Calling a Plumber for a Leak in France
Explain a leak or a blocked pipe, get a quote, deal with the neighbour below and sort out who pays.
Always ask for a devis (written quote) before work starts, and be wary of the 'emergency plumber' flyers in your letterbox, which are a well-known source of overcharging. If you rent, the landlord pays for big repairs like a worn-out water heater, while small upkeep such as a washer or unblocking a sink is usually the tenant's job. If water leaks into the flat below, you and your neighbour fill in a constat amiable dégât des eaux and send it to your home insurers (assurance habitation).
- 1
J'ai une fuite sous l'évier.
I have a leak under the sink.
- 2
L'eau coule du plafond.
The water is dripping from the ceiling.
- 3
Vous avez coupé l'eau ?
Have you turned off the water?
- 4
Où est le robinet d'arrêt ?
Where's the stopcock?
- 5
La chasse d'eau coule sans arrêt.
The toilet won't stop running.
- 6
La douche est bouchée.
The shower drain is blocked.
- 7
J'ai plus d'eau chaude.
I don't have any hot water.
- 8
Je crois que c'est le ballon d'eau chaude.
I think it's the water heater.
- 9
Vous pourriez passer aujourd'hui ?
Could you come today?
- 10
C'est urgent.
It's urgent.
- 11
Combien coûte le déplacement ?
How much is the call-out fee?
- 12
Vous pouvez me faire un devis avant ?
Could you give me a quote first?
- 13
Il faut changer le joint.
The seal needs changing.
- 14
Le tuyau est fissuré.
The pipe is cracked.
- 15
C'est à la charge du propriétaire ?
Is that the landlord's responsibility?
- 16
L'eau a coulé chez le voisin du dessous.
Water got into my downstairs neighbour's flat.
- 17
Il faut remplir le constat de dégât des eaux.
We need to fill in the water damage form.
- 18
Je vais le déclarer à mon assurance.
I'll declare it to my insurance.
- 19
Vous pouvez me faire une facture ?
Can you give me an invoice?
- 20
Ça remarche, merci !
It's working again, thank you!