Thanks all for all the advice. Set for trip
-pressurized system without any issues
- confirmed only source of leak is the bottom of anode rod thread and surrounding flange which has rusted away giving water access to interior
-“rust at water supply lines “ - I should have said “where supply lines join water heater”
-based on all this rust , assume it’s still near end of life
-When I return will try to replace the rod as suggested by Bill (not sure if the circular piece pictures is supposed to help seal the rod ) until whole unit is replaced
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