Nozzle leak We have a Rheem gas hot water heater and the plastic knob (looks like a hose spout) is leaking. It is located right next to the pilot light and all other knobs. I tried to use pliers and tighten it clockwise but it just won't budge. How do I fix the leak? Its a slow leak but leaking enough to saturate a towel. Thanks!

You will have to take the case off and look for where the leak is . Then replace that part .

Use garden hose cap:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-water-heater-drain-valve.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
Make sure you are not capping off TP valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-TP-valve.html
Identify water heater valve:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Repair-water-heater-valve.html

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

Access is at the bottom of the water heater. There is a little cover you will have to take off. Look for the gas valve. (its where the gas will come in to the water heater) Follow the two lines that come off he bottom of the valve. They will lead you to the burner (big line) and the pilot(smaller line). The pilot is what you are looking for.
1. locate the pilot (it will be 8" or so in to the water heater)(right next to the burner)
2. Turn knob on top of gas valve to "pilot"
3. Push down the knob on top of the valve that you just turned to "pilot" or there may be a lever right next to the knob on some models
4.with a long fireplace match or bar b que lighter, while holding the knob down, reach your lighter to the pilot assembly. you may smell a little gas.
5. The pilot will light, do not let go of the knob for 30-45 seconds
6. After a few seconds let go of the knob and turn it to "on"
7. Check your thermostat make sure it is not on "vacation" and turn it up to see if the burner ignites.
You are ready for hot water if all works. Hope this helps you, have a good day.

If you mean the drain valve, then buy garden hose cap at home center.
Cap will have rubber washer that seals tank.
If drain valve is plastic, the cap may not thread on without sanding down end of plastic drain valve.
Otherwise replace drain valve, which is simple if drain valve is brass, but can be difficult if drain valve is plastic.
Turn off power to water heater: Electric: turn off circuit breaker. Gas: turn knob to pilot.
Turn off water, open bathtub spigot on Hot side, drain water heater, remove drain valve with wrench.
If plastic drain valve breaks while being removed, then 'gently' break out broken part using hammer and big screwdriver.
Buy new drain valve at box store in water heater department.
Put teflon tape on new drain valve threads.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-is-leaking.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-will-not-drain.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Clean-sediment-out-of-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on water heater or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

If water heater is leaking out of a hole, then tank is rusted out and needs to be replaced.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

First thing is protect yourself.
Tank could rupture.
Turn off power
-Electric heater: turn off circuit breaker
-Gas heater: turn knob from ON to pilot, so pilot light stays lit.
Open bathtub spout on hot side and release pressure.

Now you're save.
When you need hot water, turn heater on for 1 hour, use hot water, then turn heater off again.

You can limp along like this for a while until heater is replaced.

I buy water heaters at Lowes, Ace, Home Depot, Sears.
Look for scratch and dent.
Look for same size that you have now.
manufactured homes require heater that is made for that application.
Propane and natural gas heaters have different burner.

Always offer 10% less than asking price on any water heater.
You need teflon tape, 10" pipe wrench, new flexible water connectors, and a drip pan, and maybe insulation blanket.

Read how to install gas water heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html
To install electric water heater, open link above because some things are same for both gas and electric.
Difference with electric is there is no gas line, and you connect wires same way that they came off.

You have 240volt electric water heater
Check both elements for leaking.
Check top of tank for leaking pipes.

If water heater is leaking from side of tank, then tank is rusted out and could rupture.
This tank must be replaced.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-at-bottom-of-water-heater.html
My friend welded his tank to get more life out of tank, but he assumed the risk.

Hot water heaters are under pressure from heated water which expands.
If tank ruptures, water will flood out of tank and water will run until shut-off is turned OFF.
This causes major damage inside home.

Protect yourself first, and then let's talk more.
1) Turn off water at shut off located on cold water line above tank.
2) Turn off power to water heater:
Gas heater, rotate valve to 'pilot' so pilot is lit but burner does not turn ON.
Electric heater, turn off circuit breaker.
3) Open tub spout on hot side and let run a bit to relieve pressure.
4) Now your property is safe.

