I dont know how to open drain on water herater w/ pic

Total Tool

Well I was all set to drain my water heater... Except Im not sure how to ope the valve to let out the. The owners manual shows a valve just like a hose. I already attached the hose in the pic. I can turn the entire white thin behind the hose, but the whole assembly seems to move and I got nervous.

Anyway, please see the pic and let me know how to open this thing.

joecaption

That's the way it's suppost to work.

Total Tool

so just turn the big nut, which also turns the male end and hose?

Thanks, I got nervous when it all spun. You know, 50 gallons of hot water.

TarheelTerp

Just like any garden hose spigot. Tighty righty and lefty loosey
Look close and you'll see an arrow in the white plastic molding.
Of Note: turn the heat down and the inlet water off before you start.

Also... plan to REMOVE that utter garbage factory valve and replace it with
a "full port" ball valve so the crud can pass more easily. A few other fittings (nipples, GH adaptor, etc) will come in handy when you do that job.

joecaption

That would be garden hose adapter.

Total Tool

Yeah, I got it now. I would have just gone for it if it wasnt disfiguringly hot

Wouldnt a ball valve be a bad idea with kids?

TarheelTerp

Tie wire it if they're the nosy pokey sort.

Or remove the handle.
Keep it nearby (but you only need it for 30 minutes once a year or so).