On average, you can expect a water heater to last you between 10 to 15 years. But, before you go replacing your water heater based on its age, Osterwisch Company of Cincinnati, OH, has some good news to share. Plenty of water heaters can go on operating after their expected lifespan as long as they’ve been well maintained and experienced few major issues. In reality, you can use a water heater lifespan as more of a guideline rather than a hard fact.

Replacement decisions should center around a few other reasons. Here are three factors to consider when thinking about a new water heater:

• Maintenance: Have you kept up with your water heater maintenance? If you flush your unit annually and stay on top of any minor issues, you’ll maximize its lifespan.
• Usage: How many people are in your household? If it’s just you, your water heater will last much longer than if it’s used by a full house of people.
• Water Quality: Does your area have hard or low-quality water? If so, there may be a larger buildup of sediment in your water heater that could shorten its lifespan. That’s why flushing your unit is so important.

If you have any questions about water heater replacement, contact the plumbing team at Osterwisch Company of Cincinnati, OH. Or, if you have any other utility questions, they also offer a range of electrical, heating, and cooling services. Visit their website to learn more. Give them a call at (513) 791-3282 to schedule an appointment today.