Hot water heater issue

Heard a hissing as I was grabbing laundry. Looked at hit water heater and saw water on floor. Checked pilot, it's out.

Cold water is misting out of the top, hitting the flute, puddle on heater and running down. Even the pilot window has a steady stream of water running down it.

On the pic I attached I circled where water is "misting" up from. I can't get it re-lit and I'm guessing cuz of leaking mist/water saturation?

Is this fixable or just a need to replace scenario?

Thanks in advance

 

Just realized when I close the water in line on right, misting/hissing noise stops. No idea how these work, but I suspect where the water comes in has corroded to point of leaking? I assume leaking water extinguished pilot, etc?

 

Call a plumber. Your tank sprung a leak and isn't repairable. The hot water heater needs to be replaced. Good luck

 

Tank is junk.You will need a new water heater. In my area we only get about 6 years out of them before they start to leak.

 

Turn the gas off if you have not done that yet. There may be some form of auto shut off when pilot goes out, but safety first.

You might get an estimate for a tankless unit as a replacement. I love mine.

 

Ok, everyone. Thanks for confirming my concerns. It is 7yrs old.

Literally had a discussion w/co worker yesterday about whether or not it would be dumb to replace a hot water heater before it failed. Kinda mind blowing....

 

Usually the warranty is 6 years or less. They always seem to fail right after...Go figure!

 

So it's cover under warranty yet. But I have to disconnect and drain then take to Home Depot. Problem I see is there is no easy shutoff/T-handle like our dryer has.

Just this old lever up top. This must be the shur off for the gas but it seems stuck in place. I must have to turn this, am I not?

 

Those can be stubborn. Gently try putting a cresent wrench on the handle and see if it will budge.

 

Put your cigarette out as you do this... Don't ask me how I know..!!

 

P.B.Blaster or WD-40 might help unstick the valve..in limited quantities...

 

Huh. Well, it still had some warranty left so I got a $400 credit towards a new one. Upgraded to 50gal.

 

There you go...good for you!