Rheem-authorized experts serving Pelham, Helena, Alabaster, and all of Shelby County. Same-day service when your hot water can't wait.
Professor Plumb is Rheem-certified, which means we're trained and authorized to install, repair, and maintain Rheem water heaters to factory specification. That matters because a certified install protects your manufacturer warranty in ways a DIY job or uncertified plumber simply won't.
Duane, our licensed Master Plumber, has been working on water heaters throughout Shelby County for over 20 years. When your hot water goes out, you want someone who knows these units inside and out — not someone reading a manual on your driveway.
Water heaters rarely fail all at once. They give you warnings first — catching them early can mean a repair instead of a full replacement. Here's what to watch for:
Traditional tank water heaters are reliable and less expensive upfront. They store 30–80 gallons of hot water and are straightforward to repair. If your current unit is under 8 years old and failing, a repair may be all it takes. If it's older or the tank itself is leaking, replacement is often the smarter call.
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters heat water only when you need it, cutting water heating costs by 20–30%. They last 15–20 years and never run out of hot water. The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost and more complex installation — which is exactly why you want a licensed plumber who's done dozens of them. We install both propane and natural gas tankless units.
Not sure which fits your home and household size? We'll give you an honest assessment — no upsell, no script.
We serve homeowners throughout Shelby County — Pelham, Helena, Alabaster, Hoover, Columbiana, Chelsea, Calera, and the surrounding communities. Most jobs are scheduled same-day or next-day, and we're available 24/7 for genuine emergencies.
Every water heater job comes with upfront pricing before we start. No surprise charges, no add-ons you didn't ask for.
Questions? We answer the phone.
Call (205) 671-5049A standard tank water heater replacement in Shelby County typically runs $900–$1,600 installed, including parts and labor. Tankless units are $1,800–$3,000+ depending on the model and whether gas line work is needed. We give you an exact price before any work starts.
A tank swap is usually 1–2 hours. Tankless installations take 2–4 hours depending on venting requirements and whether a gas line needs to be extended. We'll tell you exactly what to expect when we assess your situation.
If you have a large household, run out of hot water frequently, or plan to stay in your home long-term, tankless is worth the upfront cost. If you want a reliable, lower-cost option, a tank unit does the job well. We'll help you compare based on your home size, usage, and budget.
Yes. Water heater failures rarely happen at a convenient time, so we're available 24/7 for emergencies. For non-emergency replacements, we typically schedule within 24 hours.
Often yes — especially if the unit is under 8 years old. Common repairs include thermostat or heating element replacement, anode rod service, and pressure relief valve replacement. We'll assess your unit and tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.
Call or text Professor Plumb — licensed, local, and available 24/7 throughout Shelby County.
