P-traps are typically made from:
Bonus tip: Older homes sometimes used S-traps, which loop downward in an “S” shape. These are no longer allowed by code because they siphon dry too easily, causing sewer smells. P-traps replaced them as the safer, modern standard.
The P-trap uses a very simple physics principle: water blocks air.
Here’s what happens each time you run the faucet:
A P-trap can stop working if:
P-traps aren’t just under bathroom sinks — they’re everywhere wastewater leaves a fixture.
These are the most visible and the easiest to service.
You won’t see these traps, but they’re there — hidden under the floor or inside the framing.
Washing machines and some dishwashers connect through systems that rely on a plumbing trap to prevent sewer odors.
Yes. Building code requires every shower to have a functioning P-trap.
Why it matters:
If you smell sewage near a shower, the trap may be:
Yes, but not the kind you see under a sink.
A toilet has a built-in P-trap molded directly into the porcelain bowl. This is why water always sits in the bottom of the toilet — that’s the trap seal preventing odors.
Because toilets have their own internal traps, they do not use an additional trap in the floor line.
Even though P-traps are simple and reliable, a few issues come up again and again in Albuquerque homes. The most common include dry traps, leaks, cracks, clogs, and installation mistakes. Knowing the signs early helps you avoid sewer odors, water damage, and costly repairs down the line.
A P-trap needs water to seal out sewer gases. When a sink, shower, or floor drain isn’t used regularly, the water in the trap slowly evaporates. Once the water seal disappears, nothing stops those sewer gases from creeping into your home.
Leaks are the second most common P-trap issue. They typically occur from:
Because the trap sits under the sink, leaks often go unnoticed until they’ve caused damage.
Even small, slow leaks can cause rot, cabinet damage, mold growth, or a broken trap seal — allowing sewer gases into your home.
Clogs form when debris builds up inside the bend of the trap. For sinks and showers, this often includes:
Wire-hanger-style DIY methods can scratch the inside of the pipe, creating rough surfaces where future clogs form even faster.
Best Solution
Have a licensed plumber safely remove and clear the trap, check the rest of the drain line, and ensure no deeper blockage is forming.
A full replacement may be needed if:
New PVC or ABS traps are durable, affordable, and handle moisture better than old metal ones.
Routine drain cleaning and periodic plumbing inspections help catch issues early. A plumber can confirm:
This type of maintenance protects your home from both sewer odors and long-term water damage, especially in older Albuquerque neighborhoods with aging plumbing.
If you’re dealing with sewer smells, slow drains, leaks under the sink, or recurring P-trap issues, the safest move is to call a professional. A licensed plumber can diagnose whether the trap is the problem or if something deeper is happening in your drain or vent system.
At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, our expert plumbers handle everything from clearing clogs to replacing damaged traps to fixing underlying venting or drain issues. We’ve been helping Albuquerque homeowners stay safe and odor-free since 1971 — and we’re available 24/7 when you need us most.
If something doesn’t smell right or drain right, call B. Carlson right away.
Yes. A gas leak from a water heater is dangerous and can lead to fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide exposure. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the home immediately and contact emergency services or your gas provider before having a licensed professional inspect and repair the water heater.
Gas water heaters rely on a controlled flow of natural gas to heat water safely. When that gas escapes due to a faulty connection, damaged gas valve, or internal component failure, it creates a serious safety risk. Even a small leak can allow gas to build up in enclosed spaces, increasing the risk of fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide exposure.
Some homeowners first notice a gas leak by smelling sulfur or “rotten egg” odors near the water heater, while others may hear hissing sounds or experience unexplained pilot light issues. These warning signs should never be ignored. Gas leaks are not something to troubleshoot or repair without proper training and equipment.
In Albuquerque homes, aging water heaters, seismic movement, corrosion, or improper past installations can all contribute to gas-related issues over time. That’s why any suspected gas leak should be treated as an emergency. After the immediate danger is addressed, the water heater should be professionally inspected to determine whether repair is possible or if replacement is the safer option.
B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides professional water heater repair and replacement services for Albuquerque homeowners. Our technicians are trained to diagnose gas-related water heater problems, make safe repairs, and ensure your system is operating correctly and in compliance with safety standards.
A typical gas line installation can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. The exact time depends on factors like the length of the line, where it needs to run, the type of appliance being connected, and whether permits or inspections are required.
