If your water heater sounds a bit like the snap, crackle and pop of a breakfast cereal, chances are it has sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. In addition to the nasty noise, sediment causes the heater to work harder -- wasting energy and leading to an early demise. One of the most effective ways to remove sediment buildup is to flush the tank at least once annually. Replace the dip tube (that's the plastic cold water inlet pipe within the tank) with one that is curved, and install a three-quarter-inch ball valve in place of the factory installed drain valve. This combination will create a swirling action at the base of the tank leaving it free of sediment, resulting in more effective heating and, oh yes, perhaps a better night's sleep. And that's the On The House tip for today.