A Plant City Homeowner's Plumbing Guide: Wells, Septic and Older Homes

Plant City is east along I-4 from our West Tampa shop, and we serve the city and the rural properties around it, from downtown to Dover, Turkey Creek and Knights. Plant City's mix of historic homes, 1980s and 1990s neighborhoods like Walden Lake, and country properties on wells and septic means a wider range of plumbing than most of Tampa Bay. Here's what to know.

Well Water

Many rural properties around Plant City get their water from a private well. Well water here is often hard, and it can carry iron or a sulfur smell. Common signs:

• A rotten-egg smell, usually from hydrogen sulfide, which is common in Florida well water
• Orange or brown stains in sinks, tubs and toilets from iron
• Heavy white scale on fixtures and inside the water heater

The right treatment depends on what's in your water, so testing comes first. A filter or softener sized for your water fixes the problem at the source and protects your water heater and fixtures.

Private well owners are also responsible for their own water safety. Having the well water tested periodically, especially after flooding, is a good idea. Your county health department has information on testing.

Septic Systems

Homes on wells usually have septic systems too. Keeping the tank pumped on schedule and protecting the drain field avoids the most expensive septic repairs. See septic drain field warning signs.

Older Homes Near Downtown

Historic homes near downtown Plant City may still have galvanized supply pipe and cast-iron drains. Low pressure, rusty water and slow drains are the signs. See signs you need a repipe and cast-iron drains.

1980s and 1990s Neighborhoods

Homes in neighborhoods like Walden Lake from the late 1980s and early 1990s may have polybutylene supply pipe. See polybutylene pipes. They're also at the age where original valves, fixtures and supply lines wear out. See our guide by decade.

Water Heaters

Hard well water is especially tough on water heaters. Flush yours once a year, and consider treatment for your water. We replace tank units and install tankless. See gas vs. electric.

Permits in Plant City

Inside Plant City limits, plumbing permits go through the City of Plant City. Rural areas outside the city are unincorporated Hillsborough County. Septic work also involves the county health department. When a job needs a permit, we pull it as part of the job.

Plumbing Help in Plant City

Believe Plumbing serves Plant City, Walden Lake, Dover, Turkey Creek, Knights and the surrounding rural areas. We're licensed (CFC1429476), and estimates are free. See our Plant City plumbing page, including water treatment, water heaters and drain cleaning, or contact us.