Water heater is leaking from the bottom of the unit.

Safety: Turn off power, close the cold water supply, and shut off gas. Water may be hot and surfaces slippery.

• Identify leak source: Remove the front cover and use a flashlight to trace the leak upward. Check all visible joints, valves, and the heat exchanger.
• Check relief valve: Inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge pipe. If water is discharging, test system pressure and replace the valve if it is weeping at normal pressure.
• Tighten fittings: Carefully tighten any accessible threaded or compression fittings that are seeping.
• Condensate vs. water: Determine if the leak is condensate (clear, from plastic piping) or system water (may be discolored). Repair condensate trap or piping if cracked.
• Heat exchanger leak: If water is clearly coming from the heat exchanger body, replacement of the exchanger or entire unit is typically required and should be done by a professional.