Other causes of ectropion are scarring, burns, trauma (called cicatricial ectropion), spasm of the orbicularis muscle, which may affect either the upper or lower eyelid, or paralysis of the orbicularis muscle in which only the lower eyelid is affected.
It is possible that there is nothing wrong with your water heater. There is a pressure relief valve on top that may be releasing water because your primary water pressure reduction valve for the house is worn out. The fact that the leak is intermittent suggests this.
Photo: A thermostatically controlled gas valve. Pressure relief vs. Temperature Pressure Relief The two contributing factors that cause water heaters to explode are excessive water temperature and a failing in the tank itself. The failing or weakness could be in the design or could be caused by a defect from extensive corrosion or just normal wear.