Leak from the left top valve - Rheem 50 GAL ELEC TALL Water Heater 6YR SC 83VR522

sounds like valve seal failure or loose

if it is the threads leaking., you can #1 shut the water heater down or turn it to pilot. #2 carefully loosen the top connector to the valve, #3 remove valve #4 apply teflon tape, usually 3 raps nO more than 5 to the male threads #5 carefully reassemble. turn from pilot to normal. if the water heater continues to leak it is possible that you observed leakage from the valve but the tank itself needs replaced. hope this helps.

They wear out especially if they are older. You did not say what make and model it is but if there is water coming out the bottom it is time for a new unit. The leak is still happening because even though there is not supply pressure, gravity is pulling the water out the break in the liner.

Sounds like TP valve is leaking:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-TP-valve.html

Do not cap off TP valve.
Raise lever and gently lower back down to see if TP will turn off
Replace TP valve.

If problem persists, re-post question with specifics about your tank: such as electric, or gas, and if unit has a blower on top, and if gas control valve is electronic or has a dial.

If the pressure relief valve has a flip lever on it that is extended up or out from the valve, it is in the open position and you will want to close it. If the tank had a big dent in the top, there is a good chance the fiberglass tank inside the outter metal housing could be cracked or broken. If it is leaking around the valve, you might have bad threads that the valve threads into. It's hard to say without seeing it but, the inner fiberglass tank is not built to be beat on. You can try to pull off the inspection panels and see if you can see exactly where the leak is coming from but, make sure power is off to unit before you do anything.

Make sure any water valves (Cold or Hot) for water heater are not leaking first. Gate valves may leak at the packing nut over time and drip on top of tank. If water is leaking from the top of the water heater itself the tank is corroded and water heater will need to be replaced.
RJ

Hi,
That is called a pressure relief valve....
If the water gets too hot, the pressure builds too high in the tank or the valve goes bad, it will leak...
Remember that this valve is a SAFETY device!!!
Do NOT plug the valve off...
Find out why it is leaking and get it fixed...

heatman101

Hot water pressure relief valves serve two functions. The first is to remove high-pressure water from the hot water tank. The second function is to act as a high temperature valve to remove water that exceeds a predetermined point for the valve. Both of these relief settings are preset at the valve factory. Many pressure relief valves will come with a metal tag that identifies these release points. If you're attempting to remove the hot water heater pressure relief valve, pay careful attention to ensure that you replace with the correct valve.

Your hot water heater has a pressure relief valve safety mechanism. When pressure inside the water tank exceeds certain limitations, the valve opens up to allow the pressure to be released. A faulty pressure relief valve will not release excess pressure, which could cause extensive damage to your home. You should test the hot water heater pressure relief valve once every six months to ensure proper operation. If the pressure relief valve fails the test, replace the valve with a new one immediately

Locate the pressure relief valve on your hot water heater. The pressure relief valve has a lever handle on top with a drain pipe attached to it. The pressure relief valve is most often on the side of the water tank toward the top. Newer models of hot water heaters have the pressure relief valve on top of the water tank.

Inspect the area around the pressure relief valve for signs of leaking water. If there is leaking water near the relief valve connection, replace the relief valve. If no leaking is evident, proceed with testing the pressure valve.

3

Examine the area below the pressure relief valve drain pipe. Most water heater closets either have a drain in the floor below the pipe or the pipe is inserted into another pipe to direct the water out of the home. If the end of your drain pipe is not in another pipe or there is no drain in the floor, place a bucket under the drain pipe to catch water when you test the pressure relief valve.

4

Pull the lever handle on the top of the pressure relief valve up with your fingers. A working lever will lift up without difficulty.You should begin to hear water going through the drain pipe. Slowly release the lever to shut off the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is good. If you did not hear water running through the drain pipe, lower the lever on the pressure relief valve and replace the valve. If the lever is difficult to raise, do not force the lever. Replace the pressure relief valve.

Now with all that said if you have a closed loop water supply system and you have a pressure vessal/expantion tank it may have gone bad and is making the TP valve leak. you can call your water provider to see if you have closed loop system.

i am not sure if you are talking about a shut off valve or the pressure relief valve. the relief valve should have a pipe from it going down the side of the water heater. if that is the leak the it can be replaced. there should be a little lever on top of it and some times by lifting it and letting a little water flow through, it will stop leaking.

could be pressure relife valve as well- you need to tell us where water is comig from exactly in order to solve