You cannot inspect a thermostat with the power turned off.
Troubleshooting thermostat electric water heater.
Remember a few things before you try to troubleshoot a thermostat.
A continuity test will tell you if the thermostat circuit is open which means you need.
How to troubleshoot the water heater electric thermostats preparing for a water heater thermostat test.
When you check different components of an electric water heater you do so after turning off the power.
Test the wires to confirm the power is off using a non contact voltage tester.
The water heater may not heat the water at all it may heat mildly or it may heat too much.
Begin by turning the breaker inside the breaker panel of water heater off.
Remove the access panel insulation and plastic safety guard from each heating element on the water heater.
Turn off the power to the water heater in the service panel.
A water heater repair will be unnecessary if there s another reason why.
A thermostat continuity test.
Locate the screws that hold the electric access panel to the water heater.