How do I know if my hot water heater needs replacing? Is there a way to flush it out? Last week the city was flushing a fire hydrant, and the water in all the town homes here turned brown–I was in the shower at the time. After turning on all the faucets to flush the pipes the tubs and sinks were full of grit and silt, and since I was in the shower when the dirt started to come through, Im sure the hot water heater received its share. Yesterday morning the hot water stopped. It is not as cold as the cold water, but almost. Should I throw it out? Can it be repaired?Any help will be appreciated.Thanks.Bob Sumner [email protected]