Reliance water heater leaking from the top around hot or cold connections.

Safety first: Turn OFF power or set the gas control to OFF. Close the cold water supply valve to the heater. Allow the hot water to cool before working on the 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, flexible connectors, and any unions.
• 2. Tighten fittings: Use appropriate wrenches to snug threaded connections. Do not overtighten to the point of damaging the 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 the 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 the fittings, the tank itself may be leaking and require replacement.