Instant water heaters in Singapore

An instant water heater heats water as it flows, while a storage heater keeps a tank of hot water ready. In Singapore homes the choice usually comes down to how many bathrooms need hot water, how many people shower at the same time, the space available and the electrical supply. Compare complete installed quotes rather than appliance prices alone.

How instant and storage heaters differ

An instant heater sits close to the shower or tap and heats water only when you use it. It takes up little space and does not keep water hot between uses. Most models serve one outlet, so a home with several bathrooms often has one instant heater per bathroom.

A storage heater keeps a tank of water hot, usually mounted in a ceiling space or on a wall, and supplies one or more outlets through pipes. It can serve several bathrooms and a kitchen tap, but it needs room for the tank, time to reheat after heavy use and a suitable mounting.

Which suits your household?

Start with how your home uses hot water. A small household that showers at different times may be well served by instant heaters in each bathroom. A larger household, or one that wants hot water at the kitchen sink and in several bathrooms, may prefer a storage heater sized for its use.

Look at the existing set-up too. Replacing like for like is usually simpler, because the pipes, mounting and electrical point are already in place. Switching from storage to instant, or the other way round, can need new pipework, a different electrical connection and changes to ceilings or walls. Ask the installer to assess this before you buy anything.

If you are renovating, plan the heater with the bathroom layout, so that pipes and electrical points are placed correctly before tiling and carpentry. The water heater guide covers the wider installation process, including gas and other systems.

Electrical and plumbing requirements

Both types need a safe electrical supply and correct water connections. Instant heaters in particular can draw a lot of power while running, so the circuit and isolator must suit the model. Ask the installer to confirm whether your existing electrical point is adequate, and who will carry out any electrical work.

Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical worker. EMA's guidance on engaging licensed workers explains the rules, and the HDB guidance on electrical works applies in HDB flats. For the water connections, PUB's requirements for plumbing works set out which work needs a licensed plumber.

What an installed quote should include

The appliance is only part of the cost. A complete quote should show everything needed to leave a working, safe installation, and it should name who is responsible for each part.

• The exact heater model, and whether the company supplies it or installs yours.
• Removal and disposal of the old heater, if any.
• Mounting, brackets and any ceiling or wall access.
• Water connections, valves and pipe changes.
• Electrical connection, isolator or circuit changes, with the licensed worker named.
• Testing, demonstration, warranty terms and GST.

Published water heater installation rates from directory companies appear further down this page, with the company, source and capture date for each. They are advertised starting points, so check what each one includes before comparing.

Repair, replace or switch type?

If an existing heater stops working, describe the symptoms before deciding to replace it: no hot water, water not hot enough, leaking, or tripping the power. Some faults are repairable, while others make replacement the sensible choice. The water heater guide explains how to compare repair with replacement.

If a heater trips the power, switch it off and stop using it until a qualified person has checked it. Do not open the casing. The urgent electrical guide explains what to tell an electrician.

Safety and care

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating the heater and for any maintenance. Do not cover vents, store items against a storage tank or block access to the isolator. Make sure everyone at home knows where the isolator is and how to switch it off.

Keep the invoice, model details and warranty card together. If the heater develops a fault later, these help the company identify the part and confirm whether the warranty applies.

Water heater questions

Is an instant water heater cheaper than a storage heater?

It depends on the models, the number of heaters you need and the installation work. Several instant heaters for several bathrooms can cost more in total than one storage heater. Compare complete installed quotes for the set-up your home actually needs.

Can I replace my storage heater with an instant heater?

Often, but it may need new electrical and plumbing work at each outlet. Ask the installer to check the electrical supply, the pipes and the space before buying a model, and request a quote that includes all the changes.

Does an instant water heater need a separate power point?

Many instant heaters need a suitable dedicated electrical connection because they draw a lot of power while running. Ask a licensed electrical worker to confirm what your chosen model needs.

How long does a water heater installation take?

A like-for-like replacement is usually quicker than a change of type or a new installation. Ask the company to estimate the time after seeing photos of the current set-up, and confirm whether water or power will be off during the work.