30 amp breaker for my water heater keeps popping. Replaced both elements in the water heater tonight. When power was returned, the breaker lasted about a minute and then popped. Repeated several times with the same result. Breaker appears to heat up. Should I look at the breaker or the thermostat on the waterheater?

<Had to change the title. Got image of dog pooping on a breaker - KISS>

Initially the breaker should not have heated up that fast due to being defective or have a loose connection, but may be possible.

If a new breaker still trips, then there must be a short or miswire in the heater.

Please let us know what conductors you connected to what on the water heater.

A picture or two would be a big help.

First check all connections, start at the breaker. Then find someone who owns an ammeter or buy an inexpensive one. (good troubleshooting tool). It's unlikely anything is wired wrong, if all you did was change the elements. Heaters are designed to operate only one element at a time... a faulty control may operate both elements and certainly trip the breaker. An ammeter will tell you if this is happening.