Observe without opening equipment
From a safe position, photograph the first visible wet point and the path into the pan or floor. Note whether water appears during heating, after hot-water use, or continuously.
Do not open covers, touch wet electrical parts, or tighten a hot or pressurized fitting. If water approaches electrical equipment, keep away and request qualified electrical direction.
Tell the service provider whether the leak is growing, reaching another floor, or near power. A small container is not a reliable plan for an unattended active leak.
Ask for the distinction
A. O. Smith's puddle bulletin distinguishes drain valves, piping, element gaskets, and tank leaks. It calls for replacement when the tank is confirmed to leak. A. O. Smith leak-source guidance.
Ask the technician to show the originating point, not just the lowest wet area. Request whether the valve body, its attachment, an adjacent fitting, or tank metal is the source.
If a component can be repaired, ask whether the surrounding connection and tank condition support that repair. An old tank may have other concerns, but age alone does not prove this leak is from it.
Compare supported choices
For repair, request the exact part or connection work, expected result, cost, and warranty. For replacement, request the tank-leak or other condition finding and a complete installed scope.
Ask whether pressure or another contributing water-system condition needs investigation. Related plumbing work needs an appropriate qualified provider and clear quote responsibility.
Plan until service
Ask the provider for the exact heater's safe shutdown and water-isolation direction. Do not operate unidentified valves or leave a heater energized if its water state is uncertain.
Your next step is to share safe photographs and request documented leak tracing. Choose repair or replacement from the originating leak and equipment condition, rather than where the puddle collects.