Water Heater Installation, Replacement & Repair Service in Singapore
Water heater installation, replacement, and repair services are essential to get consistent access to warm water. Li Fong Handyman offers these services throughout the city at affordable rates. We care about everything from dealing with a malfunctioning unit to installing a new, efficient water heater.
Eco-Business says Singaporeans buy around 100,000 units of water heaters per year. According to AOS Bath, these people take 20-minute x 2-showers a day. All these data explain the commonness and the installation and replacement of water heaters in the city.
In many cases, a simple repair job can make the heater active again. However, the problem is that hiring an ordinary plumber cannot provide a permanent or solid solution. This is why Li Fong is here beside the dwellers. Our expert team always keeps you from staying far from warm water.
Types of Water Heater
There are two major types of water heaters in the market: storage and instant. These units have significant distinctions, such as the presence of tanks, tank capacity, power, efficiency, etc.
1. Storage Water Heaters
People also call these tank water heaters. These units are the most common type of water heater available in residential and commercial settings. Generally, they have an insulated tank to store a specific volume of water, which is heated and kept ready for use.
Pros and Cons of Storage Water Heaters
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large Capacity: Can store a large amount of hot water. | Energy Consumption: Uses energy to keep water hot constantly. |
| Stable Temperature: Maintains a consistent temperature for extended use. | Space Requirement: Significant space is required for installation. |
| Lower Initial Cost: Generally cheaper to purchase and install. | Slow Heating: It takes longer to heat the entire tank of water. |
| Multiple Outlets: Can supply hot water to multiple outlets at once. | Potential for Leaks: Risk of leaks and water damage if the tank fails. |
Types of Storage Water Heaters
You can find multiple variations of storage water heaters. All these have storage facilities but some differences that may suit your preferences.
Conventional Storage Water Heaters
These most common water heaters include an insulated storage tank. They can be used with electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil.
The capacity of these tanks is usually 20-80 gallons. In these tanks, hot water is released from the top when you turn on the hot water tap. Cold water enters the bottom of the tank through a dip tube to replace the hot water being used.
Gas Storage Water Heaters
These water heaters use natural gas or propane as a fuel source. You can save more energy with these heaters than electric storage water heaters. But you must set proper venting for exhaust gases.
In gas storage water heaters, a gas burner is located underneath the tank. Cold water enters the tank and is heated by the burner. The hot water rises to the top of the tank and becomes ready for use.
Electric Storage Water Heaters
These water heaters use electric heating elements to heat the water. You can save money to install them than gas water heaters. However, these units can be more costly to operate depending on electricity rates.
Cold water enters the tanks of these water heaters. Then, it is heated by electric elements located inside the tank. The hot water rises to the top of the tank and becomes ready for use.
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters
These water heaters combine a conventional storage tank with a heat pump. The pump extracts heat from the air to heat the water. Typically, heat pump water heaters are more energy efficient, but you may need to spend more to purchase and install them.
The heat pump moves heat from the surrounding air into the water tank, making the heater more energy-efficient than traditional electric water heaters.
Solar Storage Water Heaters
These water heaters use solar panels to collect and convert sunlight into heat. Then, it is transferred to the water in the storage tank. Thus, solar water heaters are highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Solar collectors are installed on the roof or in a sunny area. The collected heat is transferred to the water in the storage tank through a heat exchanger.
2. Instant Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand water heaters offer hot water only when you need it. These instant water heaters do not store hot water in a tank. So, these are more energy-efficient than traditional storage water heaters.
Pros and Cons of Instant Water Heaters
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficient: Heats water only when needed, reducing energy consumption | Higher Initial Cost: More expensive to purchase and install. |
| Compact Size: Small and space-saving, ideal for tight spaces. | Limited Output: May not be able to supply hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously. |
| Unlimited Hot Water: Provides a continuous supply of hot water. | Requires Good Water Pressure: Needs sufficient water pressure to function properly. |
| Fast Heating: Heats water almost instantly. | Electrical Load: May require an electrical upgrade to handle the power demand. |
Types of Instant Water Heaters
Like storage, instant water heaters also have some varieties. Here are the main types of instant water heaters:
Electric Tankless Instant Water Heaters
These water heaters use electric heating elements to heat the water as it passes through the unit. You can save your wallet for using them more than storage water heaters. Also, these units are easier to install and maintain than gas models.