You can limp along with failed heater if leak is slow.
Turn heater ON when you need hot water.
Typical Gas heater makes 41 gallons hot water per hour.
Typical Electric heater makes 21 gallons hot water.
Shower uses 5-9 gallons hot water, bath uses 12-14 gallons hot water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Water-heater-reference-guide-2.jpg

If you are going to install heater yourself:
Look at label on side of old tank to identify size and particulars.
I buy ordinary heaters from Lowes and Home Depot and always buy scratch-n-dent models when possible, because superficial damage to outer tank does not lower lifespan of heaters I have installed.
Buy same size heater if it worked fine before.
Buy new flexible water connectors.
Set water heater in drip pan.
Offer 10% less than price shown. Make them deal with you. Shop Ace hardware, Lowes, Home Depot. Kick the tires since you have a bit of time.

I know you have electric heater, but many folks read these answers, so I include info on gas too.
#1 rule) tankless heaters are a rich-man's toy, because tankless will never pay you back, and will become major money pit if you encounter 1 repair. Electric tankless heaters require larger electric service box. Gas tankless require larger gas line (larger gas line, more gas consumption, bigger bill unless you cut consumption)
2) How to install gas heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-gas-water-heater.html
3) How to install electric heater:
Read link above because many of same steps apply to electric.
The difference with electric, is turn off power, disconnect wires, and reconnect wires exactly like before. Set electric heater directly on insulated surface like dense blue styrafoam. Cut styrafoam in circle so it fits inside dip pan. Wrap entire electric heater with insulation blanket, except don't cover TP valve.
4) Connect bare copper jumper wire between hot and cold pipes to prevent stray current corrosion which will shorten life of tank. Make sure cold water line is grounded.

Also read:
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html

Add a comment for more free assistance.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, fixya expert speaks to you via phone about any do-it-yourself problem.

A leaking water heater cannot be repaired, assuming it's the tank leaking and not nearby water pipe.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-leaking.html

First thing is to protect your property from catastrophic tank failure where tank ruptures and water runs until it is shut off:
Tanks are under pressure when they are hot.
Close cold water shut-off located above tank.
Turn control knob to 'pilot' so pilot is lit but burner will not turn on.
Open hot side on tub for few moments to relieve tank pressure.

Now your property is safe.
You need a new water heater.
In mean time, gas water heater makes 41 gallons hot water per hour.
Shower used 5-9 gallons hot water.
Bath uses 10-15 gallons hot water.
You can turn on water heater for short stretches and limp by until you get a new heater.

Steps for installing gas water heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

You can try to crack it open and get a little piece of crud out of there, I'm sure that is all it is, Just get a tray or something to catch the water, It should stop it, If it gets worse, turn the water off to the heater, then open the valve and hope the bigger piece of crud comes out. It is about all you can do, other than drain the whole thing and take the valve apart and replace the rubber in it. Check it out, Hope this helps.

I wrote a page on leaking water heaters with resources and information:
Page lists things to check.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-at-bottom-of-water-heater.html

Also run hand over tank to find warm spot that says where leak is coming from
A rusted tank cannot be repaired.

If your tank is rusted out, it might burst open and flood the area.
Hot water inside tank is under pressure.
Turn off heat source to water heater.
Turn off water valve located above tank.
Open tub faucet on hot side and relieve pressure from tank.

You can limp along with a leaking water heater by turning it on when hot water is needed.
For example a shower uses 5-9 gallons hot water.
Turn gas water heater on for 15-20 minutes.
Turn electric on for 20-30 minutes.

To conserve resources with next heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html

Remove the cover then the access cover, then you can see inside,
the pilot light is probably out.

If out turn the gas off, then get a long match, grill lighter,or piece of paper ready to light, you should be able to see the little thin
gas line that runs inside the tank and see where it connects to,that is where you need to light, now that you see where to light, turn gas knob to pilot, and press down and at the same time light the pilot.
( blow into the pilot area before putting match inside to make sure no gas has built up inside) Hold down the knob for a minute then release, if pilot goes out try again and hold down longer, if you hold it for 3mins and it does not stay lite, the thermocouple is bad and you will have to replace it.