Top connections
Look for water around the hot and cold supply connections and nearby fittings.
Leaking water heater help
Water Heater Leak Help in Hemet, California
Water around a heater can come from a supply line, valve, fitting, drain valve, relief pipe, or the tank itself. Keep clear of electrical and gas hazards.
What you can check without taking equipment apart
Drain valve
Water near the lower drain valve may come from the valve itself or may have traveled down the tank.
Relief pipe
Occasional discharge and continuous flow are different clues. Do not cap or plug a relief pipe.
Tank body
Water emerging from the tank shell or base can indicate internal corrosion or tank failure.
Safety comes before diagnosis
Do not remove covers, touch wet electrical parts, relight equipment, or operate controls while standing in water. For a suspected gas leak, leave the area and contact the gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.
✓ Note whether the unit is gas or electric
✓ Note where water first appears
✓ Note whether water is hot
✓ Note whether the supply valve turns safely