In these water heaters, cold water flows through the unit. Then, electric elements heat the water, and hot water is delivered directly to the tap or shower.
Gas Instant Water Heaters
These water heaters use a gas burner to heat the water as it flows through the unit. Users can get higher flow rates of heated water in these heaters.
Cold water enters the unit in gas water heaters first. Then, a gas burner heats the water, and the hot water is delivered directly to the tap or shower.
Condensing Instant Water Heaters
These instant water heaters use a secondary heat exchanger to capture and reuse the heat from the exhaust gases. As they extract more heat from the combustion process, these models are more energy-efficient than non-condensing models.
The work process is the same as that of standard gas instant water heaters. However, the additional heat exchanger increases efficiency by utilizing the heat from the exhaust gases.
Non-Condensing Instant Water Heaters
This standard type of gas instant water heater does not have a secondary heat exchanger. While they are less efficient than condensing models, they are still more efficient than traditional storage water heaters.
These water heaters heat water using a gas burner and vent the hot exhaust gases through stainless-steel flue pipes.
How to Install a Water Heater?
In this section, we will share ideas about storage and instant water heater installation. Note that the process varies slightly between these heaters.
Step 1: General Preparation
Turn Off Utilities:
For electric water heaters, please turn off the breaker associated with the old water heater or remove its fuses. For gas water heaters, turn off the gas valve.
Drain the Old Water Heater:
Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. Let the water flow into a drain or bucket. Then, open a hot water tap inside your home to prevent air locks and allow faster drainage.
Disconnect Water and Gas/Electric Lines:
Use a wrench to disconnect the water lines from the top of the tank. For gas water heaters, disconnect the gas line.
Step 2: Installing a New Electric Water Heater
Position the New Heater:
Place the new water heater in the desired location. Ensure that there is at least 6” of clearance around it for ventilation.
Connect the Water Lines:
Attach the blue-coded fitting to the cold-water inlet and the red fitting to the hot-water outlet. Next, tighten using a pipe wrench or adjustable pliers. Measure and cut the water line connections to length as needed.
Connect the Electrical Supply:
Open the access panel on the new water heater to get to the electrical junction box. Then, connect the electrical wires according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fill the Tank:
Close the drain valve and turn the water back on at the main shutoff. Open the cold-water valve to the water heater and leave it open. Next, turn on a nearby hot water faucet until water comes out. It will ensure the tank is full and remove any air from the system.
Power On:
Inspect all joints and fittings for water leaks. Then, please turn on the breaker associated with the water heater to power it up.
Step 3: Installing a New Gas Water Heater
Position the New Heater:
Place the new water heater in the desired location. There should be at least a 6” clearance around it for ventilation.
Connect the Water Lines:
Attach the blue-coded fitting to the cold-water inlet and the red fitting to the hot-water outlet. Tighten using a pipe wrench or adjustable pliers. Then, measure and cut the water line connections to length as needed.
Connect the Gas Supply:
Connect the gas line to the new water heater using a wrench. Make sure the connection is secure, and check for leaks using a soapy water solution.
Vent the Heater:
Check the venting on your existing unit to ensure proper venting. Close all windows and doors and turn on all gas appliances and exhaust fans. Then, turn up the water heater’s temperature for a few minutes. Hold an extinguished match near the vent hood; the smoke should pull into the hood.
Fill the Tank:
Close the drain valve and turn the water back on at the main shutoff. Open the cold-water valve to the water heater and leave it open. After that, turn on a nearby hot water faucet until water comes out to ensure the tank is full and to remove any air from the system.
Light the Pilot:
Inspect all joints and fittings for water leaks. If the pilot light does not ignite automatically, remove the access panel and relight the pilot manually. Replace the burner access panel and set the control at a temperature between 118°F-123°F.
