Water Heaters - Water Heater Outlet pipe - corrosion/melting ?? Please Help!

I just noticed today that a layer of the water heater outlet pipe has sort of peeled off and blue colored residue is has dripped down the pipe and has solidified. I do not see any water leak at this moment. I am going to call a plumber but wanted to find out if I need to call some one ASAP. It does not seem like it happened today but definitely in the last week. Please Help!! I do have pictures if someone wants to see them. I will try to post them.


Uploaded photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42969284@N04/

I just noticed today that a layer of the water heater outlet pipe has sort of peeled off and blue colored residue is has dripped down the pipe and has solidified. I do not see any water leak at this moment. I am going to call a plumber but wanted to find out if I need to call some one ASAP. It does not seem like it happened today but definitely in the last week. Please Help!! I do have pictures if someone wants to see them. I will try to post them.


Uploaded photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42969284@N04/

Anyone?
Flickr: bkrish1's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42969284@N04/)

That blue stuff is corroded copper from the surface of your copper pipe, probably caused by a small leak at the top of the corroded area where I can see a pipe joint.

Another possibility is that somehow something spilled onto the pipe that caused the problem.

Definitely a good idea to get it checked.

Thank you. I have scheduled a plumber to come in and check it out.

Yes, more than likely a leak. After you get it fixed, insulate your hot water pipes! Foam pipe wrap is cheap, and will pay for itself in a matter of months.

Will do that as well. Thanks for your assistance.