I've been finding white flecks in the screens of the water faucets that are blocking part of the flow. I have cleaned them out a few times already, but I remember someone once saying they are coming from the hot water heater. Has anyone else heard anything about this, and what can be done about it. The heater is 6 years old. I wonder if I can get a replacement or what?? Any information will be appreciated.

The white flecks are probably lime or other mineral deposits from the water. Most water heaters have a valve where they can be drained and then refilled. If you attempt to do this yourself, make sure the water heater is off (turn off gas, or unplug if electric) and cool before emptying into containers(lots of work). Some have valves that can have a hose threaded onto them. Great if your heater is located other than in a basement. The water doesn't want to flow up hill. Hope some of this helps. Good luck!

My wife told me she cooks with cold water all the time because it has less minerals in it. If you use the cold water more often, it takes longer for the minerals to build up.

The white flecks are lime/calcium from your water. It's a royal pain to drain your water heater, not to mention the waste of water. What I do is when the screen starts getting clogged, I just pop it in a glass full of white vinegar before I go to bed and it's clean in the morning. This also works with shower heads. Less labor intensive than draining the water heater.