How do I test the thermostats and elements on a hot water heater?

[MJN]

What tools do I need?

Thanks!

[HayZee518]

FIRST shut off the circuit breaker feeding it. Use a phillips screwdriver and remove the two access covers. Using an analog ohm meter and the screwdriver, remove one wire off the element. Set the ohm meter to the RX1 range. Place the probes across the element's screws. A good element will read full scale. Anything in the other areas is no good. Do the same with the upper element.