Water Heater Singapore
Reason for the Callout
The homeowner reported consistent issues with the existing heater, including poor hot water delivery and signs of tank leakage. They sought a solution that would be safe, compliant, and properly documented with a PUB Certificate.
Landed
Rheem 85VP6S Vertical Tank Replacement with PUB Certificate – Watten Estate Landed Property
At a landed home in Watten Estate, a faulty Rheem 85VP6S was leaking and frequently malfunctioning. Though replaced with the same model, the original setup lacked key safety features. We installed a new Rheem 85VP6S with full safety upgrades and issued a PUB Certificate for compliance.
Before: Rheem 85VP6S
After: Rheem 85VP6S
Date Of Replacement: 9 Apr 2025
Project Location: Watten Estate
Before Replacement:
The existing Rheem 85VP6S had reached the end of its lifespan, with water stains beneath the tank and frequent heating failures. It lacked an anti-vacuum valve and electrical bonding. Several fittings and the stop cock were corroded.
After Replacement:
We installed a brand-new Rheem 85VP6S electric storage water heater in the same vertical position. The installation was upgraded to meet PUB regulations, including the addition of safety fittings that were previously missing. A PUB-approved check valve was installed at the cold inlet to prevent backflow, and an anti-vacuum valve was fitted to the hot outlet to protect the tank from vacuum collapse. We added a new stop cock for water isolation and connected an electrical bonding cable to nearby metal piping to comply with SS638. The entire installation was completed under the supervision of a PUB-licensed plumber, and a new PUB Certificate was issued to officially document the job.
Inspection Findings 
- Visible tank body corrosion and water leakage
- Intermittent hot water output
- No anti-vacuum valve (mandatory for vertical tanks)
- No PUB-approved double-check valve at the cold inlet
- Absence of stop cock for isolation
- No electrical bonding to metal piping
Components Replaced for PUB Submission Compliance:
- Rheem 85VP6S electric vertical water heater
- Anti-vacuum valve at hot outlet (required for vertical tanks)
- PUB-approved double-check valve on cold inlet
- Stainless steel inlet and outlet piping (≤1m)
- Stop cock / control valve for maintenance shut-off
- Compression fittings, elbows, brackets, and wall anchors
- Electrical bonding cable to the nearby metal pipe for safety
- Drain routing reviewed and corrected if needed
Replacement work scope:
- Isolated power and water supply
- Removed the existing Rheem 85VP6S and cleared the installation area
- Inspected the wall, pipe layout, and drainage route
- Installed the new Rheem 85VP6S in the same vertical configuration
- Fitted anti-vacuum valve per Rheem specifications
- Installed PUB-compliant double-check valve and stop cock
- Replaced old copper pipes with stainless steel pipework within 1 metre
- Connected and tested electrical bonding to ensure proper grounding
- Performed full leak testing and pressure checks
- Submitted all documentation for PUB review and issued a valid PUB Certificate
Our PUB Licensed Plumber has endorsed that the work is done in accordance with the conditions stated below:
- All water service installations must be in accordance with the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, Singapore Standards 636 for Water Services, and all other relevant statutory requirements.
- The proposed works shall not adversely affect the existing water supply reticulation system.
- The proposed water storage heater is installed in accordance with the specifications and requirements of the manufacturer.
- The installation of double-check valves is safe and effective in preventing backflow and the back-siphonage of water from the storage water heater through the heater inlet pipe, and will be safe for use.
Conclusion:
Though the heater model remained unchanged, this Rheem 85VP6S replacement at Watten Estate was a full compliance upgrade. The previous installation lacked critical safety features and had no record of a PUB Certificate, leaving the homeowner exposed to potential plumbing and electrical hazards.
Our team replaced the unit and retrofitted all missing components to meet SS636 and SS638 standards. The work was completed under a PUB Licensed Plumber’s supervision and certified with an official PUB Certificate. The homeowner now enjoys a safe and efficient water heater system, with the assurance of regulatory compliance and long-term peace of mind.