Leaking hot water heater help

Hot water heater is leaking from panel that covers bottom thermostat/element. I figure it’s the tank that has blown. However it seems that when I shut the cold water valve off at the top of the tank, the leak stops. If it were the tank, would it not leak until all the water drains out of it?

 

No

 

So it’s normal for it only to leak out when the cold water supply valve is open?

 

leaks under pressure

 

Another reason it may have stopped...think what happens when you put your finger over the end of a straw...now, if you then opened a hot valve somewhere in the house, would be like removing your finger from the straw.

 

Fill a pop bottle full of water, put the cap back on. Poke near the bottom with a pin. See how long it takes to drain