No water in Singapore homes: who to call
When the taps run dry, first work out whether the problem is only in your home. Ask a neighbour whether their water is running, and check that the valve at your water meter has not been closed. If neighbours are affected too, the problem is not in your own pipes, so report it.
HDB says regular upkeep of your flat is your role as the homeowner. Town Councils control, manage and maintain the common property of HDB flats, which includes corridors, lifts and the water tank, and HDB says to contact your Town Council about routine maintenance.
Who takes reports of water cuts and burst pipes?
PUB does. Its 24-hour Call Centre takes urgent feedback on major pipe bursts and water interruptions on 1800-2255-782 (1800-CALL-PUB, toll-free). For non-urgent water supply issues, PUB has an online feedback form. Before you call, run through the checks in our guide to no water supply in your flat.
What if only my block has low pressure?
HDB's home care guide says to inform the Town Council if low water pressure comes from a booster pump fault. If an air lock is the cause, HDB says to run the tap for a while to let the air out. See low water pressure for more.
How do I turn off the water to my flat?
Shut the stopcock at the PUB water sub-meter. HDB says to do this to cut the water supply if there is a leak. Leaking pipe joints come from use and deterioration over time or impact, and HDB says to engage a licensed plumber for repairs where necessary. Our burst pipe guide covers what to do next.
Brown, cloudy or odd-looking water
These tap water questions cover water that does not look right. PUB says drinking water is normally clear but very occasionally may appear discoloured or contain particles.
Why is my tap water brown?
PUB links it to maintenance work, such as cleaning water tanks or flushing service pipes, or to fittings in the home, including a corroded storage type hot water heater. Run the taps until the water runs clear. If it has not cleared after 10 to 15 minutes, call 1800-CALL-PUB. See brown or discoloured tap water.
Why is my water milky?
Dissolved air can make tap water look milky, PUB says. The tiny bubbles disappear after a few minutes and the water is still safe. If you are unsure, fill a glass and let it stand for a few minutes. If the milky look persists, call 1800-CALL-PUB.
What are the pink stains in my bathroom?
PUB says pink stains on toilet bowls, sink drains and tiles are typically caused by the naturally occurring bacteria Serratia, which come from the environment, not from the water. They do not pose health concerns. Regular cleaning and keeping surfaces dry helps control them. If you also have mould, see how to remove bathroom mould.
If the source is in PUB's water mains, PUB says it isolates it, flushes the mains and provides temporary water. If the source is within your premises, such as a corroded water tank, PUB advises replacing or repairing the appliances or pipes.
Drinking water and your meter
PUB monitors water from source to tap, with close to 500,000 tests a year at its Water Quality Laboratory and online sensors watching each stage of treatment in real time.
Can I drink water straight from the tap?
Yes. PUB says Singapore's tap water is well within the Food Safety and Security (Non-Packaged Drinking Water) Regulations 2025 and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, and is suitable for drinking directly from the tap without further filtration. Read more on whether tap water is safe to drink.
How do I read my water meter?
Read the digits from left to right. PUB's meter reading guide says black or white digits are whole numbers, red digits are decimals, and usage is in cubic metres, taken to the first decimal place. In a flat, the meter is along the common corridor near your unit entrance or at the staircase landing below your unit.
How can my meter show a leak?
If the dial moves when no water is in use. PUB's meter reading guide says unusual spikes in water usage, or the meter dial moving when water is not in use, might suggest a leak. Turn off all taps and water appliances, then watch the dial for a few minutes. For a high water bill, start with this check.
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See plumbing companies in the directory with their published prices, the areas they say they cover and their sources.
Compare plumbersWhere to go next
This water supply FAQ covers the first checks when something goes wrong. For a problem inside your flat, such as a leaking joint, a licensed plumber can help, and the price depends on the job.
- The plumbing FAQ, for more questions about plumbing at home.
- Leak repair, if water is escaping from a pipe or joint.
- Plumbing costs, to see how plumbers price their work.
- Plumbers, to compare plumbing companies listed in the directory.
Questions
How long does it take to get water in a new home?
Allow 7 business days after you open your utilities account. SP Group asks for that lead time. SP says HDB BTO flats need no appointment to turn on electricity and water, while resale HDB flats and other homes get an on-site safety inspection, where the account holder or a representative must be present.
Can I check that a caller is really from PUB?
Yes. PUB says you can call its 24-hour Call Centre on 1800-2255-782 (1800-CALL-PUB) to check whether a call from a PUB officer is genuine. Dial the number yourself rather than using one the caller gives you. See also our guide to home service scams.
Should I use a water filter?
Why does water look brown after I return from holiday?
Stagnant water in your service pipes. PUB lists stagnant water in service pipes after infrequent use, such as when owners return from a holiday, as a cause of discoloured water. It advises flushing pipes or a water heater whose water has been stagnant for a long time before use, especially for drinking.
Is the PUB hotline open at night?
Yes. PUB's Call Centre runs 24 hours on 1800-2255-782 (1800-CALL-PUB, toll-free) and takes urgent feedback on major pipe bursts and water interruptions. For non-urgent water supply issues, PUB has an online feedback form. Airtime charges apply if you call a 1800 line from a mobile.
Do I need an SP account to get water?
Yes. SP Group says you open a utilities account and schedule the supply turn-on online, and you need an SP utilities account even if you buy electricity from a retailer. When you move, close the account at your old home, then open a new one for the new home.
Practical guidance for planning a home job in Singapore. Company prices come from the HomezyPro directory, each linked to its source; rules and safety points link to the agency or manufacturer that sets them. This is not a site inspection, a quote or professional advice for your home.
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