Same-Day Service
Most service calls handled same-day across the Albuquerque metro — and we answer the phone 24/7.
Plumbing Services
Sediment Is Why Tanks Die Young
A conventional tank should give eight to twelve years. Around Albuquerque we routinely pull them well short of that, and the cause is almost always sediment — hard water drops mineral out as it heats, it settles in the bottom of the tank, and the burner then fires through an insulating layer of scale.
That means longer run times, higher gas bills, and a tank floor running hotter than designed until the steel fails. The rumbling people describe is water flashing to steam beneath that sediment layer.
- Flushing Actually Helps An annual flush genuinely extends tank life here, and it is inexpensive.
- Treat the Cause Softening the water protects the new tank so it lasts its full service life.
- Repair or Replace, Honestly Thermostats, elements and valves are worth fixing. A corroded tank is not.
What We See
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
Tanks give plenty of warning before they fail.
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Rumbling or Popping
Sediment in the bottom of the tank. Worth flushing before it costs you the heater.
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Rusty or Smelly Hot Water
Usually a failing anode rod, which is a cheap part that protects an expensive tank.
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Running Out Faster
Sediment displaces capacity, so the same tank delivers less usable hot water.
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Any Water Around the Base
A weeping tank is failing. Plan the replacement rather than waiting for the flood.
What We Do
What We Handle
Every water heater type, repaired or replaced.
- Repairs Thermostats, elements, thermocouples, gas valves and T&P valves.
- Replacement Correctly sized tanks, installed to code with proper venting and expansion control.
- Tankless Upgrades Endless hot water, smaller footprint, longer life — sized properly for your demand.
- Annual Flushing The single most effective thing you can do for tank life in hard water.
How It Works
What to Expect
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Call or Book Online
Describe the problem. Same-day in most cases, and a licensed plumber answers 24/7.
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Find the Real Cause
We locate the source rather than treating the symptom, so the fix holds.
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Approve a Flat Price
Upfront flat-rate pricing you approve before we begin. Nothing added afterward.
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Fix It and Test It
Work completed to code, pressure-tested where required, and the area left clean.
Current Specials
Save on the work your home needs most.
Plumbing
$250
Up to $250 Off New Tank Water Heater
Save Up to $250 on Replacement
Expires 12/31/2026
Plumbing
FREE
Free Hard Water Analysis ($79 Value)
Free Water Hardness Testing
Expires 12/31/2026
Plumbing
$99
$99 Water Heater Tank Flush & Safety Check
Reliable Tank Maintenance & Servicing
Expires 12/31/2026
Plumbing
$350
Up To $350 Off A New Tank Water Heater
Save Up to $350 on Replacement
Expires 12/31/2026
Why Choose B. Carlson
Upfront Pricing
Flat-rate pricing approved before work begins — no surprises on the invoice.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed, bonded, and insured — heating, cooling, and plumbing under one roof.
Trusted Since 1971
Founded by Byron Carlson and serving Albuquerque families for more than 50 years.
No hot water?
We carry the common failure parts, so most repairs finish on the first visit.
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it — hear from our satisfied customers
★★★★★
Estimates and work for extensive plumbing issues. Slow drains, dated hot water heater, shower control issues and other related items.
★★★★★
A tankless water heater was installed 11 years ago (by a plumber who no longer lives in the area) and I recently found out that some of the pipes were not "up to code." Two men came from . B Carlson and fixed the problem. They were efficient, patient with my techno-idiot questions, and very personable. I couldn't ask for better service!!
★★★★★
water heater went out on a friday morning, I called B Carlson and a technician was out early that afternoon. He quickly diagnosed the problem and since the heater was 9 years old I decided to replace it. The new water heater was installed before dinner time. The technician was fast and courteous. A professional job.
Maintenance Membership
Join the Care Club
Total home service care, on a schedule.
Members get priority scheduling, annual HVAC maintenance, a yearly whole-home plumbing safety inspection, and no dispatch fees — for less than the cost of a single emergency call.
- Priority scheduling
- Seasonal HVAC tune-ups
- Annual safety inspection
- Exclusive member discounts
- Free dispatch on repairs
- No long-term contracts
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a water heater last here?
Eight to twelve years for a tank, though hard water pushes many toward the lower end. Tankless units last considerably longer.
Is tankless worth it?
For many households, yes — endless hot water and a much longer life. It needs adequate gas supply and venting, which we check before recommending.
Why is my hot water rusty?
Usually a spent anode rod or a corroding tank. The anode is inexpensive to replace and protects the tank; leave it too long and you replace the whole unit.
Should I flush it myself?
You can, but in hard water the drain valve often clogs and can be difficult to reseal. It is a routine job for us and part of our maintenance visits.
*Offers cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to dispatch fees. No cash value. Must present offer at time of service. Call for details.
