Why is My Water Heater Leaking From the Top

• Your cold water inlet valve has begun to leak.
• There is a loose pipe fitted somewhere.
• The temperature/pressure release valve has begun to leak.
• Your anode rod has begun to corrode.
• The expansion tank has begun to leak.
• The tank itself has begun to leak.

At this point, your main challenge will be to figure out which of the above possibilities is the one that applies to your situation. Your first step will be to turn off your water heater. Once you have shut off your water supply to your heater, give the area as much time as possible to dry. If necessary, set aside some time to let the small amounts of water come out of the small crevices that can be found along the connections. When you turn the water back on, you should be able to see the direction from which the water is coming.

If you’re the owner of a gas water heater, make sure your gas valve has been switched over to the off position. You can generally find the valve to do this on the water heater itself. Make certain your ball valve of the gas piping connected to your heater has been turned to a ninety-degree angle. This should be perpendicular to your piping.

For owners of electric water heaters, you will want to shut off your power via your electrical panel. You are now ready to figure out where the leak is actually coming from.