GSW water heater leaks from the top around the hot or cold connections

Safety: Turn off power or gas and close the cold water supply. Allow the heater to cool.

• Dry and inspect: Wipe the top of the heater dry and observe where water reappears—at the threads, around nipples, or from under the jacket.
• Tighten fittings: Use two wrenches to carefully tighten the hot and cold connections. Do not overtighten and damage the tank.
• Reseal threads: If leaking persists, drain water level slightly below the top fittings, remove the leaking nipple or union, apply fresh Teflon tape and pipe dope, and reinstall.
• Check for tank leak: If water seeps from under the top cover or insulation, the tank itself may be leaking and the heater will need replacement.