I am trying to drain a State Select hotwater heater. I did not receive an owner's manual when I bought a new home last year, and I haven't been able to find one on line. I was told because of the hard water in Houston, I should drain the tank annually. I've turned the flame to pilot, hooked up a hose to the nozzle, turned off the water and opened the valve, but I can't get any water to drain. Directly above where I have hooked up the hose is what appears to be another nozzle. I've completely removed that nozzle, but no water drains.

You don't drain, you flush. Turn the cold water input valve back on and let run until water coming out the hose is clear.

Looper,
You set up a air lock when you attempted to drain your heater. Let me show you how t's done. For long life and fewer troubles you should keep your heater clear of mineral build-up by FLUSHING NOT DRAINING on a regular schedule. Attach a hose to the boiler drain at the bottom of the tank. With the pressure on, open the boiler drain and let it run until the water runs clear. You will see a spurt of red,(rust) followed by white or yellow grains,(lime or calcium carbonate). This shouldn't take more then a few minutes. Do this monthly . Not yearly, to keep it clear. Be sure you put them back together the same way you took them out. Don't forget to flush it out every month.. Your heater will thank you for it. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my answer, Tom