Hi everyone, I have an electric water heater and the other day I noticed some water standing around the bottom of it. Some water had pooled around the dryer that sits next to it. After cleaning it up, it was no more than a cup of water, I decided to just keep an eye on it and we went about our daily routine. Baths and doing laundry. The next day, I looked at the water heater again and saw the same thing. Water was around the base of the water heater and had pooled in the same spot. Maybe a cup or two. I cannot see anything leaking, but I am sure it is coming from the water heater. Does anyone have any idea what this might be? Water is not pouring out of it or anything. Kindof like a slow leak or something.

First you must determine exactly the source of the leak. Water heaters can develop leaks in various places, (see image) Shut off the power, start at the top and check for moisture around the connections. No moisture? Then open the top inspection plate and see if that area's dry. Still dry? Then do the same on the bottom inspection plate area. If everything's dry where you checked the I would suspect that a weld in the boiler has developed a leak. This will only get worse with time qnd there is no repair except replacement
Let me know what you find. Tom

It's probably rusting out at the bottom. Starting slowly, progressing to a larger leak. It's time for a replacement. Don't wait too long or you may have some real water damage...

Yes, it may be leaking tank. But also, since it is wintertime, it may be condensation.

Check out what I have suggested in my bearlier post and get back to us. Regards, Tom

I agree with all of them.

Megsdoug,
Can you tell us how old is your heater?

If it is old It may be time to replace it as every one else suggests, Thanks.

John