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.
If you're a Spire natural gas customer in Shelby County, you may qualify for a rebate on a qualifying energy-efficient water heater. Professor Plumb is an authorized Spire contractor — which means we can verify eligibility before you purchase and provide the installation documentation Spire requires to process your rebate.
Rebate amounts vary by equipment model and are updated periodically. Visit spireenergy.com/water-heater-rebates to see current offers for Central and Northern Alabama. Here's how the process works once you're ready:
Spire requires the following to process a water heater rebate without delays. We'll make sure you have everything before we leave the job:
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.
No call centers, no subcontractors. When you call Professor Plumb, Duane or Zach shows up — the same two people whose names are on the truck.
Rated 4.9★ by 392 Shelby County neighbors
4.9★ average • 392 verified reviews • A+ BBB
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.
After we install your new unit, submit your rebate application at spireenergy.com/rebates. You'll need the receipt (manufacturer, full model number, price, purchase date), the installation date, and confirmation it was installed at your Spire service address. Your Professor Plumb invoice covers the contractor verification requirement. We're an authorized Spire contractor, so the paperwork is straightforward — we'll make sure you have everything you need before we leave.
Yes — we remove and haul away your old unit as part of every water heater replacement. You don't have to arrange disposal yourself.
Absolutely. If you'd like to purchase your own unit — including using a Home Depot card — we'll pick it up from Home Depot and bring it straight to your house. You get the benefit of your own financing or rewards, and we handle everything from pickup to installation and haul-away of the old unit.
Yes. We supply and install Rheem water heaters, which we're factory-authorized to sell and install. A Rheem unit installed by a certified contractor like us protects your manufacturer warranty. Just let us know when you call and we'll bring the right unit for your home.
Call or text Professor Plumb — licensed, local, and available 24/7 throughout Shelby County.
