Find the water first, then shut things off. Not every puddle means the tank has failed, but a tank that is leaking from the body cannot be repaired.
First steps
- Turn off the power at the breaker, or turn a gas unit’s control to its off position.
- Close the cold water shutoff valve on the pipe above the heater.
- Do not touch any electrical part if the floor is wet; shut off the breaker from a dry spot.
- Take a photo of where the water seems to start.
Where the water may come from
- Pipe fittings on top: water runs down the tank and looks like a base leak. This is often repairable.
- The relief valve or its drain pipe: a drip can mean pressure or temperature issues.
- The drain valve at the bottom: a slow drip that tightening may stop.
- Condensation: in humid weather, cold pipes sweat, and a gas unit’s exhaust can add moisture.
- The tank itself: water that leaks from the seam or bottom, and keeps coming after the supply is closed.
What cannot be concluded from a puddle
A wet floor does not tell you which of these it is. If the tank itself is the source, replacement is the only answer, and a licensed plumber handles the removal and any gas or venting work. If the source is a fitting or valve, we can often repair the unit.
A warning about the relief valve
Never plug or cap the relief valve discharge pipe. It is a safety device.
Keep the area around the heater clear so a leak is easy to see early. A drain pan under the tank, with a line to a safe drain, limits damage while you arrange a repair.
We will tell you whether the leak is repairable before any work begins. See the water heater repair page; the service area page shows where we work around Houston.