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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.

While tubs are fairly sturdy, you may notice cracks or holes. This kind of damage can happen from someone accidentally dropping something heavy into the tub. You might also see damage if you drop something heavy into the tub over and over again (like your extra large bottle of body wash). While you might only notice a small dent at first, this can later turn into a crack or a hole.

Also, certain cleaners that are harmful to your tub can cause damage. And if you have a fiberglass tub, you might see cracks if it was not installed properly with the right support.

It takes hair about two years to dissolve on its own in the drain without the use of any tool or help. Fortunately, using a drain snake, plunger, or any of the actions mentioned above to dissolve the hair will help get rid of the clog in as little as 15 minutes. 

If your bathtub won’t drain, it’s usually due to a clog. You can try to remove any visible debris by hand. For debris stuck in the trap below the drain, a drain snake is your best bet. Keep in mind that chemical drain cleaners can be very effective for hair clogs, but they’re corrosive and can damage your pipes. Use with caution.