If you’re not sure which breaker controls power to the water heater, just turn off all of the double breakers (sets of 2 breakers linked together).
Set the metal cover and screws nearby. If you’re concerned that the screws may roll under an appliance, place them in a small bowl.
Not all water heaters have a plastic safety cover and insulation. If yours does not, skip this step.
If you don’t have a non-contact voltage detector, you can purchase one at any hardware store or home-improvement store. The tool is about 5 inches (13 cm) long and looks like a large plastic pen. It comes to a point with a metal prong.
The majority of water heaters for homes have 2 heater elements. If you live in an apartment or a small home and have a small water heater, it may only have 1 element.
Tap the 2 metal prongs to make sure the tool is working. To calibrate the tool, hold the prongs together and move the needle until it points to “0. ” Purchase a multimeter at a local hardware store or home-improvement store if you don’t already have the tool.
It’s necessary to do this so that you’re testing the conductivity of only the element itself and not any other connected parts of the water heater element. If the wire is tightly wrapped around the water-heater element, you may need to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove it.
Since you’ve turned off power to the water heater, there’s no risk of electrocution.
If the digital multimeter shows a very low number (e. g. , “1”), it still indicates that the element isn’t working.
Or, contact the water heater’s manufacturer and ask if they can send a repair service to fix it for you.
Finally, turn the power breaker back on to restore the flow of electricity to whatever room your water heater is located in.
