Your home’s water heater plays an important part in your everyday activities, from washing clothing and dishes to bathing in comfort. Getting to know your water heater can help you learn how to maintain it properly to improve its efficiency, as well as spot changes in function that signal the need for a professional plumbing assessment. Most water heaters can be expected to last 10-20 years, depending on the model. Being in-the-know about your water heater’s age and performance can also help you decide whether to repair or replace it if something goes wrong.