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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there anything I can do right now?
Yes. Check your water heater's circuit breaker or gas pilot light first, as a tripped breaker or extinguished pilot is a common cause. Also confirm the cold water supply valve to the heater is fully open. If those checks don't restore hot water, call Home Therapist at (813) 343-2212 for same-day service.
Why did my hot water suddenly stop working?
Three most common causes: (1) tripped breaker or blown pilot light (fastest fixes), (2) failed heating element in an electric tank (especially 6+ years old in Tampa), (3) sediment destroyed the tank. Walk through the 6 causes above.
Tank or tankless water heater in Tampa?
Tankless usually wins for Tampa families of 4+. Longer lifespan (15+ years vs 8-10 for tank in Tampa hard water), lower energy bills, endless hot water. Higher upfront ($2,854-$4,574 gas tankless vs $1,484-$2,009 tank). See our full comparison.
How long does a water heater last in Florida?
Tank: 8-10 years (shorter than national average because of Tampa hard water). Tankless: 15-20 years with annual maintenance. If your tank is 10+ years and making noise, start budgeting.
Can I reset a water heater myself?
Electric tank: yes. Flip the 30-amp breaker off/on in your panel. Gas: you can relight the pilot following the sticker instructions. If it doesn’t stay lit or you smell gas, stop.
Why is my water lukewarm but not hot?
Electric tank with one dead element (usually the bottom one). The top element still heats the upper half so you get 15-20 min of lukewarm water. Element + thermostat check and replacement: $349.
How much to replace a water heater in Tampa?
Value 50-gal electric tank: $1,484-$2,009 installed. Gas tank: $1,845-$2,333. Premium tankless gas: $2,854-$4,574. Elite Plus: $4,148-$6,844. All include haul-away, permits, and standard connections.
Is a tankless water heater worth it in Florida?
For most Tampa families, yes. 20-30% lower gas bills, never run out of hot water, 15+ year lifespan, small wall-mounted footprint. Higher upfront cost. Best ROI if you stay 7+ years.
Why is there sediment in my hot water?
Tampa hard water leaves calcium deposits in the tank bottom. When the tank heats, sediment bakes onto the element (electric) or the tank floor (gas) causing popping sounds. Annual tank flush prevents it. $249 for tank, $279 for tankless.
Does my water heater need annual maintenance?
Yes, especially in Tampa. Our maintenance package includes: tank flush, anode rod inspection, pressure relief valve test, thermostat calibration, plus a free whole-home plumbing inspection. Extends lifespan 3-5 years on average. $249 tank / $279 tankless.
What causes a water heater to leak?
Three causes: (1) failed pressure relief valve (fix $279), (2) cracked tank from sediment corrosion (replace entire unit), (3) loose supply line or drain valve (fix $279). If water is pooling around the base, shut off water and call immediately, tank is likely cracked.
Does Florida require a permit to replace a water heater?
Yes. Florida Statute 553.84 and Florida Building Code Plumbing Section 502 require a permit for all water heater replacements. Hillsborough County issues permits through Development Services. Work must be performed by a licensed CFC contractor. Home Therapist (CFC1431159) pulls all permits as part of every replacement job. An unpermitted replacement can void homeowner’s insurance and must be disclosed at sale.
Why does Tampa’s hard water shorten water heater life?
Tampa tap water carries 12 to 18 grains per gallon of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Inside your tank, these minerals precipitate out as sediment on the tank bottom and as scale on heating elements. Sediment acts as insulation, forcing elements to run hotter and longer to heat the water above it, accelerating failure. The same minerals also deplete the sacrificial anode rod 2 to 3 times faster than in soft-water markets, leaving the tank shell exposed to corrosion. Regular flushing every 6 months and annual anode inspection are the two most effective countermeasures. Licensed CFC1431159.
My hot water stopped working in the middle of winter. Is that a coincidence?
Not usually. November through January is the peak failure window for water heaters in Tampa because incoming groundwater drops from 80 degrees to 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A unit that was barely keeping up with demand all summer may fail under the added load of heating much colder incoming water. If your unit is 7 or more years old and failed during a cold snap, replacement is likely a better investment than repair. FREE diagnosis to assess the unit. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CFC1431159.
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