Water on the floor under your water heater is a big red flag; those leaks need to be fixed right now, before they lead to other, potentially more serious problems.

How to Fix a Leaky Water Heater

Make sure that water on the floor under your hot water heater is not simple condensation. This can happen during the winter, when the water flowing into your tank is colder than usual. If you can established that your problem is not condensation, check these points:

• Start by tightening all parts, including the drain valve.
• On a gas water heater, look at the vent. If there is an obstruction or buildup, shut off the water heater and clean out the vent.
• On an electric water heater, inspect the gaskets around the heating element. If the leak is coming from a gasket, a simple replacement can take care of the problem.
• Tighten the fittings on the water pipes around your water heater. If the tightening doesn't work, your pipes might require a new fitting.
• The temperature-pressure relief valve will release water if the pressure in the tank builds up too high. Replace the valve but watch it closely in the coming weeks. Too much pressure in the tank can mean other problems that a plumber should address.
• If the water seems to be seeping from the tank seams, you have a serious problem. Water heaters can last for a very long time, but once the tank begins to show signs of age, it is time for a new one. If you see water coming from the tank itself, turn off the water heater and make arrangements for a replacement.