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QUESTION: We have a painted wood handrail with a big hole through the top 1x6 rail where a knot dislodged from the wood. I’d rather repair the rail than replace it. What’s the best way to patch the hole?

ANSWER: Screw a small scrap board against one side of the hole to give it a “floor.” Clean away any rotten wood or loose debris from the hole. Fill the hole with a wood dowel cut to fit flush or just below the surface of the board. Use a liquid repair product (making sure the product is sandable and paintable) to fill the remainder of the hole around the wood piece. Either wood-repair epoxy or Multipurpose Bondo will make good repair products. Tool the surface flush with the rail and allow the patch to dry completely. Then, unscrew the scrap board and repeat the liquid repair procedure on the opposite side of the hole (including repair of the screw holes). Once the repair has dried, sand both sides smooth, then prime and paint the area to match the rail.

QUESTION: Why do I need to flush out the tank of our water heater?

ANSWER: Plumbing experts recommend draining and flushing a water heater’s tank once or twice a year, and if you live in an area with hard water, they recommend flushing it every 4-6 months. The longer it goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Because most tank water heaters have their heating element at the bottom, the sediment buildup reduces its heating efficiency. If left to accumulate, the mineral buildup could also lead to further problems, including corrosion of the tank or dangerous blockage of the pressure-relief valve. Draining and flushing the tank with clean water will help prevent this.

To drain the tank, first shut off power to the water heater. Turn off the cold water supply. Allow the water to cool. Locate the drain valve and connect it to a garden hose. Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it on until the entire flushing process is complete. Place the garden-hose outlet so the water will flow safely away from your home and your neighbor’s property, then open the drain valve to empty the tank. Once it has drained, turn the cold water back on with the valve still open to help eliminate any remaining sediment. Repeat this step until the water runs clear. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, then turn the water supply back on to refill the tank. Once it is full, turn the power or gas supply to the water heater back on. Remember to turn off the faucet you turned on earlier.