After a cold winter snap and no electricity, the water heater did not have a way to prevent damage from the cold weather, this is the way I fix my heater with some basics elbow from the big store.
Should've painted your drip leg, it's outside so leaks are not as dangerous but still that kind of rust is going to eat through and cause pinhole leaks. A little rustoleum primer rust preventer should make that a nice paintable surface then you can use whatever house paint you have
He sweated it and since only got water goes through it, it should be like any other copper pipe with hot water. Though you could braze the crack if you can’t get into the space to cut the end out. Brazing takes a few mins longer with the heat to reach the proper temp but, once done it’s a solid repair.
