AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Albuquerque, NM

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Albuquerque?

Poor Installation and Human Error

Unfortunately, none of us are perfect, though we like to say we are. Everyone makes mistakes. This holds true when it comes to plumbing. Whether pipes, faucets, valves, and other plumbing materials were installed by a licensed contractor or a local handyman, human error happens. Poor installation is commonly found in jobs done by untrained and unlicensed plumbers in the area, but can also happen when a job is rushed. 

Clogged Pipes

Poor drainage is often a result of clogged pipes. This can occur over some time and may not be incredibly noticeable until it’s time to have your pipes flushed. Clogged pipes typically happen when hair, soap, grease, and other materials have built up along the internal walls of your pipes, creating a backup in your water and sewage supply. If left untreated, clogged pipes may cause leaks to occur and you may begin to notice dirty water backing up into your sink, shower, or kitchen and laundry room appliances. Bacteria and pathogens tend to come along with the backup from clogged pipes, so calling our experts and having repairs done ASAP can save you and your loved ones from getting sick, as well as save you money from further damages.

Natural Causes

Tree roots are common predators for sewer lines and water pipes. Albuquerque may be considered to be part of the desert, but it’s no stranger to beautiful trees with extensive root systems. Depending on weather changes, roots can grow and expand in search of nutrients and water. Occasionally, this can cause pressure on pipes, which may lead to a pipe bursting or cause a small leak.

Leaks Due to Age

Many of the pipes in historic homes in Albuquerque haven’t been updated in the last 50 years. This is the most common culprit behind leaks in the area. Old pipes often deal with corrosion and rot, and many older homes in the city likely need to have their plumbing updated to keep up with current-day plumbing. Materials used years ago aren’t the same as what’s used today, often lacking the necessary structural integrity, which can and will lead to leaks over time. 

How Does the Water in Albuquerque Affect Your Plumbing?

Water in Albuquerque is known as hard water, which means it’s high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This can be damaging to your plumbing, appliances, and more over time. While the water is completely fine to consume, your plumbing may be suffering when it’s heated.

Water that’s high in calcium carbonate turns into a chalky, solid buildup when it becomes hot, causing pipes to become clogged or blocked from transporting water through them. Due to this restriction, you may notice things like lower water pressure on your end. However, when this occurs, it causes your water heater to pump out more water, which can put pressure on pipes and lead to leaks or pipes bursting.

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Albuquerque?

Plumbing services in Albuquerque average at $419, starting at $100 for the smallest projects and increasing to $740 or more for severe plumbing issues. Each plumbing job is unique, which can make it hard to classify specific costs for the job. When our quotes are made, they include labor, the cost of materials and equipment needed, performing the actual job, and basic cleanup fees. 

Our plumbers typically work on hourly rates, but some simple jobs may call for flat rate pricing. Our plumbing estimates don’t include the cost of permits, inspection fees, or state and local sales taxes on materials.

Complexity of the Issue

Like many services, the complexity and detail needed to make repairs on a plumbing job directly impact the overall cost. If a job is as simple as replacing faucets, installing appliances, or unclogging drains, then the cost of services performed will likely be on the lower end of the price spectrum. Should the job require floor removal, several hours of hunting to locate a leak, or replacing an extensive amount of pipe, then you can expect that you’re going to be paying a larger amount. Additionally, if the job needs to be done on short notice as an emergency repair, our plumbers will charge extra for the rushed job.

Materials and Equipment

Our plumbers use a variety of tools when it comes to making repairs, and many of them keep an inventory of basic materials for the job. This can lower the cost for certain repairs, but it can also make your final bill higher when they need to source materials for more complex projects. Prices on everyday plumbing supplies can change based on market demand as well as supply. For example, if you’re looking to use a specific kind of pipe, you’ll be charged per linear foot, depending on the current rate for that type of piping. 

Local Permits and Inspections

Many cities mandate that you apply for permits before having basic plumbing work done on a building or home, and Albuquerque is no different. Fortunately, permit fees typically won’t put you out of hundreds of dollars, and inspections are commonly provided by a city-appointed inspector. This can save you money when getting the proper approval and prevent you from being fined for not having the proper approval before beginning work. Our plumbers typically don’t include permits and city inspections in their original fees, but we can apply for permits at an additional charge. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Albuquerque?

Plumbing repairs can be costly, but knowing you have minor plumbing issues can lead to paying even more out of pocket in the long run. Not only can fixing issues with your plumbing save you money, but updating small plumbing items can lower your monthly bill. While it’s obvious that having repairs done will cost you less than any potential damages caused by leaving plumbing issues alone, energy-friendly updates can also be effective in lowering your bill. 

Better plumbing can and will save you money in Albuquerque, through preventative maintenance. Things such as energy-efficient appliances may use less energy and could save you a few bucks here and there. Other solutions such as low-flow showerheads can reduce water consumption and lower your utility bill.

Clogged pipes are a real struggle to have. Using natural cleaners to clean drains can help prevent costly backups. Using filters or having drain-cleaning services performed by our experts such as hydro-jetting can improve the natural flow of water, prevent corrosion and buildup on pipes, and save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in potential repair work down the line.

You may not always know that you have a plumbing issue on hand, which is how many homeowners wind up with such costly repairs. In this situation, routine maintenance and servicing from our team can help locate potential leaks and prevent plumbing scares. It’s easier to pay for a routine inspection than it is to find out later on that you’ve unknowingly had an ongoing leak.

Additionally, if you have a plumbing issue in need of repair, it’s better to pay to have it fixed as soon as possible, rather than leave it to potentially worsen over time. Plumbing repairs can be costly when left untreated, often causing structural damage to homes from long-term leaks. When you notice a potential plumbing scare, bite the bullet and call us to get the repair done. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Albuquerque Vs Hire a Plumber?

Resolving plumbing issues is a headache, no matter who is responsible for the problem. At the end of the day, it can cost you money, time, and unwanted stress. Fortunately, if you’re dealing with a plumbing matter that’s the city’s responsibility, it can be a little less overwhelming. When determining who you should call for plumbing assistance, your water meter can tell you a lot. 

First, look around for any physical signs of leaks or water damages, as this will most likely be one of the quickest ways to tell if the issue is on your side or not. Next, if you don’t see any signs of potential flooding or leaks, shut off any valves that control the water in your home. From here, you can go check to see if your water meter is still running. If the meter continues to spin, then it’s time to pick up your phone and call us. Should the meter completely stop turning, then you can feel confident in calling your water utility company to come out and fix the issue on their end. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Albuquerque?

The city of Albuquerque requires building permits for common projects including new construction, remodeling, and any additions on public, private, and residential property. Permits are needed for reworking your plumbing and are usually fairly easy to obtain. When applying for a permit regarding regular maintenance, you can expect the approval process to take up to two weeks. However, when emergency plumbing services are needed to prevent flooding or other potential damages from occurring, you may not have to obtain approval to have our licensed plumbers complete the work.