By Andreina UrdanetaA clean water heater will heat and maintain water better andlast longer. Once a year, flush your water heater, and in extremehard water areas, at least twice a year. If you feel up to thechallenge, here are some tips to help you in a basic cleaning.1 Turn the water heater and the cold water supply to the waterheater off.2 Hook a high-quality garden hose to the drain valve, and placethe other end in an area where hot water will not cause damage.5. Open the drain valve.6. Disconnect the cold water pipe on the top of the waterheater. This step will let air into the water heater so it willdrain. When the water heater is empty, close the drain.8. Pour tile cleaner into the cold water, leave for a couple ofhours and drain the detergent out of the tank.10. Reconnect the cold w