leaking electric water heater - can I fix it?

[Drmadef]

my WH is about 6 y/o. dont want to replace if I dont have to. there is a slow leak coming out of the upper filament panel. Question; Is this something that I can take apart and clean, reassemble and have a good chance of fixing the leak? see picture

 

[johnjh2o]

There is a gasket behind the element that can be replaced, but it looks like it's behind that which will require replacing the water heater.

 

[Drmadef]

There is a gasket behind the element that can be replaced, but it looks like it's behind that which will require replacing the water heater.

Hi John. Thanks for the input. I will replace the gasket just for giggles and wait to see if it still leaks. Im afraid you may be right as there are water marks above where the element base protrudes.