Polk County · Lake Wales, FL
Plumbers in Lake Wales, FL
Lake Wales is in Polk County, Florida. About 42,000 people live in the 3 ZIP codes we cover here, in roughly 21,000 homes, 56% of them single-family detached houses. The biggest share of the housing was built between 1980 and 1999 (33%), and that age decides most of what goes wrong with the plumbing.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- 3 ZIP codes covered
ZIP codes we cover in Lake Wales
33853, 33859, 33898
Lake Wales homes and their plumbing
Here is how Lake Wales's homes break down by year built, based on Census estimates for the covered ZIP codes: before 1940 4%, 1940–1959 10%, 1960–1979 26%, 1980–1999 33%, 2000 or later 27%. Most homes are old enough that original pipe, valves and water heaters are wearing out, but young enough that full repipes are a case-by-case call. Neighboring areas such as Winter Haven, Haines City are covered too.
| Year built | Share of homes |
|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 4% |
| 1940–1959 | 10% |
| 1960–1979 | 26% |
| 1980–1999 | 33% |
| 2000 or later | 27% |
Share of housing units in the covered ZIP codes. Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
- Residents in covered ZIPs
- 41,638
- Housing units
- 21,302
- Single-family detached
- 56%
- Owner-occupied
- 73%
- Heated with utility gas
- 2%
- Heated with electricity
- 94%
What goes wrong in Lake Wales homes
Mostly electric homes
94% of occupied homes here heat with electricity, and electric tank water heaters are the norm. Failed elements and thermostats are repairable, but tanks that leak need replacement. Heat pump water heaters are an efficient replacement where there's space and airflow.
1980s and 90s construction and polybutylene
33% of homes were built between 1980 and 1999. Polybutylene supply pipe was installed widely in US homes from about 1978 to 1995, so houses from these years are worth checking for gray plastic pipe stamped PB2110, usually visible at the water heater or under sinks. Insurers and buyers often ask about it. See polybutylene replacement.
Hard water
Florida water is generally hard. With 94% of homes here on electric heat, scale on electric water heater elements is a frequent failure. See water softener installation.
Common calls in Lake Wales
- Water Heater Replacement
- Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
- Water Softener Installation in Lake Wales, FL
- Drain Cleaning
- Main Water Line Repair
- Sewer Line Repair
Also available in Lake Wales: emergency plumbing and every plumbing service.
Lake Wales at a glance
- County
- Polk County
- Nearest city pages
- Winter Haven, Haines City
- ZIP codes
- 33853, 33859, 33898
Lake Wales plumbing FAQ
How old are the homes in Lake Wales?
In the ZIP codes we cover around Lake Wales, Census estimates put 14% of homes as built before 1960, 26% from 1960 to 1979, 33% from 1980 to 1999 and 27% in 2000 or later. The largest group is 1980–1999 (33%).
Who licenses plumbers in Lake Wales, FL?
Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses plumbing contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board; check any license on the DBPR site.
Are water heaters in Lake Wales usually gas or electric?
Census data for the area show 2% of homes heating with utility gas, 94% with electricity. Water heaters often use the same fuel as the home's heat, so electricity is the most common here, but check the label on your tank before you shop for a replacement.
Guides for Lake Wales homeowners
Nearby areas
Also covered nearby: Waverly (5 mi), Dundee (6 mi), Babson Park (7 mi), Alturas (8 mi), Lake Hamilton (9 mi), Eagle Lake (11 mi), Frostproof (13 mi), Bartow (14 mi).
Housing, heating and population figures are US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates for the ZIP code areas we cover in Lake Wales, so they may include neighboring communities that share those ZIP codes.
Need a plumber in Lake Wales?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.