Gas line installations vary because no two homes or projects are exactly the same. In many cases, installing a gas line for a stove, water heater, dryer, or outdoor appliance can be completed in a single visit. More complex installations, such as longer runs, multiple appliances, or lines that need to be routed through walls or underground, can take longer and require additional planning.
The time it takes to install a gas line is closely tied to cost. Factors like the distance from the gas source, pipe sizing, materials, access, and required permits all influence both how long the job takes and the overall investment. Safety is also a major consideration. Gas lines must be installed, pressure-tested, and inspected properly to ensure there are no leaks and that the system operates safely.
In Albuquerque homes, older gas systems, corrosion, or previous modifications can add complexity to new gas line installations. That’s why professional evaluation is important before any work begins. A licensed technician can assess the existing system, determine the correct pipe size, and design a gas line that safely supports the appliance it’s serving.
B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing installs gas lines for Albuquerque homeowners with a focus on safety, code compliance, and long-term reliability. Our technicians explain the scope of the work up front, complete installations efficiently, and ensure everything is tested and operating correctly before the job is finished.
Yes — we’re here for plumbing and HVAC emergencies whenever you call.
A real person answers our phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to understand what’s happening and guide you toward the right next step — whether that’s immediate dispatch or the next available appointment during regular hours, including Saturdays.
Not every urgent situation requires a middle-of-the-night dispatch — but many do. When there’s a safety concern, flooding risk, sewer issue, or a major comfort system failure in extreme weather, it should be treated as an emergency.
Emergencies usually fall into one of three categories:
If you’re unsure, calling is always the right move — we’ll walk through the problem and help you decide.
Common emergencies usually fall into two categories — urgent plumbing/drain issues and heating or cooling failures during unsafe conditions. Below is a quick guide to the types of problems we treat as emergencies, along with resources from our blog to help you understand what’s happening.
| Emergency Issue (with Blog Link) | Why It’s an Emergency |
|---|---|
Burst Pipe or Major Leak |
Water escaping where it shouldn’t can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and electrical hazards within minutes. Shut off your water and call immediately. |
Sewer Backup or Strong Sewer Odor |
Sewage backing up into drains or entering your home is a direct health risk. This requires immediate professional attention. |
| No Water or Sudden Loss of Water Pressure | A sudden drop in water pressure or no water at all may signal a broken main line, a major underground leak, or severe blockage. These issues can worsen rapidly and require prompt diagnosis. |
No Heat During Freezing Temperatures |
In freezing weather, losing heat can quickly become unsafe for children, older adults, and pets. This should always be treated as an emergency. |
HVAC Failure During Extreme Heat |
Albuquerque heat can push indoor temperatures to dangerous levels. A sudden AC failure or evaporative cooler blowing hot air during a heatwave is more than uncomfortable — it can be unsafe. |
Burning Smells, Smoke, or Electrical Issues from HVAC Equipment |
These symptoms may indicate overheating, electrical failure, or fire risk. Turn off the system and call immediately for guidance. |
When you’re dealing with an emergency, you need calm guidance and fast help from people you can trust. Here’s what you can expect from B. Carlson:
We know this is stressful — and we’re here to help. Whether it’s plumbing, drains, heating, or cooling, our team will guide you step by step and get you the quickest solution possible.
Call us anytime, and we’ll help you figure out what to do next.
As scale increases, homeowners may notice slower hot water delivery, inconsistent temperatures, higher energy use, or new system noises. A professional tankless water heater descaler treatment dissolves hardened mineral buildup, restores proper heat transfer, and helps the system operate the way it was designed to.
The heat exchanger is the heart of a tankless water heater — and one of its most expensive components. Scale buildup restricts heat transfer, increases operating temperatures, and adds unnecessary strain to internal parts.
Many manufacturers list descaling as required maintenance. Skipping it doesn’t just reduce efficiency; it can shorten the life of the unit and, in some cases, affect warranty coverage. Regular descaling is a preventative step that protects your investment and helps keep daily routines running smoothly.
These two terms are often confused, but they serve different purposes.
Descaling uses an approved tankless water heater descaler to chemically break down hardened mineral deposits bonded to the heat exchanger and internal water pathways. This is the only way to remove stubborn scale buildup caused by hard water.
Flushing moves clean water or a mild rinse through the system to clear out loosened debris after descaling. Flushing alone does not remove hardened scale.
