Water on the floor: sort out the leak first

Why this happens

Rheem says a discharging temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve may mean an unsafe temperature or pressure condition, and to contact a licensed plumber immediately. A. O. Smith says that for a leaking heater, turn off the power or gas and the water supply, then find the source: leaks from the top often come from loose pipe connections, leaks from the T&P valve may indicate high pressure, and leaks from the base usually signal serious tank damage.

What to do right now

1. Stay away from anything electrical near the water. Ready.gov says not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
2. If water or steam is coming out of the end of the relief valve's discharge pipe, the pipe that runs down from the valve near the top or side of the tank, keep away from the end of the pipe, since American Water Heater's guide says the discharged water may be hot, and call a licensed plumber now, as Rheem advises. Do not cap, plug or block the valve or its pipe; Rheem lists a plugged or restricted discharge line among the common relief valve errors.
3. If you can reach the valves without going near the end of the relief valve pipe or stepping into water near outlets, cords or appliances, and you are confident doing it, turn the gas shutoff valve near the heater to off, then close the shutoff valve on the cold water line leading to the heater, as A. O. Smith advises. Turn each valve by hand and never force it.
4. If any part of the heater has been under water, such as the bottom where the burner sits or the gas control, do not use the heater again until it is checked. American Water Heater's gas water heater guide says not to use the appliance if any part has been under water and to call a qualified service technician right away.
5. Use our water heater leaking guide, linked below, to find where the water comes from.
6. Call a licensed plumber if the leak does not have a simple cause or keeps coming back. If you turned the gas off, leave relighting the heater to the plumber or your gas utility.

When to stop. Water or steam from the relief valve pipe: keep away from the pipe end and call a plumber now. Water reaching outlets, cords or the electrical panel: do not touch anything electrical, stay out of the water and call a licensed electrician as well. Smoke or fire: get out, stay out and call 911. A carbon monoxide alarm, or headache, dizziness or nausea in anyone at home: get everyone outside to fresh air and call 911. Any gas smell: leave and call 911 and your gas utility from outside.

Start this troubleshooter over

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