I have a Whirlpool hot water heater, model #EE3Z50RD055V, 50 gal, approx. 5 years old. It has been leaking at the top regulator valve. An electrician replaced it, still leaked...took it back (thought perhaps a faulty valve), replaced it drained the heater to remove setiment, it is STILL LEAKING (about 3/4 bucket per day). Obviously when I turn the water and power off, it doesn't leak. WHY is is still leaking and what can be done??? Thank you, Jeannie

call mfg

No warranty now plan on replacing it

Hi. Call the service. They may fix it. BTW very much people complaining to this model.

Is water inside tank Hot?
Open TP valve and also open drain valve.
If tank is hot, then you might have plumbing problem caused by bad faucet cartridge or check valve.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Crossover.html

Red reset button is located on upper thermostat.
Test for 120Volt across top two screws on upper thermostat.
You might have a bad upper thermostat.
If electric water heater has some hot water, then upper element is good.
Electrician should enjoy following page full of information.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.html

Are the hot and cold pipes reversed on top of tank?
Usually the cold water line has shut-off valve.
Top of tank is marked H and C
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-it-works.html

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

The manual for the EE3Z50RD055V water heater is available from Manage My Life: http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/3096/AMERICAN-WATERHEATERS-Water-heater-Electric-L0603475?brand_name_search=EE3Z50RD055V .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Very simple - call a Plumber. He will fix your plumbing problem, and any foreseen potential problems related to your water leak. He may also suggest replacing your 6 year old water heater. Of course ..... for a professional cost.
However, depending on your time, skills, proper tools, patience and luck, it's easy enough to perform yourself:
1. Switch off the water heater Breakers (220v) in your service panel.
2. Turn off the water supply to the water heater.
3. Attach a water hose to the drain faucet. ( a good time to flush sediment -calcium deposits)
4. Open a hot water faucet to vent (above the level of the water heater drain - kitchen sink)
5. Remove the suspected leak components. (a union connection is a good place to start)
6. Install New pipes -3 wrap all male threaded ends with teflon Tap. Tighten securely - using 2 wrenches.
NOTE: Before refilling - you can turn on the water heater supply valve for a few minutes, to flush out any lingering calcium debris.
7. Shut off drain valve - remove hose. Shut off venting hot water faucet.
8. Turn on water supply valve to fill water heater.
9. Open a hot water faucet to relieve air pressure while filling - preferably the bath tub faucet, it doesn't have a screen that might clog.
10. When water flows without air - shut off tub faucet.
11. Look for leaks.
12. Switch the water heater Breakers on.
Note: 50 gallons should take an hour or more to heat up. Turn on a hot water valve momentarily within this heat up time to relieve thermal expansion. ( the PT valve on your water heater will perform this task if pressures/temperature exceed new water heater tolerances - it's just a precaution to introduce these fluctuating pressures on your fragile 6 year old unit)

These are just basic instructions - assuming you fill in the common sense and work safe steps.
Good Luck - The Skill will only come after trying.

If you are reffering to the drain valve at the bottom of the hot water tank. It may be leaking due to the O ring being cracked or worn out. You can either drain the tank and replace the valve or you can buy a hosebib brass cap and thread it on the existing valve. There is no cause for alarm when doing this as this valve is just to drain the tank when replacing your hot water heater

the thermostat should be replaced it only has one on the upper eloement, it has the dial on it to set the temp, but if it is only 3 months old it comes with a 1 year parts 6 year tank warranty, if you call whirlpool and tell them about this problem they will have there own teck or sub contractor that they use to come out and fix it for free,,, first go to there web site and put in your serial number and it will tell you how old the unit is, sometimes they sit for a while and are actually out of warranty before it is installed,, also did you install it your self?? if you did di you fill it with water all the way till the water came out of the hot side on your faucet full force before turning on the electric,, if not you have fried the whole unit, you will need to replace both elements and the thermostat, the elements must be completely submerged in water before they have the power turned on,,,

no hidden switches!, did you replace bottom elements? and thermostats? one hint...bottom element heats first, then top...never both at one time.

check the pipes on top for leaks and if non then your water heater is leaking from inside and that cant be repaired / larryyb