Safety boundary: Water near electrical equipment, active spraying, gas odour or a leaking tank requires prompt professional or emergency action.
Confirm the source
Condensation, nearby plumbing, relief-valve discharge and tank leakage can all create water around a heater. Dry the area only when safe and observe where moisture first returns.
Tank leakage
Water emerging from the tank body or lower seam usually means replacement rather than a durable repair.
Valves and piping
Leaks at fittings or valves may be repairable, but relief-valve discharge can indicate temperature, pressure or expansion problems and should not be capped.
Limit damage
Know the domestic-water shutoff and heater energy shutoff. If safe to do so, close water and energy supplies and call qualified service. Protect finished areas from continuing water.
Useful questions to record
- Is the problem at one fixture or throughout the home?
- Is there active leakage or relief-valve discharge?
- What fuel, capacity and age is the unit?
Related guides
Tank, Tankless and Heat-Pump Water HeatersA Canadian comparison of storage tanks, on-demand systems and heat-pump water heaters.Sizing a Water HeaterHow first-hour delivery, recovery and peak demand matter more than tank volume alone.No Hot Water or Inconsistent TemperatureSafe observations that distinguish whole-house, fixture and capacity problems.Water Heater MaintenanceA conservative maintenance plan for tanks and tankless units.