For many families, the dishwasher is an essential part of the kitchen. Loading dirty dishes into the appliance and unloading clean ones becomes a regular routine.

Dishwashers can be invaluable in saving you both time and money. Kimberly Janeway, writing for Consumer Reports, says a machine saves an estimated 230 hours over the course of a year when compared to hand washing and drying, along with $431 in water and energy costs.

Eventually, however, you'll notice that the dishwasher isn't performing as well as it used to. At that point, you'll need to decide if the problem is serious enough that you should replace the appliance or if it can be fixed.

One of the first things you should consider is the appliance's age. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the typical lifespan of a dishwasher is nine years. If your dishwasher is approaching this point and experiencing problems, replacement is probably the better option than repair.

The dishwasher may show a variety of telltale signs that it is failing. The home warranty company American Home Shield says food might still be sticking to the dishes after a cycle, or your dishes may have water spots on them. Taryn Williford, writing for the home design site Apartment Therapy, says you may also notice that your dishes aren't hot to the touch after they are washed.

The issue may be a result of a faulty component instead of a sign that the entire dishwasher needs to be replaced. For example, American Home Shield says an ineffective wash may be a result of a sprayer arm that isn't working effectively. However, it might be easier to replace the unit instead of fixing it if the dishwasher is near the end of its lifespan.

Some other steps can also fix the problem of dishes remaining dirty after a wash. Jeff Flowers, writing for the small appliance supplier Compact Appliance, says you may need to rinse your dishes first to remove any food residue. You may also need to use a rinse aid or consider using a different type of dishwasher detergent. If your home has hard water, a water softener might be necessary to eliminate water spots.

A broken latch is a minor issue which can prevent your dishwasher from working entirely. The dishwasher's door needs to latch securely so water doesn't leak out during a cycle. If the latch won't work, the dishwasher won't run.

Replacing a latch can be a fairly simple repair, but it may be hard to find the part if your dishwasher is old. Williford says a faulty latch can also be a sign that the dishwasher has warped, meaning it needs to be replaced.

Other dishwasher problems can present problems beyond an ineffectively cleaned set of plates and utensils. If you notice that there is still water in the dishwasher after a cycle, the drain is breaking down or otherwise becoming ineffective. Flowers says this issue can sometimes be a simple fix, such as removing any food or other items that are clogging the drain. However, it may also mean it's time to replace the dishwasher.

Rust is a particularly concerning sign, since this might mean the dishwasher has started to crack and develop leaks. Running an empty load with citric acid may eliminate any rust left by pots and pans or other sources, but a decaying dishwasher can leave rust on your dishes and start to leak water outside the appliance. Williford says sweeping underneath the appliance and looking for rust flakes will let you know if the bottom is starting to corrode.

Cracks in the dishwasher body are also a significant concern. These flaws will allow soap and water to drip into the dishwasher's mechanical workings, increasing the chance of a breakdown. Flowers says that if the dishwasher is not replaced, cracks can also cause further problems such as water or mildew damage to the cabinets near the appliance.

You should never see water leaking out of the dishwasher while it is in use. American Home Shield says this problem sometimes results from a worn out door gasket, which can be replaced fairly easily. However, it can also be a sign that the dishwasher is at the end of its useful life.

Dishwashers are noisy appliances, but you'll become accustomed to the regular sounds they make while in use. If you notice some strange noises while running the dishwasher, the motor may be starting to burn out.

Of course, it might also be time to replace the dishwasher if you try to start it up and it simply doesn't run. However, you should first check the circuit breaker to make sure the problem isn't with your electrical system.

When deciding whether to repair or replace a dishwasher, you should first check to see if the appliance is still under warranty. If so, you should be able to get the problem repaired for free.

You'll also want to consider the cost of any repairs that need to be done after the warranty expires. If the dishwasher is relatively new, a repair might let you enjoy it for several more years. If it's already nearing the end of its lifespan, fixing it can simply be postponing an inevitable replacement.

If your dishwasher is an older model, a replacement may also help you save money in the long run. Upgrading to a more efficient model will let you use less water and electricity, helping reduce your utility bills.