fourth year
The drain valve on a water heater is not the highest quality one they could get. In fact if there were a cheaper one they would use it. The correct repair is to unscrew the old valve and install a brass nipple and female hose faucet. This is assuming your valve is not plastic and breaks off when you try to remove it. In that case, it will be a slightly more complicated job, but will still be the best way to go.
