Sounds like the TP valve is releasing water.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Water-heater-leaking.htmlTo protect your property right now, turn off water heater:
Gas: turn gas valve to pilot so pilot light stays lit but burner will not turn on.
Electric: flip circuit breaker off
Next turn off water valve located on cold water line above water heater.
Last, open tub faucet to relieve pressure on tank.
Once pressure is off after a few moments, close tub valve.
The question is why is the TP valve releasing water.
1) Stuck TP valve: raise lever on TP valve and let back down slowly
2) bad TP valve: replace TP using same temp-pressure rating available from hardware store. Wrap teflon tape around threads and screw new TP valve clockwise until very tight. Make sure water is cool before removing valve from water heater. If you take out valve when water heater is hot, it will spew scalding water all over you. This is serious. Let the water cool down for several hours.
3) Runaway heating caused by bad thermostat
Gas: buy replacement valve at Lowes or plumbing store and replace according to instructions.
Electric: several causes. Test parts to determine which needs replacement.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-electric-problems-with-water-heater.htmlMore support:
a) Fixya offers phone support where you speak with a fixya expert on telephone for a fee.
You can use this service if you hit a trouble spot when repairing your tank.
b) You can also call a plumber who will know exactly what to do.
c) You can post questions at a professional plumbing forum:
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/
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