Why We Are Deprived of Hot Water: Explained in 5 Minutes

Why is hot water disconnected?

This is a technical necessity. To ensure centralized heating in buildings works without issues during winter, summer requires preventive work and preparation of communications: checking pressure in pipes, their integrity, operation of water heating devices, and control equipment.

For how long is hot water disconnected?

The duration of hot water disconnection cannot exceed ten days, but it may vary by district, quarter, and even neighboring houses.

Replacing old motors, pumps, and heat exchangers takes more time and attention. In new microdistricts with modern pipes and equipment, the disconnection period is shorter.

Are there houses where hot water is never disconnected or disconnected for a short time?

Yes, these are buildings with alternative piping systems. In such buildings, hot water can be disconnected less frequently because there's a possibility to inspect and repair the main system while hot water flows through backup pipes.

Even the most modern equipment requires preventive maintenance, so completely avoiding hot water disconnection in a megacity like Moscow is impossible.

Why is cold water not disconnected?

Because there are backup pipes. Water flows through them when the main pipes are under repair.

Do you need to pay for hot water during planned outages?

No. Bills for cold and hot water are calculated based on individual meters installed in apartments. To prevent the hot water meter from accumulating extra cubic meters during outages, shut it off during that time and use only cold water, which is cheaper.

If you're planning to buy a water heater, pay attention to models with energy consumption control. For example, the Ariston ABS VELIS EVO PW can be programmed to heat water at night when electricity costs are lower.

Additionally, the water heater remembers when and how much hot water you use, and over time it automatically turns on heating based on your habits. It also has very convenient universal mounting: the water heater can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.

For how long is it legally allowed to disconnect hot water?

Hot water can be disconnected for:

• eight hours in total during one month;
• four hours simultaneously;
• 24 hours in case of an emergency;
• ten days once a year during annual preventive maintenance.

When is hot water disconnected?

During the period from May 13 to August 31. The schedule for hot water disconnection may differ by region. If you live in Moscow, you can find out when your house will have hot water disconnected here.

Where to report if there's no hot water?

If hot water is unexpectedly disconnected, you should contact:

• the electronic reception of the Moscow Housing Inspection;
• your property management company (find their contact details on the "Houses of Moscow" website);
• the hotline of PAO "MOEK": 8 (495) 539 5959.

Use the same contacts if the hot water in your apartment is colder than 60°C or hotter than 75°C.