Find the cold water valve on top of the tank and turn it clockwise until it stops. This stops more water from feeding the leak.
For electric units, flip the breaker. For gas units, turn the dial to the pilot or off setting. This keeps the burner from firing on an empty or low tank.
Move boxes, laundry, and anything on the floor near the tank. Lay down towels to slow the spread while you wait.
Take a picture of the model and size sticker. It helps your plumber bring the right replacement the first trip.
Most water heaters in Gonzales homes sit in a garage or an outside closet. When you see water at the base, first figure out where it's really coming from. A leak at the top is often a loose fitting. A puddle spreading from underneath usually means the steel tank has corroded from the inside out, and that's not something a plumber can seal back up.
Salinas Valley water carries a lot of minerals. Over the years that sediment settles at the bottom of the tank and bakes against the burner, which speeds up rust and wear. A plumber will check the drain valve, the temperature and pressure relief valve, and the pipe connections before calling the tank itself. If the tank is the source, replacement is the honest answer.
Treat a bottom leak as urgent if the water is running steadily, if it's near electrical panels or outlets, or if you smell gas near a gas unit. A slow drip gives you a little more time, but tanks that start leaking rarely stop on their own. The sooner someone looks at it, the less floor and drywall damage you deal with.
Describe what you're seeing to a real Gonzales plumber: call (831) 555-0109 or send the form. Free, no obligation.