a.o. Smith Hot Water Heater Top Leaks

[Charleye]

I have a 40 gal a. o. smith gas hot water heater. It is 8 years old. It is leaking where the nipple enters the hot orifice of the heater. I see no corrision or rust there. I asked a plumber at an ACE hardware store if I could get some type of sealant to try to stop the leak and he said I could try some plumbers goop or I may have to replace the nipple. I read the label on the goop and it says do not use where food will come into contact, or something like that, so I think I will try to replace the nipple instead. Could someone please tell me how to replace it. Does it unscrew in a counter clockwise direction ? It seems very tight to move in either direction and I don't want to snap it off by turning it in the wrong direction. Also is there something else that I should do other than just removing the old and replacing it with a new? I truly appreciate any help I can get. Thanks, Charleye.
p. s. Nipple size?

[havasu]

Simple fix, just remember righty/tighty, lefty loosy. Pick up two water heater dielectric 5" long nipples, wrap white teflon tape 2-3 times around both ends, and tighten down with a pipe wrench. While you are at it, give the tank a sediment flush, vacuum any debris and dust around the water heater, and clean dirt off the exterior. Also, for energy savings, purchase a water heater insulation blanket and wrap it up tight. You will have conducted a water heater tune up, which will be safe, last longer, and save you money.

[Charleye]

Havasu
Thank you very much sir for making my repair job simple and clear. Also thanks for the other knowledge and the quick response. Have a great day sir!
Charleye