Hi:

I am having problems with my electric State Select hot water heater. We started running out of hot water while doing dishes, so we recently raised the temperature on the water heater. Two days ago we ran out of hot water. I would guess an element had burned out awhile ago, and now the other element has burned out also. I'm not sure of the age of the water heater - at least 8 years old. Should I replace the elements or should I buy a new water heater? Would I replace with the same brand or with a new brand?

Thank you.

If the heater is not leaking, I'd start with element replacements, they are not that hard to do(usually). When you have the old elements removed, check inside with a light to see if the dip tube is in 1 piece and look at the tank anode. If the dip tube is OK and the anode looks OK, go ahead with the element replacement. If the dip tube is broken and the anode rod almost gone, I'd go for a replacement.