Document the pattern
Photograph the pan and accessible connections from a safe position. Note when water appears, how quickly it rises, and whether heating or hot-water use changes the pattern.
Do not remove covers, touch wet wiring, or move a hot discharge pipe to see where water goes. Tell the provider if the pan is overflowing or water approaches electrical equipment.
A container below one point only observes that point. The useful finding is where water originates.
Ask for actual leak tracing
A. O. Smith's puddle bulletin lists several possible sources, including piping, relief-valve discharge, drain valves, element gaskets, and the tank. A. O. Smith leak-source bulletin.
Ask the technician to identify the source and show its path. Request whether condensation, a component connection, a safety-valve condition, or an actual tank leak was established.
If a relief valve is involved, have qualified service assess why it is releasing water. Do not plug it or its discharge.
Compare the recommendation with the finding
For a repair, ask what part or connection is being corrected and how it will be checked afterward. For replacement, request the tank-failure or other condition evidence.
Ask whether the proposed work addresses the originating source and any related pressure or installation concern. Separate heater work from household plumbing or restoration, with an appropriate provider for each.
If the explanation remains unclear, a qualified independent water-heater professional can review the photographs and report and inspect the actual installation. Give them the previous finding, not only the replacement price.
Keep the waiting plan realistic
Request safe shutdown and water-isolation direction for the exact equipment if leaking continues. A pan or cup is not permission to keep an unattended active leak operating.
Your next step is to request a source-and-path explanation with photographs or findings. Decide from that documented source, rather than the dry cup or the age of the tank.