How do I test my water heater with my volt meter?

Question

I have one, but I've always been scared to death of electricity. I know that in this case though if I can be informed as to which setting to use, and what my meter should read at that setting, that my meter should be able to handle the power without exploding in my hand right? lol
Any help would be great!
Thanx!
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Funny. I'm aware of those connections. That's why I've got the METER! I just need to know what setting (I believe it would be 250 AC V on mine) Then hit the two points and look for current right? See the question mark? I want to be sure so I don't end up w/a perm!
It's horrible the search engines can't tell me either. Every hit says keywords like "water heater", or "meter", or testing, but then I go there and all they want to do is sell me the METER I'VE ALREADY GOT!

We're getting closer!
K' So I'm essentially checking for a break in the circuit this way? I GOT YA! Of course the two wires are going to have current! LOL
So, on the Ohm setting, (?) (X1K? / X10? / or the probably wrong X1?) Disconnect one of the leads that supplys the current, Thus leaving element circuit, I use one of those settings and look for ???
Also, can't I just turn off the power at the breaker? Or will the wires still being attatched give me a false circuit reading?
I think I'm getting closer. Thank you!

Also, when I'm first testing for current it would be? 250 AC V and look for the meter to move? Can I safely test this in a wall outlet on the same setting?

Got It! And the best answer is going to go to mmoorenat! So, as continuity is really all we're then testing for at that point, it really doesn't matter which Ohm setting I use as it then only becomes a matter of how much I think I need the needle to move if there is in fact a good circuit!
By Jove I think I've got it!
Thank you very much. Not only am I going to take something off the rent if I fix it, but I think I just learned something!

Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
policetac

Answer 1

More than likely your problem isn't the voltage not being present, it's the element is bad or the temperature controler for that element is bad. I want you to understand that there very well may be two elements. One close to the top and one close to the bottom on the side of the heater.
First check for power on both elements to insure that you've got 220 volts. If not then you have a problem with the breaker. If so, go turn off the breaker. Disconnect one side of the wires going to the element and put your meter selector on ohms and touch the meter leads together to see what it's supposed to look like. then touch a lead to the side of the element that has the wire still on it and the other to the side that doesn't. You should read a small amount of resistance. If it doesn't read anything, the element is bad. Then go to the next one and do the same thing. Yes the meter setting for voltage should be 250 vac for testing voltage.

Answer 2

Instead of doing all that testing go to home Depot Elec Water Heater Repair Kit upper & Lower Element And New Thermostat $28.00

Answer 3

as some distance because of the fact the continuity of the climate, i could opt for to function you may get a faux beneficial on continuity of an ingredient. they have a small coil interior, and that coil can short in this kind of way that it touches the outer metallic casing which might examine beneficial, turn the breaker off to try this. as some distance because of the fact the voltage, only attempt on the thermostat and the climate. in case you turn the breaker off for this step, of direction you will get no examining.

Answer 4

VERY CAREFULLY! Your messing with 220 volts.
There will be a small panel on top of the tank where the wires go into it. You can test it there.