Stanley Schaefer wrote:

(...)

A lot of guys will put a ball valve and an elbowed piece of pipe to
the outside on a stationary installation. Beats crawling around
trying to open an old-style petcock. The valve doesn't HAVE to be
immediately under the tank.


I installed a street ell on the bottom of
the tank and permanently attached it to a length
of air hose terminated in a blow gun.

Aim the nozzle outside and push the button.
When water mist stops, release button.

Simple and very cheap.

--Winston-- Cheap and Very Simple