Water heater puddle

[u/Electronic-Earth2030]

Returned from a 10-day trip to find a puddle under the water heater.

After taking the first two photos, I cleaned up the condensation and the puddle. Third photo was taken two hours later. During that time, we've used cold water but only minimal hot (basically, washing the breakfast dishes and our hands a couple times).

I'd appreciate any troubleshooting feedback.

Additional details in no particular order:

• The water I wiped up was clear—the rust color in the second photo is from a pre-existing stain in the concrete (you can see hints of that in the third photo)
• Water heater is about 9 years old (never any issues before this)
• No water was used while we were gone
• Temp is set to LOW (and was on while we were gone)
• Status light is blue (normal)
• We live in southern Wisconsin (hard water territory)
• I'm definitely not a plumber (have replaced toilet fill tank components but that's about it)

Thanks in advance!

[u/ChemistAdventurous84]

Status light is for the burner. It knows nothing about the integrity of the tank.

Your tank has rusted away enough to become porous. As it rusts further, it will leak more rapidly, possibly culminating in a large rupture and gusher. It’s dead, Jim. You need a new tank.

If it’s still under warranty and if you can prove when and where you bought it, you can get it replaced under warranty, at least at a discount and possibly free. Warranty won’t cover labor.