This is maybe a rehash of how to simplify the draining of the hot water heater's tank without having to remove the difficult to get to plastic 1/2" NPT drain plug every time. Every year in November and sometimes at the end of March for an early return trip home to Canada (could still have snow up there), I am faced with the job to drain the hot water heater tank.
It is a pain in the neck, period! But it has to be done, we do not want to bust the water heater in freezing temperatures.
I have made up a smart drain assembly using a PEX mini ball valve, a small piece of 1/2" PEX tubing and 1/2" PEX x 1/2" NPT male adapter, easy to get from Home Depot or Lowes to speed up the draining task. Please look for a how to at our travel blog:
Marlene and Benno's Odysseys on Land and Water