How to flush a water heater and replace the drain valve

water heaters get buildup inside them over time so it's a good practice to flush them annually. Here's one that hasn't been done In a few years and actually needed to have the drain valve replaced as well.

[@captainwho1]

Is that a full port ball valve? It was hard to locate but I found it on eBay but no details. Everbilt 3/4 Universal Valve Replacement. No luck with HD or Lowes. I think if you had turned off the cold supply and closed all hot faucets, replacement would've been easier because the vacuum would keep the water from exiting so much. Thanks.

[@HowitsdoneHandyman]

Yeah, home depot discontinued the item just as I was about to do this so I had to order from amazon. Here is the link.
www.amazon.com/Rheem-SP12112G-Brass-Drain-Valve/dp/B00DSOQ90K/ref=asc_df_B00DSOQ90K/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693467269859&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3537557125048027832&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1026744&hvtargid=pla-349318956882&psc=1&mcid=8ea6c533f23e349e998a984793bf5818&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeKTG2S7ApfAHW2Fexptu2tHN643CDmwhMt_tHgHhaliomhjkO8YzTRoCJ6oQAvD_BwE