Common Joven water heater problems

Joven water heater problems at a glance

Joven's support pages on water that is not hot enough, storage heater leaks and the two heater valves cover the first four symptoms below.

Low temperature and flow

Joven's guide gives three reasons the water may not be hot enough. A storage heater needs about 10 minutes for some warmth, and larger tanks take longer. It may also be undersized for your fittings, for example a large rain shower plus a basin; the water heater size calculator suggests a tank size from the outlets you use at once. Instant heaters raise the water temperature by a fixed amount, so on cooler or rainy days the output may feel less hot.

If it is still not hot enough, Joven asks you to arrange a service appointment with your purchase receipt (model and retailer) and a photo of the serial number and showerhead ready. If there is no hot water at all, start with our no hot water guide.

Leaks and the pressure relief valve

Joven lists these common causes of storage heater leaks:

• a faulty, loose or wrongly oriented pressure relief valve (PRV) at the bottom of the heater
• high and unsteady water pressure
• a corroded tank, especially one near 10 years old
• leaking inlet or outlet connections or seals

Joven says never to block the PRV, or let anyone stop a leak by blocking it. It is a safety device, and blocking it can lead to catastrophic tank failure. For a PRV problem, contact Joven's service team.

Relief valve or reducing valve

Every Joven electric storage heater comes with a PRV in the box, and Joven says swapping it for another brand voids the warranty. The PRV releases water only at a dangerous pressure or temperature and does not regulate daily water pressure. A pressure reducing valve (PRDV), fitted on the cold water supply before the heater, works all the time to keep the pressure stable. Joven strongly recommends one, and says repeated PRV discharge points to high incoming pressure.

To verify the pressure, Joven advises HDB residents to contact their Town Council, and condo residents their Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST). Our water heater leaking guide has more on leaks.

Tripping and electrical faults

For error lights, check the manual for your model and book a service with Joven.

If the heater trips the residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), do not keep resetting it. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says an RCCB cuts off electricity when it detects a current leakage, and lists ageing or exposed wires, faulty electrical appliances and damaged insulation as causes. A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) should check the circuit.

EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. EMA requires electrical works at consumers' premises, including repairs, to be carried out by LEWs.

The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) says a water heater should be wired directly to the mains through a double pole switch, not connected to a 3-pin socket outlet, extension cord or multi-way outlet. Our water heater tripping guide has more on why heaters trip.

Service, warranty and parts

Joven's warranty page asks buyers to register the warranty online within 14 days of purchase, and proof of date of purchase may be required for a claim. Warranty periods differ by part and model, so check the terms for your heater. The terms require a storage heater installation to conform to the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, Singapore Standard SS 636 and Joven's installation instructions.

Before you book a Joven water heater repair, keep your receipt and warranty details together. Joven recommends a licensed plumber for all water heater installations.

PUB lets a handyman replace the pipe between a stop valve and an instantaneous water heater. Pipework for a storage water heater is not on its simple works list, so it needs a PUB Licensed Plumber.

When to stop and call a professional

Stop using the heater and call a professional if you notice any of these:

• water leaking from the tank body
• a relief valve that is blocked or has been tampered with
• a burning smell
• repeated tripping
• water near the switch, wiring or other electrics

If the heater switch is dry and away from any water, switch it off with dry hands. If water is near the switch or wiring, do not touch it; keep away and call a Licensed Electrical Worker.

If you need a new heater, the price depends on the job. Our water heater replacement cost guide explains more.

You can also compare instant water heater services in the directory, or read our article on water heater warning signs.

Questions