Water Heaters - Question about the plastic drain valve

Hello,
OK quick question about the drain valve on the water heater. It is a Rheem 40 gallon, rebadged as GE Profile.

The Drain valve is white plastic with threads on the end to connect a hose to.

Now if I connect a hose and then turn the drain valve, the entire white plastic drain valve turns (including the hose it is attached to). Is this normal? To me it looks like the entire valve assembly is screwing off. I am hesitant to unscrew/open the valve in case the entire valve assemble shoots off and then water just pours out. Should the release valve spin idenpendently from the entire valve assembly? Or is it all one unit and spinning the entire drain valve assembly just cause the valve to open, as long as it is not spun to far?


Also after reading a bunch on this forum, when I do actually drain this I believe I will be installing a metal valve and not take any chances.

Thanks

John Whorfin, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
I am not a great believer in the new plastic valves that are now installed on a lot of watewr heaters. It should not turn. When you decide to replace it, check on a brass boiler drain valve. This should be the same size as the plastic valve so you do not create a trippng hazard with something sticking out too far. Good luck.

Actually on the big ol' white jobbies the whole thing does turn and yes you can unscrew to far and all that will be holding it is an "O" ring. Any hose bib will work and you may consider replacing

Thanks guys, will buy a new drain valve, drain and replace.

Thanks for the help.