Condensation or water on the floor around a new gas water heater during first operation.

Safety first: Ensure water is not scalding when inspecting.

Steps:

• Observe if moisture appears only during burner operation and stops afterward; this often indicates condensation.
• Insulate cold water pipes above the heater to prevent dripping.
• Wipe the tank dry and monitor for actual leaks from fittings or seams.

Note: Condensation is common on new high-efficiency heaters and should diminish after a few days of normal use.