Hot water isn’t just about comfort — it’s essential to sanitation and public health. As plumbers, we provide the foundation for clean water and proper waste removal, and hot water plays a vital role in that process, whether in your home or place of business.
At Moon Plumbing, we’re dedicated to delivering quality, long-lasting, and reliable hot water systems to homes and businesses across Southwest Florida.
We accomplish that by the products and systems found below.
Glass-Lined Water Heaters
A glass-lined water heater is the most common type of tank-style heater found in homes today. It features a steel interior coated with a layer of glass-like enamel designed to protect the metal from corrosion. However, this coating process isn’t perfect — small areas of steel remain exposed.
To prevent the tank from rusting, manufacturers install what’s called an anode rod — a sacrificial metal rod (typically made of magnesium or aluminum). The anode rod attracts corrosion to itself instead of the tank, protecting it from rusting through. A standard anode rod is designed to last about six years, which is why most glass-lined water heaters carry a six-year warranty. Models with longer warranties usually contain two anode rods for extended protection.
As the anode rod wears away, it can cause a few side effects:
A foul or sulfur-like odor in your hot water
Air spitting from fixtures during first use of the day
Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which is actually the deteriorated anode material
Flushing or draining the tank is sometimes necessary, especially if sediment is affecting performance, but it doesn’t extend the tank’s life. Once the anode rod is fully depleted, corrosion begins attacking the steel itself, eventually creating leaks — and at that point, replacement is the only option.
While manufacturers suggest a 8–12 year lifespan, here in Southwest Florida, water conditions take a heavier toll. Much like air conditioners and other appliances, glass-lined water heaters just aren’t lasting as long as they used to.
They do remain the most affordable and widely available option, but they do come with drawbacks — shorter lifespan, corrosion potential, and those common “side effects.”
You might be asking, “Why not just make a tank that doesn’t corrode, doesn’t need an anode rod, and lasts for decades?”
They do — and we have them.
No, they are not Stainless Steel, and no, they are not plastic.
Learn More about this heater below.
- 6-Year Warranty on Tank
- 1-Year Warranty on Parts and Labor
- "Side Effects" from Anode Rod NOT covered under Warranty
Cement Lined Water Heaters
Enter Hubbell water heaters. When it comes to water heater longevity, Hubbell’s cement-lined tanks stand above the rest. Unlike traditional glass-lined tanks that rely on a thin enamel coating and a sacrificial anode rod, Hubbell tanks feature a thick layer of Portland cement bonded to the inside of a heavy-duty steel shell. This cement barrier completely isolates the water from the metal, preventing corrosion before it even begins.
Cement-lined tanks have been around since the 1940s, originally developed as a solution for aggressive or high-mineral water that quickly destroyed glass-lined heaters. The cement lining not only resists corrosion but also self-heals minor cracks over time — something no glass lining can do. Because there’s no anode rod to wear out, there are no foul odors, no sediment buildup, and far less maintenance.
The result is a water heater that lasts two to three times longer than a standard model. Many Hubbell cement-lined water heaters operate reliably for 20 years or more, even in the harsh water conditions we see here in Southwest Florida.
At Moon Plumbing of SWFL, we proudly install Hubbell Water Heaters, offering our customers a premium, long-life option that’s maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant, and built in the USA. If you’re ready to upgrade from a short-term glass-lined tank to a lifetime-grade water heater, Hubbell is the answer.
For more information please visit HubbellHeaters.com
- 10- Year Parts and Labor Full Warranty
Tankless Water Heaters
We believe in providing honest, practical solutions that fit your home’s needs — not just the latest trends. While tankless water heaters offer advantages like on-demand hot water and improved energy efficiency, however, they’re not always the best fit for every household.
Tankless systems can be more expensive to install, require regular maintenance, and may struggle to supply enough hot water for multiple fixtures at once. Its also worth noting, if parts are needed to repair the unit, they are typically not readily available. This may leave you without hot water for days, unlike a tank type heater where the parts are pretty universal, making repairs quick and easy. However, in the right situation — such as smaller households, homes with limited space, or where natural gas is available — a tankless water heater can be a great option.
Our team will evaluate your plumbing system, water demand, and budget to determine whether a tankless unit truly makes sense for your property. If it’s the right choice, we’ll ensure a professional installation that meets all local codes and delivers reliable performance. At Moon Plumbing of SWFL, we help you make informed decisions — not sales pitches.
Tankless Water Heaters: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Energy Efficient – Heats water only when needed, reducing standby heat loss.
- Endless Hot Water – Provides continuous hot water supply (no waiting for a tank to refill).
- Saves Space – Compact, wall-mounted design frees up floor space.
- Reduced Risk of Tank Leaks – No large tank to corrode or burst.
- Lower Utility Bills – Can reduce energy costs over time.
