40-Gallon Electric Water Heater Installation in Lakeland, FL 33801

When the water heater starts acting up in a home, it doesn’t take long for everyone to notice. For this homeowner in Lakeland, FL 33801, reliable hot water was a daily necessity, and it was time to replace an aging unit with something safer, more efficient, and properly installed. Our Plumbing Therapist technician, Adalberto, installed a new 40-gallon tall Rheem electric water heater and set it up with the right safety accessories and warranties so the homeowner could enjoy dependable hot water again.

In this case study, we’ll walk through what we installed, how we set it up, and why the details matter for long-term performance and peace of mind for homeowners in and around Lakeland, FL 33801.

Case Recap

• Location: Single-family home in Lakeland, FL 33801
• Service: 40-gallon tall Rheem electric water heater installation
• Equipment: 4500-watt, 40-gallon Rheem Performance model (tall unit)
• Included accessories: Hot water line insulation, service valve, drain pan, and discharge line
• Warranty coverage: 6-year parts warranty from Rheem, 2-year labor warranty from Plumbing Therapist
• Outcome: Safe, code-conscious installation with reliable hot water restored and warranties clearly explained

Customer Problem

By the time we were called out to this home in Lakeland, the homeowner was ready for a straightforward solution. Whether a water heater is leaking, not heating consistently, or simply reaching the end of its service life, homeowners mainly care about three things:

Is it safe? Will I have enough hot water? And how long will the new unit last?

The existing water heater was no longer meeting expectations for reliable hot water. Rather than continuing to repair an older unit, the homeowner chose a full replacement with a new Rheem 40-gallon tall electric water heater. That choice made sense for a typical household that needs enough hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing without overpaying on energy bills.

Because Lakeland, FL 33801 sees year-round use of hot water—especially during cooler mornings or when guests are visiting—having a correctly sized and professionally installed water heater is critical. The homeowner wanted a solution that would be:

• Properly sized for daily needs
• Installed to manufacturer and safety guidelines
• Backed by clear parts and labor warranties

Inspection and Diagnosis

Even when a homeowner has already decided on replacement, we still take time to inspect the area and conditions around the water heater. For this Lakeland home, Adalberto focused on a few key points before beginning the actual installation:

1. Existing Water Heater Area
We checked the space where the old water heater was located to confirm the new tall Rheem 40-gallon model would fit properly. Height and diameter matter here—this Rheem unit is a tall 63 5/8″ x 23″ model, so we confirmed there was adequate clearance for safe installation, piping, and servicing.

2. Plumbing Connections
We inspected the hot and cold water lines, shut-off valve, and existing drain options. Any weak, corroded, or poorly installed connections can lead to leaks down the road, so this is where we look for anything that needs to be improved during the new installation.

3. Drainage and Pan Location
In Florida homes, especially around Lakeland, a properly installed drain pan and discharge line are important protections. If a leak ever occurs, that pan and drain route help direct water safely away and reduce damage risk.

4. Electrical Supply
For an electric water heater, we verify the dedicated circuit and connection point are appropriate for the unit’s wattage—in this case, a 4500-watt Rheem heater. While we don’t list specific readings here, we confirm the setup is suitable and that the connection point is ready for the new unit.

Once we confirmed the space and connections were ready, we moved on to removing the old equipment and installing the new Rheem water heater.

Repair and Installation Process

Replacing a water heater is more than swapping tanks. Each step affects safety, efficiency, and future maintenance. Here’s how we handled this 40-gallon electric water heater installation in Lakeland, FL 33801.

1. Safely Removing the Old Unit
We began by shutting off power and water to the old water heater, then draining the tank so it could be removed safely. This prevents spills and minimizes the mess in the home. We always protect the surrounding area and work carefully to avoid damage to floors, walls, or nearby fixtures.

2. Positioning the New 40-Gallon Rheem Heater
Next, we set the new 40-gallon, 4500-watt Rheem Performance electric water heater in place. Because this is a tall model, proper placement is critical for:

• Safe access to controls and elements
• Room for future maintenance and potential replacement
• Correct alignment with plumbing and electrical connections

3. Installing the Drain Pan
A drain pan is more than a tray under the heater—it’s a key layer of protection. We installed a pan sized for the new unit and aligned it so that if any water escapes from the tank, it’s directed toward the proper drainage route instead of spreading across the floor.

