Guide To Selecting a Qualified Professional For Storage Water Heater Installation

Installing a storage water heater in Singapore requires strict adherence to safety standards and regulatory requirements. The Public Utilities Act, enforced by the Public Utilities Board (PUB), and the Electricity Act, enforced by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), mandate that only licensed professionals carry out plumbing and electrical works. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process for selecting a qualified professional to safely install a storage water heater in compliance with local regulations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting a Qualified Professional

1. Understand the Importance of Using Licensed Professionals

Licensed Plumber: According to the Public Utilities Act, all plumbing works, including the installation of water heaters, must be performed by a PUB-licensed plumber. This ensures that the installation complies with local safety and quality standards. You can find or verify a licensed plumber on the PUB website.

Licensed Electrician: The Electricity Act requires that all electrical works be carried out by an EMA-licensed electrician. This is crucial to prevent electrical hazards and to ensure the installation meets regulatory standards.

2. Identify Reputable Service Providers

Research and Recommendations: Start by researching reputable service providers online, or ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who have recently had similar work done.

Verify Credentials: Ensure that the professionals you are considering are licensed by the PUB for plumbing and by the EMA for electrical works. You can verify their credentials through the respective regulatory bodies’ websites.

3. Request Quotes and Assess Services

Detailed Quotes: Contact multiple licensed professionals and request detailed quotes for the installation. Ensure the quotes include a breakdown of costs for materials and labour.

Assess Professionalism: Evaluate the responsiveness and professionalism of the service providers. Prompt replies, clear communication, and a willingness to answer your questions are good indicators of reliable service.

4. Check Previous Work and References

Previous Work: Ask for examples of previous work or case studies that demonstrate their experience in installing storage water heaters.

Past Projects: Browse through their portfolio and inspect the photos to see if all the essential plumbing and electrical equipment is installed along with the heater tank.

References: Request references from past clients to get feedback on their satisfaction with the service and the quality of work. The easiest way to do this is by checking their Google Maps reviews.

Scope of Work

1. Replacement and Installation

The professional will replace the existing water storage heater with a new unit, which may or may not have similar specifications and capacity.

2. Access and Utilities

Ensure clear access to the water heater location and provide any necessary utilities required for the replacement.

3. Additional Work

Any additional work required beyond the standard replacement, such as electrical modifications or plumbing adjustments, will be communicated to the customer, and additional charges may apply.

Hydraulic Connection and Tank Mounting (Plumbing Works)

Supply of Fittings and Equipment: The professional will supply all necessary fittings, tools, and safety equipment, in addition to the storage heater set approved for use in Singapore. Essential fittings include double-check valves, anti-vacuum valves (depending on the heater specifications), stop valves (whether a stopcock or a gate valve, but not a mini ball valve), pipes, elbows, and tees, all in accordance with PUB’s stipulations.

Avoid Recycling Old Parts: When the heater is replaced, the associated fittings are likely to have reached the end of their lifespan. Multiple loosening and tightening can result in material fatigue, weakening joints that are more prone to failure under high pressure.

Supervision: The works will be carried out or supervised by a PUB-licensed plumber.

Connecting Pipes: The replacement and reinstallation of the current hot and cold-water connecting pipes to the water heater will be conducted, with the length of these new pipes not exceeding 1 metre.

Material Specifics: No additional charges will be incurred for connecting to specific existing materials such as copper, stainless steel, and PPR. However, a surcharge of $150 will apply for German PEX pipes or the Japanese Mechfit system.

Tank Removal: The removal of the old tank and off-site disposal will incur a safety provision cost based on the tank’s capacity and location.

Wall/Concrete Anchors: Removal of old anchors where applicable, without patching up and painting.

New Drainpipe Outlet: An additional charge of $150 will apply for a new exposed drainpipe outlet, applicable to water heaters located above the ceiling.

Anchor Safety Assessment: Utilisation of existing wall/concrete anchors after assessment and confirmation of safety.

Electrical Works

Supply of Parts and Equipment: The professional will supply all necessary parts, tools, and safety equipment.

Supervision: The works will be supervised by an EMA-licensed Electrical Worker (LEW).

Inspection: Inspect the condition of the heater switch, connection box, and type of wires used, and report the findings.

Electrical Connection: Connection of the heater to the connection/junction box using 3×2.5 mm² wires up to 2 metres encased in flexible conduit.

Heater Switch Inspection: Ensure the existing heater switch is in safe working condition; otherwise, it will need replacing.

Junction/Connection Box Inspection: Check for burnout or connections not in accordance with the code.

Additional Electrical Scope: Any work beyond the standard scope is chargeable. Costs include $50 for heater switch replacement, $70 for connection box replacement, and $150 for isolator replacement.

New Heater Point: Starting at $550 for installing a new heater point, including a new two-pole 20A switch, wiring in trunking, and a 20A MCB.

HDB Installations: Submission of the SPSL Form CS/5H, endorsed by HDB, to SP Services Ltd for testing of the new wiring.

Dedicated Heater Power Point: Ensure the heater power point is not shared with other appliances for safety and compliance with SS 638_2018.

Appliance Removal: If appliances are attached to the heater circuit, seek the owner’s permission to remove them. If removal is not feasible, the owner must engage their own EMA LEW, and the professional will handle only the plumbing works.

Earthing and Bonding: A metallic conduit or trunking housing electrical wiring may become live under fault conditions. It is vital to ensure that such metallic conduit or trunking and other simultaneously accessible extraneous conductive parts (such as water pipes and gas pipes) are effectively bonded to the earthing system of the electrical installation. Ensure that this safety clause is complied with.

Final Checks and Compliance Documentation

Testing and Verification: Ensure the professionals test the water heater after installation to verify it operates correctly and safely.

Certification of Completion: Obtain a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion from the licensed plumber and electrician certifying that the installation complies with PUB and EMA regulations.

Regular Maintenance and Aftercare

Maintenance Tips: Ask the professionals for maintenance tips and guidelines to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the water heater.

Scheduled Inspections: Arrange for regular inspections by licensed professionals to maintain safety and compliance with regulations.

Conclusion

Selecting a qualified professional for installing a storage water heater in Singapore is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations. By engaging licensed plumbers and electricians, you guarantee that the installation is done correctly and safely. Following this step-by-step guide will help you choose the right professionals and ensure your water heater is installed to the highest standards.