Common trouble areas 1 loose fittings look closely at the water inlet and the outlet fittings.
Gas water heater leaking from top.
It s also a less expensive problem.
If you have a gas hot water heater leaking from the top one possibility is related to rain.
Many water heater tanks have their temperature and pressure relieve valve positioned on the side of the tank.
If your hot water heater is designed like this then this could be a reason your water heater is leaking at the top.
Once you identify that a leak is still currently happening immediately turn off the power source to avoid any electrical issues.
However if not fixed promptly these types of leaks can lead to serious and costly damage as water travels down the exterior of your water heater.
This is a common area where water leaks and you ll generally see the leak at the point where the fittings meet the water heater.
Rain water when rain water travels down the flue vent pipe of a gas water heater it can collect on the top of your tank.
A water heater leaking from the top is preferable to one from the bottom.
Rainwater can be blown in from outside.
So let s look at some of the most common reasons your water heater is leaking at the top.
Then observe where the water starts to come from.
Have a professional inspect your tank to determine the issue.
A leak that is originating from the top of a water heater if caught in a timely manner is almost always repairable.
However some models have these valves located on the very top of the machine.
If there is water leaking from the piping attached to the t p relief valve and also from the open end of the pipe there s most likely too much pressure in the water heater or the water is too hot.
If you have a gas water heater turn off the gas supply.
Frequently when a water heater leaks from the top it s a fixable problem.
Using paper towels wipe down the wet areas on the top of your water heater so it s dry.
Under the right conditions rain drops can enter and come down the vent.