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

Why is hot water disconnected?

This is a technical necessity. To ensure that centralized heating in buildings works without failures during winter, preventive work must be carried out and communications prepared in summer: check 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 in different districts, quarters, and even adjacent houses.

Replacing old motors, pumps, and heat exchangers requires more time and attention. In new microdistricts where modern pipes and equipment are installed, the disconnection period is shorter.

Are there houses where hot water is not disconnected at all or disconnected for a short time?

Yes, these are houses with alternative piping. In such buildings, hot water may not be disconnected every year because there is an opportunity to inspect and repair the main system while hot water flows through backup pipes.

However, even the most modern equipment requires preventive maintenance, so it is impossible to completely avoid disconnection of hot water in a megacity like Moscow.

Why is cold water not disconnected?

Because there are reserve pipes. Water flows through them when the main pipes are being repaired.

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

No. Bills for cold and hot water are calculated based on readings from individual meters installed in apartments. To prevent the hot water meter from accumulating extra cubic meters during disconnection time — shut it off during this period and use only cold water, especially since it 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 for night-time water heating 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 brackets: the water heater can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.

For how long is it legal to disconnect hot water? Hot water can be disconnected for:

• eight hours in total during one month;
• four hours continuously;
• 24 hours in case of 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 vary by region. If you live in Moscow, you can find out when your house will have water disconnected here.

Where to report if there is no hot water? If hot water is suddenly 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.

Contact these same numbers if the hot water in your apartment is colder than 60°C or hotter than 75°C.