Big Al wrote:
And, how much does flushing really help?

Al

I understand you are supposed to drain them once per year, but I never
do. I could kick myself in the butt sometimes for being so lazy.

I've always wondered if you could disconnect the supply pipe and pour
something in the water heater and then drain it, but I don't know.
Maybe somesort of mix of white vinegar, chlorine bleach and muriatic
acid would work? I dunno.

The best solution is probably to buy a water heater with a very long
warranty. I think some of them reduce build up by swirling the water in
the tank.