Easy quick tutorial video on how to test a hot water heater element using a multi-meter. First turn off the breaker in your main electric panel to the water heater. Electric water heaters usually use 30 amp circuit breakers. Remove both panels attached to the side of the water heater. Remove the insulation and remove the plastic safety covers. The covers just snap on and off the element and thermostat. Test your multi-meter to make sure it's working and DOUBLE check to make sure the power is off to the water heater one last time before testing the heating elements. Set the dial on the multi-meter to lowest ohms. Touch the multi-meter probes to the screws on the face of the element A 3500 watt element should read around 16 ohms a 4500 watt element should read about 12 to 13 ohms a 5500 watt element should read between 10 or 11 ohms. If you don't get a reading on the multi-meter you should remove the heating element and replace it. Once you replace the heating element reconnect the wires to the water heater element. Snap the plastic covers back in place. Reinstall the insulation and put the panels back on the side of the water tank. The LAST thing you do is turn the breaker back on to the water heater. It could take around 60-80 min to have hot water again if everything is working good.
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