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There are several types of sink drain stoppers, including pull-out, twist-and-pull, and pop-up. Pull-out sink stoppers can be removed by pulling on the stopper until it comes out of the drain. A twist-and-pull design requires lifting then turning the stopper to lock it in an open position and the opposite action (turning, then pressing down) to close it. A pop-up sink stopper works by pushing down the drain cover to open or close the passageway. 

You should flush your water heater at least once a year, with some experts recommending a schedule of every six to 12 months (e.g., once in the spring and fall). The ideal frequency depends on several factors.

If your area has hard water with high mineral concentrations, you should flush the heater more often—typically every four to six months. Additionally, a water heater that is used frequently may require more frequent flushing than one that is used less often.

Regular flushing is important because it removes sediment buildup from the bottom of the tank. This maintenance helps improve the heater's efficiency, extend its lifespan, and prevent issues like clogs, overheating, and increased energy consumption. You can either learn to perform this task yourself or arrange for a service plan with a professional plumber.

While you may have some water, it's best to wait until after the repair is complete to use your home's pipes. For one thing, the water pressure will most likely be greatly reduced, leading to a less-than-intense shower. There's also the risk of contamination from dirt and bacteria that can enter the broken water main pipe. In many cases, a pro will turn off the flow of water from your water main to do the repairs, so showering won’t likely be an option.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.