Maybe this comment should go in "unpopular" brewing opinions. My SS BrewTech 10 gal. kettle came with a nice, three piece valve on the drain. But since I plumb the drain to a transfer/recirc. pump, I never used the valve. It was just a place for crud to collect and another thing to have to take apart and clean. So I took it out of the system. If I ever have to block the line to the pump, I can use a small vice grips to clamp the hose.