Reliance water heater leaking from top around hot or cold connections

Safety first: Turn OFF power or set gas control to OFF. Close the cold water supply valve to the heater. Allow hot water to cool before working on piping.

Steps to check:

• 1. Dry and inspect: Wipe the top of the heater dry, then observe where water reappears. Check around the hot and cold nipples, flex connectors, and any unions.
• 2. Tighten fittings: Use appropriate wrenches to snug threaded connections. Do not overtighten to the point of damaging nipples or tank.
• 3. Replace dielectric nipples: If water seeps from the nipple threads or the nipple body is corroded, drain the tank below the top fittings, remove old nipples, apply pipe sealant, and install new Reliance-compatible dielectric nipples.
• 4. Inspect flex connectors: Replace any flexible connectors that show cracks, kinks, or pinhole leaks.
• 5. Restore water and check: Open the cold supply, purge air at a hot faucet, and check for leaks under pressure.

Note: If water is emerging from under the top jacket rather than fittings, the tank itself may be leaking and require replacement.