Coastal North Carolina water heaters face challenges most homeowners do not expect. Salt air corrosion, mineral heavy water, storm related power outages, and sediment buildup can all shorten the life of gas, electric, and tankless water heaters. In this homeowner friendly guide, I walk you step by step through the most common water heater problems I see across Onslow, Carteret, Pender, and New Hanover counties. You will learn how to diagnose no hot water issues, strange noises, leaks, and odors, understand when a simple fix is safe, and know when it is time to call a professional to protect your home and your family.