Hot water suddenly stopped in Paris: what to check before calling a plumber

You turn on the tap and the water stays cold. No hot water in the shower, no hot water in the kitchen. Before calling a plumber, there are several simple checks you can make in five minutes. Some of them may resolve the issue immediately. This guide walks you through each one in plain language, in the order a professional plumber would do them.

First: identify your hot water system

Paris apartments use one of three main hot water systems. Knowing which one you have saves time when calling a plumber and helps you check the right thing.

Individual electric water heater (ballon d'eau chaude)

The most common system in Paris. A vertical or horizontal cylindrical tank, usually located in a cupboard, under a kitchen counter, or in a bathroom. It heats water electrically and stores it. Capacity is typically 100, 150 or 200 litres.

Gas boiler with instant hot water

A wall-mounted unit that heats water on demand using gas. Found in older apartments without an electric heater installed.

Collective hot water system

Hot water is produced by a single boiler for the entire building and distributed to each apartment. Common in 1960s and 1970s residential blocks. If this is your case, the issue may concern the whole building.

Quick checks for electric water heaters

If you have an electric water heater, the following checks resolve most no-hot-water issues.

Check the circuit breaker

Your water heater has a dedicated circuit breaker in the electrical panel, usually labelled 'chauffe-eau' or 'eau chaude'. Check that it is in the up position. If it has tripped, reset it. If it trips again immediately, do not insist: a problem requires diagnosis.

Check the day-night switch

If your apartment uses an off-peak tariff (heures creuses), there is usually a small switch on the water heater itself or on the electrical panel with three positions: I (always on), 0 (off), or AUTO (only during off-peak hours). Make sure it is on I or AUTO. If you accidentally pushed it to 0, this is the explanation.

Check the EDF off-peak hours

If you are on off-peak heating and your tank has emptied (long showers, multiple guests), it may simply be waiting for the next off-peak window. To get hot water immediately, switch to position I temporarily.

Check the safety group

Look at the metal valve under the tank. It is normal for it to drip occasionally during heating. If it is releasing a constant stream of water, the valve is probably faulty and needs replacement.

Quick checks for gas boilers

Check the pressure

Look at the pressure gauge on the boiler. It should read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If too low (below 0.8 bar), use the filling valve to add water. If you cannot find or operate the filling valve, call a plumber.

Check the pilot light

If your boiler has a pilot light, check that it is on. If it is out, follow the boiler manual instructions to re-light it. If it goes out again immediately, do not insist: there is a safety issue requiring intervention.

Check error codes

Most modern boilers display an error code when something is wrong. Note the code and look it up in the manual or online. Some codes indicate a simple reset is enough; others require a technician.

Collective hot water systems

If you have collective hot water and no hot water, the problem is likely outside your apartment. Check with neighbours: if they also have no hot water, the building's boiler is down. Contact your property manager immediately.

If only you have no hot water in the building, the problem is in your individual connection. A plumber needs to investigate.

When to call a plumber

If the above checks do not resolve the issue, it is time to call a professional. Common causes that require a plumber include:

• Faulty heating element (electric water heater)
• Failed thermostat
• Tank corrosion or end of life
• Faulty safety valve
• Boiler ignition or sensor failure
• Limescale accumulation

For urgent breakdowns, our emergency water heater service operates 7 days a week. We provide pricing transparency and a written quote before any work begins.

How to avoid the issue in future

• Schedule annual maintenance for your gas boiler (it is legally required)
• Descale your electric water heater every 3 to 5 years
• Replace the safety valve preventively every 5 to 7 years
• Replace your water heater preventively after 12 to 15 years

Frequently asked questions

How long does an electric water heater take to reheat from empty?

A 200L tank takes around 6 to 8 hours to heat from cold. If you have no hot water and reset the system, you may need to wait until the morning.

Can I bypass the off-peak switch myself?

Switching to position I gives immediate hot water but at the full electricity tariff. Use it as a temporary solution, not a permanent fix.

What if my landlord refuses to repair the water heater?

Hot water is a legal basic requirement. If your landlord refuses to repair a broken water heater, you can issue a formal notice by registered letter and, if necessary, contact your local consumer protection office.