you don't have to.
Getting your plumbing problem handled starts with a quick call. We serve restaurants, offices, retail spaces, property management companies, and light commercial accounts throughout the area. Commercial drain cleaning, water heater installation, pipe repair, backflow testing, and fixture installation are all part of what we bring to commercial jobs. We also handle rough-in work for remodels, bathroom and kitchen plumbing installation, and pre-purchase plumbing inspections for properties changing hands. The work is the same quality we bring to every residential job, just at a larger scale and with an eye toward keeping the business running. We'll get your water flowing again fast.
J & M Plumbing has been part of this community since 1989, and 37 years of work in Theodore and Mobile County means we have seen just about every plumbing situation a home or business can produce. With a local shop, your questions go straight to the people doing the work. You reach someone who knows the streets, the housing stock, and the local conditions, not someone reading from a screen in another city.
We offer same-day service and emergency availability because plumbing problems do not keep business hours. Whether it is a slow drain or a major leak, we aim to get there quickly and get it handled right. Our pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees on any job. Call for a quote before we start, and you will know what the work costs before we pick up a wrench. We serve Theodore, Tillmans Corner, Semmes, Grand Bay, Bayou La Batre, Saraland, and the surrounding Mobile County area. Pick up the phone and we'll get moving.
When you call, you reach a real local person who can talk through the problem, give you a sense of what is involved, and get you on the schedule. We cover Theodore and the surrounding Mobile County communities, so whoever picks up knows the area. From there, we confirm the appointment time and tell you what to expect before we arrive.
For urgent situations, we offer same-day service and emergency availability. For non-emergency work, lead times vary depending on the schedule, but we aim to get to you as quickly as possible. Call us at (251) 553-6289 and we will give you an honest estimate of when we can be there.
We work with homeowners, landlords, and property managers throughout Mobile County. We understand that rental properties have their own scheduling pressures, and we treat those calls with the same urgency we bring to any residential job. If you manage multiple units, call us and we can talk through how we handle commercial and multi-property accounts.
It helps to know where the problem is in the home, how long it has been happening, and whether anything has changed recently, like a new appliance, a renovation, or a recent storm. You do not need to diagnose it yourself. The more detail you can share, the better we can prepare before we arrive.
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 job, 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.
Low water pressure, slow drains in multiple fixtures, water stains on ceilings or walls, a running toilet that will not stop, and a water bill that has climbed without explanation are all signs worth acting on quickly. Any of those could point to a leak, a main line problem, or a failing fixture that will get worse if left alone. Call us and describe what you are seeing, and we will help you figure out how urgent it is.
Shut off the main water supply to the home immediately. The main shutoff is usually near the water meter or where the supply line enters the house. Once the water is off, call us at (251) 553-6289 so we can get someone out to you fast. If water is near electrical panels or outlets, stay clear and call your utility if needed.
Turn off the shutoff valve behind or beneath the fixture first. For a toilet, the valve is on the wall behind the base. If you cannot reach the fixture shutoff, use the main water shutoff for the home. Once the water is stopped, call us and we will get someone out to assess and repair the situation.
In most cases, yes. We need access to the work area, and for many repairs we will need to ask questions or walk through options with you before we start. If you are a landlord or property manager and cannot be on site, let us know when you call so we can arrange access with your tenant or a designated contact.
Ready to get the water sorted? A burst pipe, a major leak, a sewer backup, or no hot water are all situations where waiting until Monday is not an option. We are available for emergency plumbing repair when the problem cannot sit, and same-day scheduling is available for urgent calls that are not quite emergencies but still need fast attention.
Drains that run clear. Faucets that don't drip. Pipes that hold.
Call J & M Plumbing at (251) 553-6289 to get a quote or schedule service. We are locally owned, we have been doing this work in Theodore since 1989, and we will be there when you need us.
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