Water heater lifespan in Singapore: repair or replace?
A storage water heater in Singapore lasts about 8 to 10 years; an instant heater often less. The simple rule: if the unit is past 8 years or a repair costs more than half a new one, replace it — otherwise repair.
Here is how to apply that rule to your own heater.
How long they actually last
Storage tanks corrode slowly from the inside, so most give 8 to 10 years before leaks start. Instant heaters have fewer parts but their heating elements and thermostats tend to fail around the 5 to 7 year mark. Hard water and running the tank very hot shorten both.
The repair-or-replace rule
Compare the repair quote to the price of a new unit:
- Under 8 years old and repair is less than half a new unit: repair.
- Over 8 years, or a repair more than half the replacement cost: replace.
- Any sign of a leaking tank: replace — a corroded tank will not get better.
Signs a replacement is near
- Water that no longer gets as hot, or runs out faster than it used to.
- Rusty or discoloured hot water.
- Any damp patch or drip around the tank or its fittings.
- Tripping the heater circuit when it switches on.
Warranty first, always
Before you pay for a repair, check the warranty — many storage heaters carry a 5 to 7 year warranty on the tank. If yours is still covered, the fix may be free. Homees warns you 60 days before a warranty expires so you never pay for something that was covered. For the wider picture, see the HDB maintenance checklist.