There is power to the wires on the top and bottom of the water heater. There is power to the element on the top. No power to bottom element. The reset button does not click. There is no hot water... the breaker switch is not tripped and the water heater is new... help!


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Assuming a standard 240V two element water heater. Power is provided through the thermal over load (reset button) to the top thermostat and then to top element. No power is provide to the bottom thermostat and bottom element until the top thermostat is satisfied (switches off). Therefore the bottom element doesn't come on until the top element has heated the water in the top of the tank up to temperature.

Since you have power to the top element, the top thermostat must be good. Since you don't have any hot water, the top element must be defective (burned out). Replace top element. If top element were good you would have some hot water, not as much as you would like, but some.

Before you switch out a part on this new heater you need to check the continuity of the element so that you do not change a good element and still have the same problem. Here is a wiring diagram to help you: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/Water_Heater_Electric.pdf
When testing the elements with an ohm meter you could read from 15-30 ohms or even a little higher depending on wattage. The thermostats should read zero ohms across contacts. As the manual shows, you can move one wire and make the elements work together, or if wired as shown they work one at the time. Actually, when wired to work simultaneously when you use water the bottom element will come on and heat the water; it seems to work better that way. Never change parts without testing with a meter. When testing using a meter in "Ohms" mode turn off power; when testing in voltage mode the power must be on. Always test with volt meter first to make sure you have no power then go to ohms and touch leads together to make sure it is working. Here is a manual to show you how to use the meter: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool%204322537A%20How%20to%20use%20Test%20Equ ipment%20Service%20Manual.pdf
You can buy a good digital meter at a builder's supply or Radio Shack.

If your top heater is too high and it never reaches the set temp, it will not kick on power to the bottom. I used a voltage tester and put it on the bottom element, turned the top temperature down every so slowly until I got power sent to the bottom element. Works like a charm now!