So I previously had a bad T&P relief valve that I replaced, and that seems to have created more issues. I still had water in the floor and it was not from there because I had a drain bucket in place.

I took off the access panels to have a look, and found water in the upper panel. Is this a sign I should replace my water heater? It is approximately 7 years old, and as far as I know the only think that has been done to it is the relief valve (I've owned for 2 years)

Should I just replace it or look into fixing things first?

If the water is coming from the bottom of the water heater it sounds that it is shot and it is time for a new one, your water heater have done its job for 7 years and you say that it was net frequently flush, keep in mind when you replace your heater flush it periodically your water heater will be happy and will work for long time, good luck.

John

Hi Gsensel...

If your T&P valve is located on the top of the water heater then the first thing I would tell you to do is to check the threads at the new T&P valve... could be that you didn't use enough teflon tape or pipe dope... or could even be that you didn't tighten it enough... never know, it could be that easy.

While you're at it, check the threads at the pipes going into the water heater... could be the issue there, too.

Finally, if the leak is above the upper thermostat, i.e. water drips past the upper thermostat then the water heater is definitely shot and will need to be replaced.

Be sure to check your water heater warranty as most are anywhere from 5-6 years to 10-12 years on the tank itself... ;)

Good luck!

Mark