4. Adding the Discharge Line
The temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) is a built-in safety device on every modern water heater. It needs a proper discharge line to safely carry any released water to an appropriate drain point. We installed a discharge line so that, if the T&P valve ever opens, water is directed in a controlled and safe way.

5. Installing and Insulating the Hot Water Line
We connected the hot and cold water lines to the new heater and added hot water line insulation. Insulating the hot water line helps:

• Reduce heat loss as hot water travels through the pipes
• Improve comfort at fixtures by keeping water temperature more consistent
• Support overall efficiency, which matters in Florida where water use is frequent

6. Installing the Service Valve
A service valve gives us and the homeowner a safe, simple way to shut off water to the heater when maintenance, draining, or future replacement is needed. We installed a service valve at the water heater so the homeowner has better control and we can work more efficiently on any future visits.

7. Making the Electrical Connection
With plumbing and safety accessories in place, we made the electrical connection to the new Rheem unit. We matched it to the 4500-watt specifications and secured all connections so the heater can operate reliably without loose or stressed wiring.

8. Filling, Bleeding Air, and Testing
Once all connections were secure, we:

• Turned the water back on and allowed the tank to fill completely
• Opened hot water faucets to bleed air from the lines
• Restored power and allowed the heater to reach operating temperature

We then checked for leaks, verified that the unit cycled on as expected, and confirmed that hot water was reaching fixtures. While we’re not listing exact temperatures or readings here, we verified proper operation after the installation.

9. Explaining Warranties and Operation to the Homeowner
Before we left, we reviewed the key warranty details with the homeowner:

• 6-year warranty on parts – Provided by the manufacturer (Rheem)
• 2-year warranty on labor – Provided by Plumbing Therapist

We also reminded the homeowner that the warranty period begins on the installation date and that model numbers can vary slightly depending on availability, even when performance and capacity remain the same.

Why This Fix Works

For a typical household in Lakeland, FL 33801, a 40-gallon electric water heater is a practical balance of capacity and efficiency. Here’s why this installation approach works well long-term:

Right-Sized Capacity
A 40-gallon tank provides enough hot water for common daily tasks—showers, laundry, dishwashing—without the extra energy use of an oversized tank. This helps manage electric bills while still meeting normal household demand.

Safe Pressure and Temperature Management
The T&P valve and discharge line are safety must-haves. They protect the tank and the home if pressure or temperature rises beyond safe limits by giving that excess a controlled path to escape.

Protected Surrounding Area
The drain pan and proper discharge help protect floors and structures around the heater if a leak ever occurs. In Florida’s humid climate, avoiding standing water also helps reduce the risk of moisture-related damage.

Improved Efficiency with Line Insulation
Insulating the hot water line reduces heat loss between the heater and the fixtures. Over time, this supports more stable temperatures and less wasted energy—important for any homeowner managing year-round utility usage in the Lakeland area.

Clear Warranty Coverage
With a 6-year parts warranty from Rheem and a 2-year labor warranty from Plumbing Therapist, the homeowner benefits from both manufacturer backing and local professional support. That blend of coverage helps protect the investment and encourages proper service rather than quick, temporary fixes.

Pro Tips for Homeowners in Lakeland

Electric water heaters are relatively low-maintenance compared to some systems, but a few habits go a long way for homeowners in Lakeland, FL 33801:

1. Know Where Your Shut-Offs Are
Take a moment to locate the service valve and electrical shut-off for your water heater. In the rare case of a leak or issue, being able to turn things off quickly can prevent damage and give you peace of mind until a technician arrives.

2. Keep the Area Around the Heater Clear
Avoid storing boxes, chemicals, or flammable materials around the water heater. Good clearance makes it safer to operate and easier for technicians to service, especially in the warmer, humid months when equipment can sweat or condensate.

3. Watch for Subtle Changes
Signs like lukewarm water, running out of hot water faster than usual, or new popping sounds from the tank can indicate sediment buildup or developing issues. The earlier you call for service, the more options we usually have to help.

4. Consider Periodic Maintenance
Regular checks can extend the life of a water heater. For guidance on how often to schedule service, you can review our article on water heater maintenance scheduling and annual inspections, which explains what’s typically done during a professional visit.

