Can I drain the fuel from fuel filter housing?
 

I have MINI Cooper S Turbo R56 2009.

I need to drain two years old fuel. I tried using a manual siphon pump. I inserted the suction tube all the way (as long as the tube allowed me to push) into the tank. When I pressed the bulb to start sucking fuel, it didn't go up. I pulled out the suction tube and it was dry! I know that my tank is full. Why is it dry?

I need to change the fuel filter anyway. When I remove the fuel filter housing, can the fuel be drained from there? Can I put a tube in where the fuel filter housing was, or will there be something in there that will block me?

P.S. I don't want to drain it by unplugging something under the hood.