Most water heaters warn you before they quit. Lukewarm showers, hot water that runs out early, rumbling or popping from the tank, rusty or metallic-smelling water, a pilot light that won’t stay lit, or moisture pooling around the base are all worth a look. Some of those are straightforward repairs — a failed heating element, thermostat, thermocouple, gas control valve, anode rod, or pressure relief valve. Others, especially a tank leaking from the shell itself, point to replacement instead. A plumber will usually weigh the age and condition of the unit against the cost of the fix before recommending one over the other. Repairs also differ by fuel type: gas units involve the burner, venting, and gas valve; electric units come down to elements and thermostats; tankless systems often need descaling or an error code traced; propane setups add supply and regulator checks. Tell us what your unit is doing and we’ll connect you with a local plumber who handles that type.