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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.

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.

That pesky faucet leak can have a few different causes, most of which are standard wear and tear that occurs over time, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying, especially when the energy bill hits:

• Old washer: A deteriorated washer or gasket is the most common cause of a leak. Luckily, it’s easy and affordable to fix.

• Old packing nut: There’s a chance the packing nut (located beneath the handle) is loose and simply needs tightening, or it has been worn down, stripped, and needs to be replaced.

• Freezing temperatures: The water sitting in your spigot over winter can freeze, expand, and lead to damage and leaks.

• High water pressure: High water pressure is hard on pipes over time and can cause cracks and leaks, too.

Usually it’s fine to leave a toilet clogged overnight, as long as it’s not close to overflowing. In some cases, the extra time may give the clog time to work itself out. For example, if it’s caused by an excess of toilet paper, letting it sit could result in the clog dissolving and you may be able to simply flush it away by the time you wake up. 

Only let it sit though if you have more than one toilet in the home.