Water Heater Services in Tampa, FL
No hot water? Leaking tank? Whether you need a quick repair, a brand-new installation, or an energy-efficient tankless upgrade, Strowbiz Plumbing delivers fast, reliable water heater services across Tampa Bay. We service and install all major brands and offer same-day replacement for most standard units.
What's Included
Why Choose Strowbiz
Same-Day Service Available
No hot water is an emergency in any household. We stock common water heater models and can often replace your unit the same day you call — getting your hot water back fast.
Code-Compliant Installation
Proper installation is critical for safety, efficiency, and longevity. Our licensed plumbers install to current Florida building code every time, including proper venting, drainage, and expansion tanks.
Energy-Efficient Options
We help Tampa homeowners choose the most energy-efficient water heater for their usage patterns and budget. Upgrading from an old unit can reduce water heating costs by 20-40%.
Every Brand, Every Type
Tank, tankless, hybrid heat pump, electric, gas — we install and service them all. We'll recommend the best fit for your home based on family size, usage, and budget.
Our Process
Diagnosis or Consultation
We inspect your current water heater, diagnose the issue, and determine whether repair or replacement is the better option.
Options & Pricing
You receive clear options with upfront pricing for repair, same-model replacement, or upgrade to a more efficient unit.
Professional Installation
Our licensed plumber installs your new water heater to code, including all connections, venting, and safety components.
Testing & Warranty
We test the unit, verify proper operation, and provide manufacturer and labor warranty documentation.
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters: Which Is Right for Tampa Homes?
One of the most common questions Tampa homeowners ask is whether they should stick with a traditional tank water heater or upgrade to tankless. Both have advantages, and the right choice depends on your household's hot water demands, available space, and budget.
Traditional Tank Water Heaters store 40-80 gallons of hot water in an insulated tank, keeping it ready for use around the clock. They're affordable to purchase and install, work well for most families, and are compatible with existing plumbing in nearly every Tampa home. The downside is that they consume energy 24/7 to maintain water temperature (standby heat loss), and once the tank is depleted, you have to wait 30-60 minutes for it to reheat. Tank water heaters typically last 8-12 years in the Tampa area.
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters heat water only when you turn on a faucet, providing an endless supply of hot water. They're significantly more energy-efficient because there's no standby heat loss. Tankless units are compact and can be mounted on a wall, freeing up floor space. They last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost, and some homes may need gas line or electrical upgrades to support the unit's demand.
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters are gaining popularity in Florida because they use ambient air to heat water — making them 2-3 times more energy-efficient than standard electric tank units. They work exceptionally well in Tampa's warm climate where the surrounding air temperature stays above 40°F year-round. They do require more clearance space than traditional tanks.
During your consultation, we'll evaluate your home's hot water usage, existing infrastructure, and budget to recommend the best option. We install all three types and can provide pricing for each so you can make an informed decision.
Signs You Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement
Water heaters don't always fail suddenly. In many cases, there are warning signs weeks or months before a complete breakdown. Recognizing these signs early can save Tampa homeowners from emergency situations and costly water damage:
Inconsistent or lukewarm water — If your hot water isn't as hot as it used to be, or the temperature fluctuates, the heating element, thermostat, or gas burner may be failing.
Rusty or discolored hot water — Brown or rust-colored hot water (but clear cold water) typically means the anode rod is depleted and the tank is beginning to corrode internally. This is a sign that replacement may be needed soon.
Strange noises — Rumbling, popping, or cracking sounds from your water heater indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This reduces efficiency and can eventually damage the tank. A flush may resolve it if caught early.
Leaking around the base — Water pooling around the base of your water heater is a serious sign. It may be a minor valve issue, or it could indicate tank failure. Either way, call immediately to prevent water damage.
Age — If your water heater is 8-12 years old and showing any symptoms, it's wise to start planning for replacement rather than investing in expensive repairs on a unit nearing end of life.
Higher energy bills — A sudden increase in your electric or gas bill without a change in usage patterns can indicate your water heater is losing efficiency due to sediment buildup or component wear.
Frequent repairs — If you've had multiple repair calls in the past year or two, replacement is usually more cost-effective than continuing to patch an aging unit.
Water Heater Installation in Tampa — What's Involved?
A professional water heater installation involves much more than simply connecting a new unit. Here's what Strowbiz Plumbing includes with every installation in the Tampa area:
Removal and disposal — We disconnect and remove your old water heater, including draining the tank and safely disposing of it in compliance with local regulations.
