Water in Southwest Florida often comes from aquifers that run through limestone. That can mean hard water, and in some private wells, sulfur smell or iron stains. Water quality affects how long your water heater, fixtures and appliances last, so it makes sense to think about water treatment and your water heater together.
Start by finding out what's in your water
If you're on city or county water, your utility publishes an annual water quality report, also called a Consumer Confidence Report. It shows what's in the water and whether it meets federal standards. Search your utility's website or call them for a copy. Water quality and hardness vary from one utility to another, and some local utilities use membrane treatment such as reverse osmosis, so don't assume your neighbor's experience in another city applies to you.
If you're on a private well, common in areas like Lehigh Acres, Golden Gate Estates and parts of Charlotte County, you're responsible for testing it yourself. The Florida Department of Health has guidance on private well testing, and county health departments can help with testing for bacteria and other contaminants. Test before you buy treatment equipment, so you buy the right system.
Common water treatment options
- Water softeners remove the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water. They reduce scale on fixtures, glass shower doors, and inside water heaters. They use salt and periodically flush brine down the drain, so ask about salt use and drainage, especially if you're on a septic system.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems, usually under the kitchen sink, filter drinking and cooking water. They have filters and a membrane that need changing on a schedule. Whole-house RO exists but is much larger and more involved.
- Carbon filters can improve taste and odor, including chlorine taste from city water.
- Well water systems may include iron filters, sulfur (hydrogen sulfide) treatment, aeration or disinfection, depending on what testing finds.
Be cautious of free in-home "water tests" that lead straight into a high-pressure sales pitch. Ask for written results and a written quote, compare more than one company, and read the financing terms. Ask what ongoing maintenance costs, such as salt, filters and membranes, and who services the system.
Tank, tankless or heat pump?
Tank water heaters keep a supply of hot water ready. They're the most common type and usually the simplest to replace. In hard water, scale and sediment build up in the bottom of the tank, so periodic flushing helps. The anode rod inside protects the tank from corrosion and wears out over time; ask your plumber to check it.
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand and save space. Many Southwest Florida homes don't have natural gas service, and electric tankless units can need a lot of electrical capacity, so ask whether your panel can handle one. Hard water causes scale inside the heat exchanger, so manufacturers generally call for regular descaling, and a softener may be recommended.
Heat pump water heaters are tank heaters that pull heat from the surrounding air. They work best in warm spaces, which describes most Florida garages. The federal ENERGY STAR program describes them as much more energy efficient than standard electric tank heaters. They need room for airflow and a condensate drain.
A licensed plumber can help you weigh up-front cost, operating cost, space and electrical needs. Replacing a water heater generally requires a permit in Florida, so ask whether the price includes the permit.
Tips for seasonal owners
- Before you leave, many owners shut off the main water supply and turn the water heater off or to vacation mode. Follow your heater's manual. Never run an electric tank heater with the water off and the tank empty.
- Use a drain pan and leak sensor under the water heater, especially in a garage or closet over finished floors. A leaking water heater is a common cause of water damage. Our leak prevention guide has more.
- When you return, turn the water back on and let the tank refill completely before turning the heater on. Run each faucet for a minute to flush stale water.
- Keep up softener salt and filter changes, or ask the installer about a service plan. A home watch provider can check for leaks and salt levels on each visit.
- Write down the age, model and service dates of your water heater and treatment equipment. The free My Florida Home app is a handy place to keep them.
Find local plumbers and water treatment companies in our directory, and check each company's license and insurance before you hire.
We list local companies by area: Fort Myers · Cape Coral · Naples · Bonita Springs · Estero · Punta Gorda · Sanibel & Marco Island.
General information only. It is not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Check with your insurer, HOA and licensed professionals.
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