Water leaking from the top of a Lochinvar water heater around piping connections.

Safety: Turn off power or set gas control to OFF. Close the cold water supply valve and allow the heater to cool before working on piping.

Steps:

• 1. Dry and inspect: Wipe the top of the heater dry and observe where water reappears—at the nipple threads, flex connectors, or valves.
• 2. Tighten connections: Use appropriate wrenches to snug loose unions or flex connectors. Do not overtighten and crack fittings.
• 3. Replace leaking nipples: If water seeps from the tank nipple threads, drain the tank below the top fittings, remove the old dielectric nipples, apply pipe sealant or Teflon tape to new Lochinvar-compatible nipples, and reinstall.
• 4. Refill and test: Open the cold supply, purge air from hot taps, then restore power/gas and check for leaks.