Cons
- Higher Upfront Cost – Units and installation can be 2–3× more expensive than standard tanks.
- Limited Flow Rate – May struggle to supply multiple fixtures at once.
- Requires Maintenance – Needs annual flushing or descaling, especially in hard water areas.
- Inconsistent Temperature at Low Flow – May not activate with very small water draws.
- Possible System Upgrades – May require larger gas lines, venting, or electrical changes.
- Higher Repair Costs – Parts and service can be more complex and expensive.
Hot Water Return Systems
At Moon Plumbing of SWFL, we design and install hot water return systems that provide instant hot water at every fixture while reducing water waste and improving comfort. In a standard plumbing setup, hot water cools in the pipes between uses, causing long wait times and wasted water before hot water reaches the tap. A return system solves that problem by circulating hot water throughout the home or building, so it’s ready the moment you turn on the faucet.
Our team installs both dedicated return line systems and retrofit recirculation systems, depending on the plumbing layout and your needs.
A dedicated return line is the most efficient and reliable method. It includes a separate pipe that continuously returns unused hot water back to the water heater. This setup provides consistent temperature, quieter operation, and better long-term performance — which is why we recommend it whenever possible.
For existing buildings where adding new piping isn’t always practical, we can install a retrofit recirculation system that uses existing water lines with a pump and valve system. This option offers improved hot water delivery without major plumbing changes. However, it may only benefit a few fixtures.
Rest assured we take the time to evaluate your plumbing system and choose the most effective and efficient design. Whether new construction or retrofit, our installations are clean, code-compliant, and built for long-lasting performance.
Instant Hot Water: No more waiting for warm water at distant fixtures.
Water Conservation: Save thousands of gallons per year by eliminating waste during warm-up.
Energy Savings: Reduces the amount of water that needs to be reheated.
Improved Comfort & Convenience: Ideal for larger homes, commercial properties, and multi-unit buildings.
Commercial Water Heaters
At Moon Plumbing of SWFL, we specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining commercial water heating systems built for reliability, performance, and efficiency. Every business has unique hot water demands, and we provide customized solutions that keep your operation running smoothly — whether you manage a restaurant, apartment complex, medical facility, or industrial property.
We install and service a variety of high-quality systems, including high-efficiency gas tank water heaters, Hubbell electric water heaters, and gas boiler systems paired with Hubbell storage tanks. These proven systems deliver consistent hot water while keeping operating costs low and maintenance simple. Our approach focuses on longevity and serviceability, ensuring your equipment performs efficiently for years to come.
While some competitors promote tankless systems for commercial use, we strongly discourage tankless water heaters in commercial applications. In our experience, they struggle to meet the sustained hot water demands of commercial operations, require frequent maintenance, and often fall short on reliability when multiple fixtures or processes run simultaneously.
We take pride in providing honest recommendations and dependable installations backed by years of field experience. Whether you need a new commercial system or replacement of an existing unit, our team will ensure your business has a water heating solution you can count on.
Electronic Mixing Valves
We install and service electronic mixing valve systems that provide precise temperature control, improved safety, and superior efficiency compared to traditional mechanical mixing valves. These systems automatically blend hot and cold water to a consistent, pre-set temperature — ensuring reliable performance even as water pressure and temperature fluctuate throughout the building.
Traditional mechanical mixing valves rely on internal springs and wax elements that can wear out or respond slowly, leading to inconsistent temperatures and potential scalding or sanitation issues. In contrast, electronic mixing valves use digital sensors and actuators to continuously monitor and adjust outlet temperature in real time. This means your system delivers accurate, stable water temperatures at all times — ideal for commercial properties, healthcare facilities, and high-demand hot water systems.
We highly recommend and install products from Heat Timer, a leading manufacturer in the industry. We have many of their systems installed throughout Southwest Florida, and they have consistently proven to be reliable, accurate, and easy to maintain. Heat Timer’s electronic valves can also integrate with building management systems, allowing for remote monitoring, data logging, and alarms for added safety and efficiency.
At Moon Plumbing of SWFL, we trust proven technology that delivers long-term value and performance. If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your existing mixing system, our team can recommend the right Heat Timer electronic mixing valve solution for your building’s specific needs.
For consistent, safe, and efficient hot water control —we trust Heat Timer. Learn more at- www.HeatTimer.com
Benefits of Electronic Mixing Valves:
Precise Temperature Control: Maintains constant outlet temperature within a few degrees.
Enhanced Safety: Prevents scalding and ensures compliance with temperature regulations.
Energy Efficiency: Reduces overheating and excessive reheating cycles.
Remote Monitoring: Easily view and adjust settings through smart controls or building management systems.
Low Maintenance & Long Life: Fewer moving parts and better resistance to mineral buildup.
