Symptoms

• Symptoms of a burned-out element include no hot water or lukewarm water. If the "hot" water fails to heat water beyond lukewarm, and there is power to the lower element, then the bottom element is burned out. If there is power to the upper element but no hot water, the top element is burned out.
  
  

Testing the Element

• You can test the water heater elements with a simple multimeter and a screwdriver. You'll need to remvove the cover from the water heater. You'll use the he multimeter to test for power at the elements.
  
  

Fixing a Burned-Out Water Heater Element

• To fix a burned-out element, you'll need to remove the old one. Disconnect all wires and remove any bolts holding the element in place. Replace the element with one of the same model, shape and rating.