I have a Reliance Sta-Kleen
If I understand correctly you have residential electric water heater, and your shut off valve located above water heater on cold-water line is leaking?
1) Hot water would come out of this valve if it's leaking because water inside tank is hot and under pressure ... also remember, hot water rises so tank is probably heating the water inside the cold line during hours when no hot water is being used.
2) You probably need to replace the valve. But if water is leaking because a pipe is rusted, the valve may be ok, and just the pipe needs to be replaced.
Take a photo of your problem to hardware store or home center.
I used to work in those stores and could help folks get the right parts.
3) Here are some steps for replacing the valve.
Shut off main water source into house. This is usually located underground in same box where meter-reader looks at meter.
Your water heater shut off valve is called a gate valve, and it will be 3/4"
All water heater pipes are 3/4"
You will need two 10-12" pipe wrenches, maybe a new gate valve, maybe a new flex connector, probably short 3/4 pipe pieces, teflon tape for each threaded pipe.
Hardware store or home center can get you the right materials, just take a photo over to hardware store
4) When you get started, turn off water heater circuit breaker for a couple hours so water will cool down. You don't want to get scalded with hot water.
Do NOT drain the tank.
Simply open a bathtub faucet on hot side to release pressure.
When finished, turn on the water, and make sure water is flowing out of tub spout in full stream before turning circuit breaker ON
Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.
12/29/2013 7:25:23 AM •
RELIANCE...
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Answered
on Dec 29, 2013