IT MIGHT BE TIME TO FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER
This Is How You Do It!
When was the last time you flushed your water heater? If we had to guess your answer, our money would be on “I don’t know” or “never!” You should flush your water heater once a year to extend its life and keep it functioning properly — but most people don’t. What is ‘flushing’? Flushing your water heater isn’t as simple as flushing the toilet, but it’s the same principle. You need to drain the tank of your water heater to get rid of lime and other sediments. If you don’t do this, the gunk can harden over time and potentially destroy the unit. To flush, or not to flush? If you’ve been in your home for more than a year and haven’t flushed your water heater, the answer to this question is easy: It’s flush time. If you’re a new homeowner, it can be trickier to know when to do your first flush. Fortunately, your water heater has ways of telling you maintenance is overdue. To find out whether your water heater needs flushing, stand next to it for a while and listen. If you hear what experts describe as “popping,” “banging,” or “rumbling” sounds, sediment is clogging your unit. How do you flush a water heater? First, grab a gardening hose and a shop vac. Then, turn off your water heater’s thermostat and the breaker (for an electric heater) or gas (for a gas
heater). Turn off the cold water supply to the water heater. When everything is off, head to a sink and switch on the hot water. Leave the water running and go back to your water heater. Open the pressure release valve and screw your hose onto the spigot at the bottom of the water tank. Put the other end of the hose near a drain, into a bucket, or outside. Then, open the spigot to start draining your water heater. (You may need to vacuum out sediment if your hose clogs.) Finally, turn the cold water back on and run it through your water heater until the water leaving the hose runs clear. You’re done! It’s safe to return the pressure valve, thermostat, and breaker/gas to their original states. It may be necessary to relight the pilot on a gas heater. If this process seems too intimidating or your system is different from what is described here, call your plumber and schedule a professional draining. There’s no shame in relying on the experts!
Frozen Mocha Torte
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar, and butter. 2. In a greased 9-inch pan, add the wafer mixture and press to the bottom. 3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese,
• 1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs • 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted • 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened • 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk • 2/3 cup chocolate syrup • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules • 1 tbsp hot water • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped • Chocolate-covered coffee beans (optional)
sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate syrup until smooth.
4. In a separate dish or cup, dissolve coffee granules in hot water. Once combined, add to the cream cheese mixture and fold in whipped cream. 5. Pour mixture evenly over the crust. Cover and freeze for 8 hours or overnight. 6. Remove from the freezer 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chocolate- covered coffee beans if desired.
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