The better half has been making noise about rust in the hot water.... Damned if I have noticed. But here's my question: How often are you supposed to drain off your hot water heater? Lots of info on the web. Doesn't seem too hard. Not sure I want to get into assessing and replacing the anode though... Thoughts?

When i had to deal with that i would do it once in the spring and once in the fall. I use to use the bottom drain and drain it till the water was clear.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

My old water heater had a garden hose fitting on the bottom. Just screw on a hose, run it outside if you have a walk out basement or drain it into buckets... Shut off all water to the heater first and as you are draining upon up the check valve on top to allow for faster draining.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

i have to question what is rusting?
isn't the tank in the water heater
essentially a big Glass Bottle?

there has to be an iron pipe somewhere
that's rusting... maybe supply lines out
under the street...? then you say hmmmmm
how about replacing the filter then
because it should not be able to get thru a
modern charcoal filter. "just my thoughts"