Proper sizing — We ensure your new water heater is correctly sized for your household. An undersized unit won't meet demand; an oversized unit wastes energy. We calculate based on the number of bathrooms, family size, and peak usage patterns.
Code-compliant connections — We connect all water lines, gas lines (if applicable), and electrical connections to current Florida building code. This includes proper T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve installation with a discharge line routed to a safe location.
Expansion tank — Tampa's municipal water systems use backflow preventers, which create a "closed system." This requires an expansion tank to accommodate thermal expansion and protect your new water heater. We install expansion tanks on every new installation.
Drain pan and overflow line — For water heaters installed in locations where a leak could cause damage (attics, closets, upper floors), we install a drain pan with an overflow line as required by code.
Venting (gas units) — Gas water heaters require proper venting to safely exhaust combustion gases. We inspect and upgrade venting as needed to meet current code requirements.
Testing and calibration — We test the unit, set the thermostat to the recommended temperature (120°F), verify all connections are leak-free, and ensure proper operation before we leave.
Water Heater Maintenance Tips for Tampa Homeowners
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater by several years and keep it running at peak efficiency. Here's what we recommend for Tampa homeowners:
Annual flushing — Tampa's water contains minerals that settle as sediment in the bottom of your tank. Flushing the tank annually removes this buildup, improving efficiency and preventing damage. This is the single most important maintenance task for tank water heaters.
Anode rod inspection — The anode rod is a sacrificial component that protects the tank from corrosion. It should be inspected every 2-3 years and replaced when it's significantly depleted. A $30-50 anode rod replacement can prevent a $1,000+ premature tank failure.
T&P valve testing — The temperature and pressure relief valve is a critical safety device. Test it annually by lifting the lever briefly — water should flow freely and stop when released. If it doesn't operate properly, it needs replacement.
Check for leaks — Periodically inspect around and under your water heater for any signs of moisture, dripping, or corrosion on fittings and connections.
Temperature setting — Keep your thermostat set to 120°F. This provides comfortable hot water while minimizing energy consumption and reducing the risk of scalding.
Strowbiz Plumbing offers annual water heater maintenance service that covers all of the above. Regular maintenance is especially important in the Tampa area due to our hard water conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do water heaters last in Tampa?
Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8-12 years in the Tampa area. Tampa's water quality and mineral content can shorten lifespan if the unit isn't regularly maintained. Tankless units last 15-20 years, and hybrid heat pump units last 12-15 years with proper maintenance.
Should I switch to a tankless water heater?
Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water, use 20-40% less energy, and last nearly twice as long as tank units. They cost more upfront but save money over their lifetime. They're an excellent choice for Tampa homeowners who want to reduce energy costs and free up space. We can assess your home and recommend the best option.
Why is my water heater leaking?
Leaks can be caused by a failing tank (internal corrosion), loose fittings, a faulty T&P relief valve, condensation, or a leaking drain valve. Some leaks are inexpensive to repair; others indicate the unit needs replacement. Call us for a diagnosis — we'll give you an honest assessment.
How quickly can you replace a water heater in Tampa?
In most cases, we can replace your water heater the same day you call. We stock common models from major manufacturers. Standard installations typically take 2-4 hours. Tankless conversions may take 4-8 hours depending on the work required.
What size water heater do I need?
For tank water heaters, a general guideline is: 1-2 people need 30-40 gallons, 2-3 people need 40-50 gallons, 3-4 people need 50-60 gallons, and 5+ people need 60-80 gallons. Tankless units are sized by flow rate (GPM). We'll calculate the right size during your consultation based on your actual usage patterns.
How much does water heater installation cost in Tampa?
Water heater installation costs vary based on the type of unit (tank, tankless, hybrid), fuel source (gas or electric), size, and any additional work needed (gas line, electrical upgrade, venting). We provide free estimates with transparent, upfront pricing before any work begins.
Do you offer water heater maintenance?
Yes. We offer annual water heater maintenance that includes flushing the tank, inspecting the anode rod, testing the T&P valve, checking all connections, and verifying proper operation. Regular maintenance extends the life of your unit and maintains its efficiency — especially important with Tampa's hard water.
Is a permit required to install a water heater in Tampa?
Yes. Hillsborough County requires a permit for water heater replacement. We handle all permitting and inspection coordination as part of our standard installation service. The cost is included in our quote.
Areas We Serve
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(813) 857-5327