i go for the pump version for better water pressure given that normal houses are gravity flow. Long-term wise is better in my opinion. Unless you are in a condo
where it already has built-in pump, you may consider the non-pump.

Generally WH does wear out over time.. but most importantly is that you can use a cheap heater but MUST have 10mA RCD fitted + proper installation.

Typically WH can last a decade or more.. some even since 1997 after 15 years tank health will be affected by corrosion and your old hose/shower head also clogged with limescale. One new push start WH only costs from 280-400 so its only like 28-40 bucks a year if you divide by 10 years.

Without that 10mA RCD.. every year or two people sayonara https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/presentat...er%20Heater.pdf
those cases in the ST PDF don't have 10mA (0.01A) WH-specific circuit RCD installed.

As the whole house one is likely fitted with 100mA (0.1A).. or 300mA (0.3A) (higher mA leakage tolerance = close more eyes), effectively in practice not many older homes have a sensitive (and "safe for school use") 30mA (0.03A) whole house RCD in the DB box, so those 100/300mA whole house RCD is the only safety (which is technically useless like an airbag that deploy 3 mins after accident).

I have retrofitted 10mA (0.01A) WH-specific circuit RCD to be safe for my old 1997 heater, but it may require pulling a new dedicated LNE power line from DB box as that 10mA is super sensitive and cannot operate on shared neutral.

Yes, for Pana (and Hitachi) push start models, [the water flow + heater activation] is controlled together by the big push switch.
Shutting off the water only at the inlet valve / built-into-the-wall valve will also turn it off (in a CRUDE method similar to the factory production line big red button) as the flow sensor (to avoid dry burn like what Selene mentioned) will trip off the heaterbut it is not the proper way lah. Proper way, use the push on/off big push switch. 

WH is exposed and easy to fix or change new one. The built-into-the-wall stuff should be used as minimal as possible, if the valve wear out then you might need to hack to replace it.

I have installed a RCBO on top of water heater

Hey, that is a very good idea.
Did you DIY?

Where did you get the components? (box, holder, etc)

the workmanship can be much more better, but it is sufficient, jst stick the db box with strong double tape.
the db box i get from taobao, the rest from shopee and shop(rcbo, conduit, and 4mm wire)

Hi, I just bought the Panasonic 3MP1 and would like to understand more on the pump operation. When I turn on the switch, but my water is not running, will the pump still be running?

My incoming pressure is actually very strong, so will this damage my inlet pipe due to build up pressure when I turn on the switch but not using the water?

1. Pump will run shortly at first and then stop if no water supply.
2. Don't think so, how much is the incoming pressure?

the pressure is strong before i install the heater. Then the installation of the heater uses a 1.5cm diameter metal rod for the water inlet and outlet, which I think makes the pressure to be greater. Adding with the pump function, my outlet connection is leaking with water even when i adjust the inlet at the WH to the smallest.

the pressure is strong before i install the heater. Then the installation of the heater uses a 1.5cm diameter metal rod for the water inlet and outlet, which I think makes the pressure to be greater. Adding with the pump function, my outlet connection is leaking with water even when i adjust the inlet at the WH to the smallest.

Hi, I just bought the Panasonic 3MP1 and would like to understand more on the pump operation. When I turn on the switch, but my water is not running, will the pump still be running?

My incoming pressure is actually very strong, so will this damage my inlet pipe due to build up pressure when I turn on the switch but not using the water?

Did you put the washer in for the shower hose (WH output)?

1. Yes ....the loud noise from the pump will alert you to turn off the switch immediately.

2. Turning on the the switch does not affect the heater. Is it only ready to supply current to the pump when the water supply is turn on.

When incoming water pressure is strong, it is not necessary to install a pump heater, unless the original inlet is from the reserve tank and a 'temp' direct bypass is done.

not yet sis, will try that or teflon tape first.
1. So does the loud noise for prolonged period cause any damage if i forgot to turn it off?
Probably because my condo is new hence no residents moved in yet that caused the high pressure. I also wanted the rain shower effect hence I purchased the pump version.

Hey guys, I installed new Panasonic Water Heater with push start button.
After use, do I need to press the button to stop the heater and water supply before switching off the main switch?
If let say, not using the water heater, can I let the water heater in on position means switching off the main water valve instead of pressing the button then next use just turn off and on the main valve?

Hey guys, I installed new Panasonic Water Heater with push start button.
After use, do I need to press the button to stop the heater and water supply before switching off the main switch?
If let say, not using the water heater, can I let the water heater in on position means switching off the main water valve instead of pressing the button then next use just turn off and on the main valve?

Hey guys, I installed new Panasonic Water Heater with push start button.
After use, do I need to press the button to stop the heater and water supply before switching off the main switch?
If let say, not using the water heater, can I let the water heater in on position means switching off the main water valve instead of pressing the button then next use just turn off and on the main valve?

Hey guys, need some advice, mum complained her old water heater got not enough pressure. Do these new water heater with 'pump' feature really work?

Am considering these Panasonic models:

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/panasoni...&freeshipping=1

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/panasoni...&freeshipping=1

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/i1726794....579749fb1zaxVh

Hey guys, need some advice, mum complained her old water heater got not enough pressure. Do these new water heater with 'pump' feature really work?

Am considering these Panasonic models:

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/panasoni...&freeshipping=1

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/panasoni...&freeshipping=1

https://www.lazada.com.my/products/i1726794....579749fb1zaxVh