Is it time for a new water heater?

[kwinch]

My 50 gal electric WH has water coming up out of this hole in the top. It just fills to the top and slowly runs out over the side. What can cause this and is it time for a new WH?

 

[oz-plumber]

Looks like the sacrificial anode has rusted away and leaking through the threads.

Not worth messing around with, unless you can source another anode.
I probably wouldn't bother because if the anode has rusted that much, the cylinder would be in the same state.

Replace unit

 

[Gasmk1]

Looks like the sacrificial anode has rusted away and leaking through the threads.

Not worth messing around with, unless you can source another anode.
I probably wouldn't bother because if the anode has rusted that much, the cylinder would be in the same state.

Replace unit

They posted this twice said that was a possible on other post.

 

[kwinch]

OMG This explains it very well:
Time to replace.