Water heaters don't usually fail all at once — they tend to send warning signs first. The harder question is often whether a given issue is worth repairing or whether it's a sign to start planning for replacement.
When Repair Often Makes Sense
A single, relatively contained issue — a faulty thermostat, a pilot light that won't stay lit, a minor fitting leak — is often a reasonable candidate for repair, especially on a newer unit. See our water heater repair page for common issues.
When Replacement Often Makes More Sense
An older unit (roughly a decade or more), a tank that's leaking from the tank body itself, or repairs that keep recurring are all signals that replacement may be the more practical long-term option. Our replacement page covers this in more detail.
Other Things to Weigh
Household hot water demand, available space, and whether a switch to a tankless unit makes sense for your situation are all worth discussing with a professional rather than deciding based on age alone.
Getting a Second Opinion
If you're on the fence, it's reasonable to ask directly for the contractor's honest read on repair versus replacement rather than assuming either option automatically applies.