Final Steps
Check for Proper Operation:
Turn on the nearest hot water faucet and ensure hot water is being delivered. For gas water heaters, ensure the pilot light remains lit and the burner operates correctly.
Inspect for Safety:
Ensure all connections are secure and there are no gas or water leaks. Verify that the pressure relief valve and drainpipe are properly installed to avoid potential hazards.
Electric Water Heater Installation and Replacement Cost
The cost can vary based on the complexity of the installation and the type of water heater being installed. On average, you may need to spend money in this way:
Installation Costs
| Installation | Cost Per Unit |
| Simple Electric Instant Water Heater Installation | SGD 80 per unit |
| Complex Electric Instant Water Heater Installation | SGD 120 per unit |
| Simple Electric Storage Water Heater Installation | SGD 120 per unit |
| Complex Electric Storage Water Heater Installation | SGD 180 per unit |
| Very Complex Electric Storage Water Heater Installation (e.g., drilling into the false ceiling) | SGD 300 per unit |
Example Calculation
- Cost of Electric Storage Water Heater:
- Assume an average price of SGD 500.
- Complex Installation Cost:
- SGD 180 per unit.
Replacement Costs
| Replacement | Cost Per Unit |
| Electric Instant Water Heaters | SGD 100-500 |
| Electric Storage Water Heaters | SGD 200-800 |
Total Replacement Cost:
- SGD 500 (heater) + SGD 180 (installation) = SGD 680.
Li Fong Handyman consists of many skilled plumbers who are well-known for their expertise, reliability, and swiftness at their work. You can call us with any issues with the water heater, be it storage or instant. Plus, we have essential tools and certifications to install, repair, or replace the heater by following local standards.
Rheem Water Heater Installation Replacement & Repair Cost
Rheem is a dependable and cost-effective water heating solution. It offers a diverse selection of products, including eco-friendly tankless and top-tier hybrid electric heaters. Its advanced EcoNet®-enabled heaters also provide leak alerts.
Installation Costs
| Installation | Cost Per Unit |
| Simple Electric Instant Water Heater Installation | |
| Complex Electric Instant Water Heater Installation | |
| Simple Electric Storage Water Heater Installation | |
| Complex Electric Storage Water Heater Installation | |
| Very Complex Electric Storage Water Heater Installation (e.g., drilling into the false ceiling) |
Example Calculation for Replacement
To provide a clearer picture, let’s calculate the total cost of replacing a Rheem electric storage water heater with a complex installation:
- Cost of Electric Storage Water Heater:
- Assume an average price of SGD 500.
- Complex Installation Cost:
- SGD 180 per unit.
Replacement Costs
| Replacement | Cost Per Unit |
| Electric Instant Water Heaters | SGD 100-500 |
| Electric Storage Water Heaters | SGD 200-800 |
Total Replacement Cost:
- SGD 500 (heater) + SGD 180 (installation) = SGD 680.
Repair Costs
The typical repair services in Singapore can range from SGD 50 to SGD 200, depending on the complexity of the repair.
Your one call to Li Fong can change the showering experience with a Rheem water heater. After all, our men commit to providing you with top-quality service with a focus on precision. We always work with dedication to your satisfaction with the Rheem water heater installation.
FAQ
How often should I replace my water heater?
Typically, water heaters last 8-12 years. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan.
Can I install a water heater myself?
We suggest you call a professional plumbing service like Li Fong Handyman to avoid damages and risks of improper work with water heater installation.
What are the signs that my water heater needs repair?
Common signs include inconsistent water temperature, strange noises, and leaks.
Final Words
We, Li Fong Handyman, offer full plumbing services, including water heater installation, replacement, and repair. Our experts ensure high-quality service and customer satisfaction through their knowledge, expertise, and experience.
You can call us any time, 24/7, throughout the year. We will listen to you with full concentration and importance. For more information, visit our website or contact customer service.
So, don’t worry about water heater installation, replacement, and repair anymore!
