Abstract: A hot water heater containment system holds, detects, and removes leaked water while also shutting off the water supply. The system additionally shuts off supply gas when leaking gas is detected, and sounds an alarm. A burner within the system is shielded against infiltration of flammable vapors from external sources. The shielding function is accomplished without preventing access to the burner for maintenance. Advantageously, the hot water containment system is inexpensive to construct, easy and safe to use, and highly reliable in operation.