Want to upgrade your instant heater to a storage heater?
Great choice. Here are the perks!
• Higher water pressure
• Steamy hot water shower effect.
• Can upgrade to rain shower
• Supports 2 showers running at same time
• Hot water, even on rainy days
Here is what you should prepare for the upgrade
Follow this checklist to make sure you don't miss anything. All costs are estimates.
1. Upgrade Stop Valve to an Actual Mixer
Instant heaters use a simple stop valve, or stopcock. This is a single lever that controls the cold water going in. But storage heaters work differently and require a mixer tap.
Why the change? A stopcock only handles cold water. A mixer blends both hot and cold, giving you better control and a more comfortable shower. It’s all part of the upgrade when switching to a smarter, more powerful storage heater.
It’s the same kind of mixer you’ll find in 5-star hotel bathrooms. Paired with a storage heater, it gives you stronger water pressure and that luxurious, hotel-style shower experience at home.
• Stopcock (single-lever tap) $40
• Mixer $250
2. The Fun Part: Choose Your Mixer!
There are two main types: shower mixers and bath mixers. Shower mixers are sleek and minimalist — no spout, just a clean design perfect for master bathrooms.
Bath mixers come with a handy spout, ideal for common bathrooms where you might need to fill a pail or rinse off items.
Think about how you use your bathroom. Want a hotel-style look for your private ensuite? Go with a shower mixer.
Need a little more practicality in the family bathroom? A bath mixer has you covered.
It’s not just an upgrade, it's a chance to personalise your space!
3. Upgrade Your Shower Head, so Every Shower is Luxury
Most people forget about the shower set until the very last minute, but don’t make that mistake! Now that you're upgrading to a storage heater, you're unlocking stronger water pressure than what instant heaters can give. That means it’s time to upgrade your shower set too, so you can feel the difference.
Showers are more than just a rinse.. for us Singaporeans, they are our daily me-time. The right shower head can turn it into a spa-like escape. You want pressure that invigorates, not dribbles that disappoint.
Best part? It doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
You can get an excellent shower head for less than $50. Ping us on WhatsApp to get our personal favourite brand!! The one that 80% of our own AOS team is using.. I like this better than rain showers.
But beware, not all shower heads are created equal. Some imported designs may look beautiful, but they just aren’t built for Singapore’s water pressure.
If you've landed yourself with one of these, you'll get a sad, weak flow that ruins the experience. Stick to options that work with your system, not against it.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide to water pressure here:
Solve Your Low Water Pressure Problem
4. Do you need a wall flange?
Probably not the most exciting part so here’s the quick version:
A wall flange is only needed if your water pipes are exposed, like for most HDB units. they go for about $35 a pair.
But don’t worry, we’ll handle all of that for you. When you buy from us, we’ll sort out what fittings you need and give you one simple, all-in price. No surprises, no extra parts to hunt down.
5. Pipes
Note that storage heaters need more piping than instant heaters.
Estimated cost for extra piping in HDB flats:
• 1 bathroom: ~$350
• 2 bathrooms (side by side): ~$900
We usually recommend doing these pipe works during the renovation stage, as they can be messy and dusty. In most cases, your interior designer will handle this part.
If you are already living in the house, then switching from instant to storage might not be ideal, unless...... the water pressure from your instant heater is so weak that you’re ready for a serious upgrade. 😅
Conclusion: Ready to Upgrade?
Upgrading from an instant to a storage water heater is more than just switching appliances. You are levelling up your entire shower experience!!
From better water pressure to hotel-style mixers and luxurious shower sets, every detail adds comfort, convenience, and value to your home.
Yes, there are extra fittings and some piping work involved, but don’t worry... we’ll handle the technical bits. You just need to put up with the dust!!! 😆 Otherwise, sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the kind of showers you usually only get on holiday.
Convert Instant to Storage FAQ
What are the benefits to upgrade from instant to storage?
- You get more consistent water temperature and higher water pressure, especially if you have multiple users or larger bathrooms.
- Unlike instant heaters, storage heaters store hot water in a tank, giving you a constant supply of hot water without waiting.
How will my shower experience improve with storage?
- you get stronger water pressure
- a refreshing and invigorating shower
- get a spa-like experience every day, in the comfort of your own home!
How different is the water pressure from instant to storage?
- instant: around 4 lit/min
- storage: around 9 lit/min
Note that in Singapore, we will soon have shower limits of about 7 lit/min. It is part of the new PUB stipulations for us to save water.
More on that here, see page 49.
