Test a water heater element using a multimeter set to continuity or resistance mode. Turn off the circuit breaker and remove the access panel and insulation. Disconnect one wire from the element terminal. Touch the multimeter probes to both element terminals. A working element shows 10 to 16 ohms of resistance. No reading means the element is burned out and needs replacement. Also test for ground faults by touching one probe to the element terminal and one to the tank.