Plumbing
Water heater repair in Tampa Bay
No hot water, a leaking tank, or hot water that smells like rotten eggs? Ground Up repairs gas and electric water heaters across Tampa Bay, from pilots and elements to thermostats and anode rods. If the tank itself is failing, we'll say so plainly. Call or text 727-732-4357 or request a quote.
Updated
- 30+ years in the building industry
- 24/7 emergency line, nights, weekends, holidays
- 2 Florida state licenses: Plumbing CFC1431937, A/C CAC1817931
- Tampa Bay Plumbing and A/C, one call for both trades
01 — What we do
Water heater repairs we handle
Most water heater problems come down to a handful of parts. We test before we replace anything.
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Elements and thermostats
A burned-out element or a bad thermostat is a common cause of lukewarm or no hot water on electric units.
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Pilots, thermocouples, and gas valves
If the pilot won't stay lit or the burner won't fire, we check the thermocouple, flame sensor, gas valve, and venting.
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Anode rod replacement
The anode rod corrodes so the tank doesn't. Replacing a spent rod can help an otherwise sound tank last longer.
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Leak diagnosis
We find out whether water is coming from a fitting, the relief valve, the drain valve, or the tank itself. Only the tank usually means replacement.
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Relief and drain valves
A dripping relief valve or leaking drain valve is usually a part swap, but a relief valve that keeps opening points to a pressure or temperature problem we'll track down.
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Sediment flushing
Flushing built-up sediment can quiet a noisy tank and help it heat more efficiently.
02 — Signs
Signs your water heater needs a repair
Call us if you notice any of these. The sooner you do, the more likely it's a repair and not a replacement.
- No hot water at all, or only lukewarm water
- Hot water runs out after a few minutes
- Hot water smells like rotten eggs or sulfur
- Water dripping from the relief valve pipe
- The pilot light keeps going out
- Popping or rumbling sounds while the heater runs
- The breaker for the water heater keeps tripping
Local
Why Tampa Bay water heaters act up
Hard water is common in much of the Tampa Bay area, and it shows up inside water heaters. Minerals settle as sediment in the tank and can coat electric elements, which makes them run hot and fail sooner. A noisy tank and slow recovery are often the first clues that sediment is building up.
The rotten-egg smell some homeowners notice is usually a reaction between bacteria in the water and the anode rod, not a gas leak. Flushing the tank and swapping to a different anode material often helps. If you smell gas near a gas water heater, that's different: leave the house and call your gas utility first.
Florida heat and humidity also take a toll on water heaters in garages and attics, where corrosion on fittings and valves is common. Summer storms and power surges can knock out elements and thermostats on electric units. Many problems come down to a single part, so it's worth a diagnosis before you shop for a new tank.
03 — Process
How a repair visit goes
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Diagnose
We test the elements, thermostats, gas controls, or valves and find the part that actually failed.
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Repair or replace, honestly
If it's a part, we quote that repair. If the tank is leaking or the heater is near the end, we'll tell you and lay out both options.
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Fix and test
We make the repair, restore power or gas, and confirm the heater reaches temperature and holds it.
Licensed for this work in Florida: Certified Plumbing Contractor CFC1431937 · Certified Air Conditioning Contractor CAC1817931. Financing available. Ask us.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
If the tank itself is leaking, replacement is usually the only real fix. If it's a part, like an element, thermostat, thermocouple, or valve, and the tank is in decent shape, repair often makes sense. Age matters too: many tank heaters last roughly 8–12 years, so a big repair on an older unit may not be worth it.
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
Usually it's bacteria in the water reacting with the tank's anode rod and producing hydrogen sulfide. It's common and fixable. Flushing the tank and swapping the anode rod for a different material often clears it up. If the smell is in cold water too, the source may be your water supply, and we'll talk through next steps.
Why is water coming out of the pipe on the side of my water heater?
That pipe is the discharge line from the temperature and pressure relief valve. A small drip can mean the valve is worn. Steady discharge can mean the water is too hot or the pressure is too high, sometimes from a missing or failed expansion tank. Never cap or plug that line. Call us so we can find the cause.
How often should I flush my water heater?
Many plumbers suggest flushing a tank water heater about once a year, and hard water is a good reason to stick to that. If a tank has gone years without a flush, draining it can stir up sediment that clogs the drain valve, so it's worth having a pro handle the first one.
Quote request
Get a quote: Water heater repair
Tell us what's going on and how to reach you. A licensed tech (not a call center) gets back to you.
Need help right now? Call 727-732-4357. We answer 24/7.
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Talk to a licensed plumber or A/C tech
Call or text and tell us what's going on. Not urgent? Send a quote request or pick a time that works for you.
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