Turn off power to the water heater at the breaker
Verify power is off with a non-contact voltage tester
Remove the access panel
Remove the insulation and plastic safety cover
Disconnect the wires from the heating element
Set a multimeter to the ohms setting
Place one probe on each element terminal
Read the resistance value
Compare the reading to the element’s rated wattage and voltage
Check for continuity between each terminal and the metal tank
Replace the element if there is no continuity reading or if the element is shorted to ground
Reconnect the wires
Reinstall the safety cover, insulation, and access panel
Restore power to the water heater