The availability of hot water is essential to everyday living. From showers, baths, and frequent hand washing, warm water is a must-have in most households. And considering that most members of your home rely on warm water, the idea of installing a water heater comes into perspective.
Continued use of the water often makes it susceptible to wear and tear. While you might save your water heaters from frequent damage with routine maintenance, a time will come when the tank has to be replaced. Therefore, you must distinguish between the time to repair and when to replace your heater. Here are some signs that indicate that you need to replace your water heater. 
No Hot Water
It is worth emphasizing that warm and hot water is essential in any home. The lack of warm water means that you will not shower, clean your dishes, or do your laundry. Lack of warm water leaves you in packing mode. If your water heater is not delivering, you might be struggling with many issues ranging from a poorly set thermostat, broken heating element, or the tank could be too small. Thermostat issues can be addressed through repairs, but if the tank cannot meet your heating needs, you might consider replacing it with a bigger one.
Leaks
Leaks around are often an indicator that the water heater could be approaching the end of its life. Leaks in the heater are usually caused by frequent expansion and contractions during the heating cycles. As the tank gets older, the number of leaks is bound to increase. Unlike tank cracks, leaks caused by fixture issues can be addressed by plumbing repairs. However, tanks leaks do not usually have a long time remedy. The best thing you can do is to have the tank replaced.
Water Heater Noises
Heater noises are another telltale sign that the water heater could be nearing the end of its life. These noises often get worse as the tank gets older. Noises are usually caused by the buildup of sediments on the tank, which indicates that the tank will sooner or later leak. Flushing is a short term remedy of these noises. And if the tank keeps making noise even after flushing, then it could be on the verge of crack. The best thing to do is to have it replaced as soon as possible. …
