Abstract: A drain valve for a hot water heater includes a hollow tubular portion having a tapered first end with an externally threaded neck extending therefrom. The tubular portion includes a pair of diametrically opposed internally threaded ports each having a plug received therein. Either plug may be removed allowing a hot water recirculation line to be conveniently attached to the valve. The opposing end of the tubular portion includes a downwardly depending nozzle having a valve means therein operable with an externally mounted handle. The nozzle includes an externally threaded circumferential rim to which a drain conduit may be coupled for conveniently draining the water heater. Accordingly, the threaded neck may be coupled with a tap on a conventional hot water heater allowing a recirculation line to be conveniently added at a later date with minimal reconstruction of the existing piping.