Water heater leaking - Rheem Water Heaters

Hi -

If your water heater is working (ie: making hot water) then most likely your heater isn't leaking. Rather, the leak is coming from the cold water supply and running down the tank where you see it at the bottom of the tank. A working tank that is leaking would produce a leak of hot water - not cold. You should carefully check the cold water piping for a leak, drip or stream of water and make the required repairs.

Depends on source of leak: If gas water heater is leaking from bottom, then heater must be replaced.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-water-heater.html
Add a comment and describe type of water heater, and what you discover about source of leak.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Leaking water heater because steel tank wall rusted through
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

Is this gas or electric?
Element leaking on electric heater?

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Copy following link for troubleshoot walk-thru leaking water heater, and strategies for next water heater if needed.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

2) If you have electric water heater, the element could be leaking.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

1) Copy following link for troubleshoot walk thru
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

2) Electric water heater might be leaking from element, and water appears at bottom of tank:

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Rumbling sound usually means sediment build-up inside tank.
Yeas a leaking water heater is dangerous because it can cause water damage.
Copy following link to determine source of leak.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

You have to replace water heater.
But you can buy-time if leak is small by turning heater off except when you need hot water. This will give you 30-60 days to shop and find best heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-gas-water-heater.html

To prevent tank from rusting in this manner, inspect and replace anode rod each 2-4 years, and keep water pressure below 80psi.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-maintain-water-heater.html

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Copy following link for troubleshooting leaking water heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

You posted question under propane gas heater.
Propane is heavier and air, and this type gas water heater should not be installed in basement (below grade) since gas leak can fill basement with explosive gas.
Water leak does not cause gas leak, so water leak is separate problem.
Recommended for propane safety: install gas detector close to floor near gas water heater
Regular Natural Gas heater, install gas detector higher on wall since NG is lighter than air and will rise.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Open following links to determine source of leak and take necessary steps to prevent water damage:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/Emergency-steps-for-leaking-water-heater.html

If water is leaking from a pipe. then replace or repair the pipe or fitting. If the leak is coming from the unit itself, then replace the unit. Hope this helps.