Kenmore Power Miser 6 electric water heater has leaked out of the top of the water heater through the hole in center between hot and cold water intake. There is not a lot of water but enough to sit on top of the unit and a little spilled over the edge. What causes this and should I be concerned about a bigger problem? Water heater is 2 yrs old.

What exactly is the "...hole in the middle...?" Can you be more specific ?

I don't know what the hole on top is for. The pressure valve is on the side of the unit. I looked in the owners manual and it does not say what the purpose of the hole is. It is about an inch in diameter

Is that hole plugged ? Can you snap a photo of it and post it ?

Sounds like a leak at the threaded tapping for the ANODE ROD... see pictures below.

This usually presents as a 1 1/16th" or 1 1/8" SPUD nut recessed slightly into tank top.

If you are leaking from this tapping a good plumber may be able to salvage it for you... otherwise, seems that the water heater is gone and will need to be replaced under warranty (tank, not labor). To remove an anode rod takes leverage... if you have a tool set/socket set that will give you leverage then you may be able to do this yourself... let us know and we will talk you through.. ok?

Let me know if this makes sense...

MARK

Thank you for your help. I have a plumber coming to take a look at it.

Let us know result!

Thanks... MARK

Service tech said it looked like the unit had cracked. Water heater was replaced as it was still under warranty.

Bpark...

Thanks for the update... good to know you're all set!

New whirlpoolhot water leaking at both pipe joints on top of heater

New whirlpoolhot water leaking at both pipe joints on top of heater Shut the power and the water off ASAP LIKE RIGHT NOW! And call the company> Have them send out another plumber. Your last one didn't do so hot.
Have the new guy open up the top inspection plate to see if the water got into the wiring or thermostat. If there's water damage 5then the heater should be replaced. Don't let them talk you out of it. Sorry to hear that there's a problem with the new one. Tom

Yes, call their warranty center and have them come out and look at it. I have a power miser 6, 38 gal. and the tank burst somewhere under the cover and was pouring out of the seam in the middle of the tank this morning. I noticed that it was rusty around the cold water pipe and across the top and down the side where it had been slowly leaking for sometime.It is under the house and out of sight so I didn't notice it. I think it finally just burst. Mine is 5 1/2 years old and there is a 6 yr. warranty on it. They are supposed to look at it today and if it is covered they will give me a new one. I will install it myself. They would probably charge more than it cost to install it.