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Seasonal Plumbing Checklist for Northern Utah Homes

In Davis and Weber Counties, winter weather can shift overnight from mild to below-freezing. Add in holiday guests and heavier water use, and your plumbing system gets tested more than any other time of year. Here’s our guide to protecting your home and keeping your family and visitors comfortable this season.

1. Drain & Protect Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are the first to freeze—and one cracked line can lead to basement flooding.

How-to:

  • Disconnect hoses.
  • Shut off the inside valve (often found in the basement).
  • Open the faucet outside to drain remaining water.
  • Add an insulated faucet cover.

Watch for failure: Cracks around the faucet head, unexplained water near your foundation, or drips when temps dip below freezing.

2. Flush Your Water Heater

Hard water in Northern Utah builds up quickly inside tanks, causing noisy operation and early breakdowns.

How-to Check Your Water Heater:

  • Shut off power or gas.
  • Connect a hose to the drain valve at the base.
  • Drain several gallons until the water clears.

Watch for failure: Rumbling, knocking, or hot water that doesn’t last through a full shower.

3. Look for Silent Leaks

Small leaks often go unnoticed until they cause bigger issues like warped flooring or mold.

How-to:

  • Use a flashlight under sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater.
  • Check for dampness or discoloration.

Watch for failure: Musty smells, soft flooring, or water stains on ceilings and walls.

Without routine care, Northern Utah’s hard water leaves scale on fixtures, clogs appliances, and makes guests uncomfortable with dry skin and spotty dishes.

How-to:

  • Check softener salt levels and refill as needed.
  • Replace cartridges in your filter system.

Watch for failure: Cloudy tap water, chalky buildup on faucets, or a decline in water flow.

5. Check Water Pressure

High water pressure silently wears out pipes and appliances.

How-to:

  • Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet.
  • Pressure should read 50–70 psi.

Watch for failure: Frequent pipe leaks, toilet valves running nonstop, or hoses bursting unexpectedly.

Closing Remark
 Protect your home and keep your guests comfortable this winter. In Northern Utah, sudden cold snaps and hard water make plumbing problems more common—and harder to fix once they start. If these steps feel overwhelming, call Valley Home Services. We’ll make sure your plumbing is safe, efficient, and fully ready for the holidays, so you can relax and enjoy the season.

Call now (801) 634-4358 or Schedule Online for your holiday plumbing inspection.