I have a 41v50 gas 50 gallon hot water heater and it is leaking from the top. Can it be fixed? Should I drain some of the water out?

Gas or electric?
Electric water heater ... then test for crossover, check for water leak, replace thermostats, test elements
Gas water heater ... test for crossover, check for water leak
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermostat-on-electric-water-heater.html

http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-test-water-heater-element.html

water leak: turn off all taps and put ear against pipe and listen for water leak... check if water meter advances when all water taps are off.

Gene

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

The fitting at the top need to be looked at. Use tolit paper wipe around all the fittings and drain lines over head check the popoff valve next if you got a plastic drain valve. Replace it with a 3/4 nipple and cap or a ball valve full port and hose adapter turn gas valve off and use up the hot water I had a valve break during replasment cool water is better. Use pipedope on fitings

No.
Replace tank.
Buy 40 gallon from local Lowes and install yourself.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

Under thin metal shell is a welded steel tank, surrounded by insulation and then covered with painted metal shell. The shell is what you look at.
The inside steel tank is made to withstand high pressure expansion that comes with heating water.
The steel tank has rusted out.
Turn gas control valve to vacation, so pilot light stays on, and then only heat enough water as needed until you can replace tank.

Prevent next tank from rusting by replacing anode rod, and ground water pipes.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-maintain-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

just turn off the gas valve for pilot light, turn off cold water to water tank. drain system. when refilling open cold water to fill tank, wait at least a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes then relight water heater. you should be fine!

You have 6-year 50 gallon gas water heater:
42V50 would be the newer model number. They make tall and short models.
http://www.rheem.com/product.aspx?id=CC643E03-4C15-4775-B139-E504A95651F7

All brands of water heater are good.
So any 50 gallon gas water heater from local box store or hardware is good product.
Tanks with longer warranty last longer. So 9-year and 12-year water heater will last longer, unless you have very hard water or odor in water and need to change frequently.
I recommend avoiding water heaters with electronic controls since they are not protected from power surge and can cost more to repair.

Additional resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

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Hi,

The drain valve can always be replaced so you can drain that with no worries....after it is empty open and clsoe the cold water valve to flush more...

As far as being large enough... that depends...

If you have a teenager like I do that takes 40 min showers in steaming hot water... no....
If you are running more then one shower at a time... then probably not...

The other thing that could have happened is that the dip tube for the cold water inlet has broken off or disintergrated...that happens...
Usually you will then get cold water and the gas valve will not yet have kicked on the burner, because the cold water is not going to the bottom...

If it is a new install... check thet the supply and return are hooked up correctly...

thermostat is gas vavle may also be bad, but not too likely...

heatman101

You don't need to find the same exact model to replace your water heater, any 50 gallon water heater will do unless you have a brand specification that you like to stick with.

If it is leaking out the top it would be best to replace it. just check the fittings and make sure they are not leaking and running in the heater. Try to dry it up as much as possible if it is around any fittings.

But if you can see it's coming from the tank it would be best to replace because it will need replacing later even if it could be plugged temporary now.

The model number you gave is for a 50 gallon tank, not 83 gallon.

50 gallon ones are readily available, including the same model..

sounds like you have a hole in your tank or a leak on the connections at the top, might be a bad heater. if it's new call rheem and get it warrentied!