Water heater leakage

[formant78]

Sorry, forgot to mention the model https://houseweather.org/best-electric-water-heater/#product5

[fixbear]

So, you have a Westinghouse 80 Gallon heater. But how old is it? And how is it piped? Where exactly are you seeing water? On top? in the thermostat housing? on the floor? From the temp/pressure relief valve?

Water leaks are something that has to be found visually. Since I can’t see your heater, you are the one to look. You say it’s from the top, so it will either be the water line connections or the relief valve. Both are mechanical tapered thread. Usually improper installation or application of sealant. Now being a stainless steel heater, they get heat embrittlement over time. And have very thin walls. This means cracks near stress points. Especially if the heater wasn’t placed firmly on a solid base. Like a concrete floor. Wood floors are live and constantly move. And require specialized piping during install to protect the heater.

Take a flashlight and dry rag and look very carefully around the top fitting. Gravity effects water, so as you work down and find it wet, your close.

And don’t rule out or overlook condensation. It’s humid this time of year.