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Common Plumbing Problems Every Albuquerque Homeowner Should Know

Plumbing Problems Common in Albuquerque Homes

Every homeowner deals with plumbing issues eventually. But living in Albuquerque, we face some unique challenges that homeowners in other parts of the country don't. Between our hard water, aging infrastructure in some neighborhoods, and the freeze-thaw cycles of our high desert winters, your plumbing system takes a beating.

At MGP Mechanical, we've been serving Albuquerque families since 2013, and we see the same plumbing problems come up again and again. Here are the most common ones and what you can do about them.

Hard Water Buildup

This is the number one plumbing challenge in Albuquerque. Our water is rated "hard" to "very hard" depending on your neighborhood. The calcium and magnesium in the water gradually builds up inside your pipes, water heater, and fixtures.

Over time, this buildup restricts water flow, reduces water heater efficiency, damages fixtures, and shortens the life of appliances. The white crusty deposits you see on your faucets and showerheads are happening inside your pipes too.

The best defense is a whole-home water treatment system. We install both Atlas Filtri and Navien WEC systems that address hard water at the point of entry to your home. Prevention is far cheaper than replacing corroded pipes and a damaged water heater.

Water Heater Failures

Water heaters take the brunt of Albuquerque's hard water. Sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, coating the heating element and reducing efficiency. Most tank water heaters in our area last 8 to 12 years, but neglected units can fail much sooner.

Warning signs include inconsistent hot water, rumbling or popping sounds from the tank, rusty water, and visible corrosion. Annual flushing can extend your water heater's life, and replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years is one of the most cost-effective maintenance steps you can take.

Frozen and Burst Pipes

Albuquerque's winters are mild compared to much of the country, but we do get freezing temperatures — especially overnight from November through March. Pipes in uninsulated areas like crawl spaces, exterior walls, and garages are vulnerable to freezing.

Prevention is key: insulate exposed pipes, keep cabinet doors open under sinks on cold nights, and make sure your hose bibs are properly winterized. We install frost-free hose bibs that prevent freezing at the exterior faucet.

If a pipe does freeze, never use an open flame to thaw it. A hair dryer or heat lamp is safer. If a pipe has burst, shut off your main water valve immediately and call a plumber.

Running Toilets and Leaky Faucets

A running toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day. A dripping faucet wastes 5 gallons per day. At Albuquerque Water Utility rates, that adds up fast — and it's water our desert community can't afford to waste.

Most running toilets are caused by a worn flapper valve, a faulty fill valve, or a stuck float. These are usually straightforward repairs. Leaky faucets are typically caused by worn washers, O-rings, or cartridges.

Slow Drains and Clogs

Slow drains are one of the most common calls we get. Hair, soap scum, grease, and mineral deposits gradually restrict flow. Kitchen drains are especially prone to buildup from cooking grease and food particles.

For minor clogs, a plunger or enzymatic drain cleaner can help. We recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners like Drano — they can damage your pipes over time, especially older galvanized steel or PVC connections. For stubborn or recurring clogs, professional drain cleaning with a cable machine or hydro-jetting provides a thorough solution.

Gas Line Issues

If you smell rotten eggs (the odor added to natural gas), leave your home immediately and call New Mexico Gas Company's emergency line. Do not turn on lights, use phones inside the house, or create any sparks.

Gas line installation, repair, and testing must be done by a licensed contractor. At MGP Mechanical, we're licensed to work on gas lines and handle everything from new gas line installation for appliances to leak detection and repair.

Slab Leaks

Many Albuquerque homes are built on concrete slabs, with water lines running beneath the foundation. When these pipes develop leaks — from corrosion, shifting soil, or age — it's called a slab leak.

Signs include unexplained increases in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when nothing is on, or cracks in your foundation. Slab leak detection and repair requires specialized equipment and expertise.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber

Some plumbing tasks are fine for handy homeowners — replacing a faucet, changing a toilet flapper, or unclogging a drain. But anything involving gas lines, water heater installation, new fixture placement, or work that requires a permit needs a licensed contractor.

In Albuquerque, the City requires permits for water heater replacements, new plumbing fixtures in new locations, gas line work, and sewer line replacement. Working with a licensed plumber ensures the job is done safely, up to code, and properly inspected.