For best results, professional descaling is typically followed by a post-service flush to clear residual material. This process uses an approved tankless water heater cleaner to break down mineral scale, then flushes the system to remove loosened buildup. In some situations, especially with older equipment or systems that haven’t been maintained in years, a technician may recommend additional inspection before any cleaning is performed. When that happens, we explain what we’re seeing and recommend the safest path forward.
For most Albuquerque homes, annual descaling is a solid baseline.
Homes with very hard water, high hot water usage, or skipped past maintenance may benefit from descaling every 6 to 9 months. Water quality can vary by neighborhood — and even by street — which is why the best timing is based on actual system condition rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
Staying ahead of scale buildup helps maintain efficiency, prevent performance issues, and avoid more costly repairs down the road.
Scale buildup often shows up gradually. Common warning signs include:
These symptoms don’t always mean the system is failing — but they often point to mineral buildup affecting performance. A professional water heater descaler treatment can restore normal operation and reduce unnecessary wear on the heat exchanger.
DIY descaling is often presented as simple, but it comes with risks. Using the wrong solution, skipping steps, or missing early signs of damage can lead to leaks, component failure, or voided warranties.
Professional service is especially important for:
Our certified technicians evaluate the condition of the unit, select the appropriate tankless heater descaler, perform the cleaning safely, and verify proper operation afterward. It’s preventative care that protects your system and helps avoid larger repairs.
Unchecked scale forces the heater to run longer and hotter to meet demand. That leads to higher energy use, increased stress on internal components, and a greater risk of overheating or shutdown.
Over time, performance declines and system lifespan can shorten. Regular descaling supports efficient operation and helps keep manufacturer requirements intact.
For more than five decades, B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has helped Albuquerque homeowners keep their hot water reliable and their homes running smoothly. From routine maintenance to expert water heater repair in Albuquerque, our team brings local experience, certified training, and straightforward recommendations you can trust.
When your home needs professional tankless water heater descaling or dependable water heater repair in Albuquerque, you want it done right. We treat your home with respect, explain your options clearly, and make sure your system runs efficiently, safely, and consistently.
That’s the kind of dependable help Albuquerque homeowners have come to expect from B. Carlson — Your Best Friend in Home Services.
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing hot water in a tank. When a hot water fixture is turned on, cold water flows through the unit and is heated instantly using gas burners or electric heating elements.
This design eliminates standby heat loss and allows for a longer system lifespan, but it also means tankless systems place greater demands on gas supply, electrical capacity, and venting. In Albuquerque homes, those requirements are often the main reason installation costs vary so widely.
Several factors influence the cost of a tankless water heater and installation, especially in older or custom-built homes common throughout Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Key factors include:
These details are usually evaluated during a professional water heater assessment.
The price of the tankless unit itself is only part of the total cost. Typical unit price ranges include:
Larger households generally need higher-capacity units, which increases equipment cost but helps avoid inconsistent hot water.
Installation labor and required upgrades are where pricing can increase most noticeably. Common installation-related costs include:
Homes built before the 1990s are more likely to need one or more of these upgrades.
Lower-cost installation scenarios
Higher-cost installation scenarios
A professional evaluation helps identify which category your home falls into.
Tankless water heaters are efficient systems, but they are less forgiving than traditional tanks when installed incorrectly. Professional installation of your tankless heater helps ensure:
Improper installation can lead to poor performance, safety concerns, or premature system failure.
While tankless water heaters typically cost more to install upfront, many Albuquerque homeowners consider them a long-term investment.
Important long-term factors include:
Over time, these benefits can help offset the higher initial installation cost.
In some cases, planning a tankless installation uncovers larger concerns, such as:
Addressing these issues helps ensure the tankless system operates safely and reliably long term.
Tankless water heater installation costs can vary widely in Albuquerque because each home’s utilities, layout, and hot water needs are different. While some installations are fairly straightforward, others require upgrades to gas lines, electrical service, or venting to ensure the system operates safely and reliably.
Understanding what drives the cost helps homeowners avoid surprises and make informed decisions about whether a tankless system is the right fit. In many cases, the higher upfront investment is balanced by a longer system lifespan, improved efficiency, and consistent hot water performance over time.
A proper evaluation of your home’s existing setup is the most reliable way to determine what installation will involve and where your home falls within the typical cost range. This approach helps ensure the system is sized correctly, installed safely, and built to perform well for years to come.