5. Understand Your Warranty
Knowing what’s covered—parts vs. labor—helps you make better decisions if something ever goes wrong. Our team has broken this down in more detail in our resource on warranty coverage for plumbing services, so you can see how manufacturer and contractor warranties work together.

6. Ask About Maintenance Plans
If you like having reminders and predictable service, a maintenance plan can be a good fit. We outline options and benefits in our guide on water heater maintenance plans and promotions and our broader overview of plumbing services maintenance plans and options.

FAQ: 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater Installation

Is a 40-gallon electric water heater enough for a typical home in Lakeland, FL 33801?

For many households, a 40-gallon electric water heater is a solid choice. It usually provides enough hot water for daily needs like showers, dishes, and laundry without the added cost of running a larger tank. During our visit, we take into account the number of occupants and usage habits to confirm that the chosen size makes sense.

What brand and basic specs were used for this installation?

For this Lakeland project, we installed a Rheem electric water heater with a 40-gallon capacity and 4500-watt elements in a tall configuration (approximately 63 5/8″ high and 23″ in diameter). Model numbers can vary slightly based on availability, but we match the performance and capacity to the home’s needs.

What warranties does the homeowner receive with this water heater?

This installation included a 6-year parts warranty provided by Rheem and a 2-year labor warranty provided by Plumbing Therapist. The warranty start date is the installation date. We review these details with the homeowner before we leave so they know exactly what’s covered and for how long.

Why are the drain pan and discharge line so important?

The drain pan helps catch and direct any unexpected leaks, protecting floors and nearby areas. The discharge line is connected to the temperature and pressure relief valve and gives water a safe path if that valve ever opens. Both are important for safety and for minimizing water damage risk in your Lakeland home.

How long does a typical water heater installation take?

Most standard replacements, like this 40-gallon electric water heater in Lakeland, can be completed in a single visit. The exact timeframe depends on factors such as access, existing plumbing conditions, and whether additional repairs are needed, but we always aim to restore hot water as soon as possible while keeping workmanship thorough.

Do I need to do anything special after the new heater is installed?

Once the installation is complete and we’ve verified proper operation, there’s not much you need to do right away. We recommend keeping the area around the heater clear, watching for any unusual sounds or leaks, and considering periodic maintenance to help the unit last longer.

Why Choose Home Therapist for Your Water Heater in Lakeland

When you invite us into your home in Lakeland, FL 33801, you’re trusting us with your comfort and your property. We take that seriously.

Licensed and Professional Technicians
Our technicians are trained, licensed, and experienced with both plumbing and HVAC systems. That means when we install a water heater, we’re looking at the entire setup—plumbing, electrical, drainage, and safety devices—not just the tank itself.

Transparent Communication
From explaining the difference between repair and replacement to walking you through your parts and labor warranties, we keep the process clear and straightforward. We want you to understand exactly what’s being done and why.

Clean and Respectful Work
We treat your home like it’s our own. That includes protecting the work area, managing debris, and leaving the space as clean as we found it once the new water heater is installed and tested.

Focused on Long-Term Reliability
We’re not just focused on getting hot water back for today. We install equipment and accessories—like insulation, service valves, drain pans, and discharge lines—that support long-term performance and safety for homeowners across Tampa Bay and nearby communities like Lakeland.

Rooted in the Tampa Bay Community
Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing is an established local company with a presence across multiple trusted platforms. You can learn more about us and read reviews through resources like the Better Business Bureau profile for Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing, the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce listing for Home Therapist, and our contractor profile on BuildZoom.

If you’d like a closer look at tips, projects, and updates from our team, you can also connect with us on social platforms, including our Pinterest page for Home Therapist and our Home Therapist Reddit profile, where we share information and stay engaged with homeowners.

Need Water Heater Help in Lakeland, FL 33801?

If your current water heater is leaking, unreliable, or simply reaching the end of its life, we’re here to help. Whether you need a new 40-gallon electric unit like the one in this Lakeland case study or want an expert opinion on your options, our team will walk you through everything in plain language.

Homeowners in Lakeland, FL 33801 and throughout the Tampa Bay area can count on Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing for professional installation, respectful service, and clear warranty support. When you’re ready to restore reliable hot water in your home, schedule your water heater service with us and we’ll take care of the rest—safely, cleanly, and with your comfort in mind.