Plumbing, sanitary & water fixtures
Plumbing and fixture repair in Singapore: who should do what?
A clear guide to plumbing services, water fixture repair and plumbing fixture installation—including when Singapore’s licensed-plumber requirements apply.
Services covered in this guide
Plumbing services
Inspection, diagnosis, repair and coordination for water and sanitary plumbing issues.
Plumbing fixture installation
Installation or replacement of compatible taps, mixers, basins, WCs and other fixtures.
Water fixture repair
Repair of accessible leaks, worn components, loose fittings and poor operation where replacement is not yet needed.
Repair or replace the plumbing fixture?
| Symptom | Possible scope | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping tap or mixer | Replace washer/cartridge or fixture | Model, parts availability and isolation valve |
| Loose tap, basin or WC | Refix, reseal or replace fixings | Substrate and hidden leakage |
| Slow drainage | Clear accessible blockage or investigate line | Whether multiple outlets are affected |
| Constant WC running | Repair cistern components | Inlet and flush mechanism |
| Water stain or concealed leak | Leak detection and source repair | Stop water and protect affected areas promptly |
| New or relocated plumbing point | Regulated installation / alteration | Licensed plumber and approval requirements |
When is a PUB Licensed Plumber required?
PUB’s published requirements say regulated water-service and sanitary-plumbing works must be carried out by a PUB Licensed Plumber. PUB also identifies certain simple plumbing works that may be performed by handymen. Because the boundary depends on the actual task—not the label in an advertisement—confirm the scope before appointment.
New points, pipe alterations and regulated sanitary work should not be bundled casually into a general repair. The quote should identify the responsible licensed party and any submission, testing or certification needed.
What to do when a fixture is leaking
- Stop using the affected fixture and isolate its local valve if safe.
- If leakage is significant, locate the unit’s main water shut-off.
- Protect flooring, electrical items and the unit below.
- Photograph the active leak and resulting damage.
- Notify the landlord, managing agent or building management where required.
- Arrange the correct repair and dry affected materials before making good finishes.
A stain is not always the source. Water can travel along pipes, slabs and finishes, so diagnosis should precede cosmetic repair.
What affects plumbing repair cost?
Cost is influenced by diagnosis time, accessibility, isolation valves, fixture brand, parts availability, concealed pipework, removal and make-good, licensed work and after-hours response. A visible drip and a concealed leak have very different risk and scope.
For a first assessment, send a short video, close-up and wide photos, the fixture brand/model if known, when the symptom occurs, and whether the water can be isolated.
Plumbing handover checklist
- Run every tap and check the base, joints and cabinet below.
- Flush each WC and confirm the cistern stops filling.
- Check basins, sinks and floor traps for drainage speed and odour.
- Inspect silicone seals, grout and adjacent finishes for dampness.
- Confirm isolation valves are accessible and working.
- Record fixture model numbers before ordering replacements.
- Keep licensed-plumber records where regulated work was carried out.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed plumber in Singapore?
PUB requires regulated water-service and sanitary-plumbing work to be carried out by a PUB Licensed Plumber. Some simple plumbing work may be performed by a handyman; check PUB’s current list against the exact scope.
Should a leaking tap be repaired or replaced?
Repair is sensible when the body is sound and compatible parts are available. Replacement may be better when the fixture is corroded, obsolete, repeatedly failing or the repair cost approaches a suitable replacement.
How much does plumbing fixture installation cost?
Cost depends on the fixture, compatibility, pipe alterations, access, isolation, removal, disposal and whether licensed or approval-dependent work is involved. Supply the model and photos for a scoped quote.
Who pays for a plumbing repair in a rental?
The tenancy agreement, cause and timing matter. Routine minor maintenance may be allocated differently from a hidden defect or tenant-caused damage. Notify the landlord or agent promptly and document the condition before repair.
Related services and guides
Official Singapore references
This guide provides general scoping information. Confirm the current rules and required professionals with the relevant authority, property owner and building management before work begins.