I installed a brand new whirlpool electric water heater,after a few hours there is some puddling in the recess area were u hook the cold and jot water on top of water heater,I noticed there is a small puddle just inside a hole with insulation near the cold water hook up ,is there something wrong with water heater or do I need to tighten up the fittings tighter

Hi Bowen

It sounds like you didn't put enough pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads of the nipples, or it may be that you didn't tighten the nipples enough like you suspect.

Either way, if you see water up at the nipples, you need to pull them, and reseal them and try again! Use more teflon tape and/or pipe dope (I use both on water heater nipples.. tape first then pipe dope) and tighten real well!

Good luck!

Mark