Water Heater Singapore
Reason for the Callout
The homeowner wanted to replace their existing heater, which had aged significantly and was no longer reliable. They sought a compliant replacement for peace of mind and proper documentation.
Condo
Rheem 85VP6S Vertical Tank Replacement with PUB Certificate – Country Esquire
At Country Esquire, a homeowner replaced their ageing Rheem 85VP6S with the same model. The original setup lacked an anti-vacuum valve and electrical bonding. We completed the installation with all required safety upgrades and issued a PUB Certificate for full compliance.
Before: Rheem 85VP6S
After: Rheem 85VP6S
Date Of Replacement: 9 Apr 2025
Project Location: Country Esquire
Before Replacement:
The old Rheem 85VP6S unit showed signs of deterioration and was functioning inconsistently. Upon inspection, our team found that the installation did not include an anti-vacuum valve, which is essential for vertical tank configurations. In addition, the heater had no electrical bonding to nearby metal pipes, violating SS638 electrical safety standards.
After Replacement:
A new Rheem 85VP6S was installed in the same location, but this time with all the necessary safety upgrades. We added a PUB-approved anti-vacuum valve and installed a proper electrical bonding cable. A new stop cock was also fitted to allow easy maintenance. The replacement was performed under the supervision of a PUB Licensed Plumber, and a PUB Certificate was issued to confirm that the work complied with SS636 and PUB regulations.
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
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:
This project at Country Esquire shows that even a same-model water heater replacement requires full attention to safety and compliance. The previous setup lacked essential protections like an anti-vacuum valve and bonding, making it non-compliant with PUB and electrical standards. Our team installed a new Rheem 85VP6S with all required upgrades and issued a valid PUB Certificate, ensuring the system is safe, traceable, and fully compliant with Singapore’s plumbing and electrical regulations.