Having hot water is a wonderful thing. Taking a cold shower because you want to is one thing, taking one because your water heater isn't working is something completely different. When your water heater stops working well or stops working altogether, you need to call a repair company to check it out. When the repair company comes to look at your water heater, the tech will tell you if they think you should replace it or if it can be repaired. You can get an idea of what to do before the tech comes if you look at the water heater beforehand. What are some signs that your water heater needs to be replaced instead of repaired? 

Age

While a tank water heater can have a life span of up to twelve years and a tankless one can easily stretch into its second decade, there comes a time when you should think about replacing your water heater just because of its age. A good rule of thumb is that if your water heater is more than ten years old, especially if it's a tank water heater, you should replace it. At that point, you are going to have more problems with it and the cost of the repairs won't be worth it. Also, technology changes quickly and a water heater that was top of the line ten years ago won't be as advanced now, especially with energy usage.

Water Bills

If your water bills have suddenly skyrocketed, it can be a sign that you have a leak somewhere in the system. That leak could be from your water heater. Water by its very nature is going to break down the metal in your water heater, especially if your water has a lot of minerals in it. As your water heater ages, the water starts to create cracks. Those cracks will start out tiny, but eventually, they can get big enough to let water leak out from your water heater. That leak is going to be reflected in your water bills. You can go check out the water heater to see if you can find a puddle around or under the water heater. If it is leaking that badly, the service tech will likely recommend you replace it. 

Having a functional water heater is a good thing. When yours stops working, call a plumber or water heater repair company and have them come check it out. They will be able to tell you if you can repair it or if you should replace your water heater. 

Contact a local water heater repair service to learn more.