FAQ
A bunch of frequently asked questions arranged according to topic.
Getting Started
Q: What apps does Plumber integrate with?
A: For the most up-to-date list of integrations, log into Plumber and browse the available connectors when creating a new pipe. You can also view them in the guide.
Q: How do I get the latest announcements from Plumber?
A: Simply log into Plumber at least once - we send announcements to everyone in our database.
Q: What's the difference between Power Automate and Plumber?
Developer
Microsoft
Open Government Products (OGP)
Main Advantage
Microsoft ecosystem integration
OGP products integration
Key Integrations
Excel, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, OneDrive
FormSG, LetterSG, Email by Postman, Tiles
Best For
Microsoft-centric workflows
Singapore Government workflows with OGP tools
Use Cases
Connect Excel with SharePoint lists, automate Office 365 tasks
Automate form submissions, generate letters, send notifications
Collaboration & Access
Q: Can I share my pipe with colleagues like FormSG collaborator mode?
A: Not currently available. The Plumber team is looking to release this feature before the end of September 2025.
Q: Can I use a group email (e.g. [email protected]) to access Plumber?
A: Yes. If you're unable to receive emails from Plumber, contact your ITD as your group email might not be configured to receive emails from external providers.
FormSG Integration
Q: What types of forms can be integrated with Plumber?
A: Currently, Plumber is only compatible with FormSG storage mode. Integration with MRF (Multi-respondent form) is not supported.
Q: Can I connect multiple forms to a single pipe?
A: No, you can only connect one form to one pipe.
Q: Why can't I connect multi-respondent forms with Plumber?
A: We are currently in discussions with the FormSG team regarding this matter. We are looking to release the integration by the end of 2025.
Q: Can Plumber extract data from an attached Excel file submitted via FormSG?
A: No, Plumber does not read or process files submitted via FormSG.
Q: I've added new fields to my form, but they're not showing up when I test my pipe. What's going on?
A: Go to your pipe, go to Form action, re-trigger "check step" to pull the new fields. Then re-check all the actions to use the new fields in your automation.
Q: How does "Check step" work in Plumber?
A: We generate fake data to simulate actual submission. You may use the fake data to continue with building the pipe.
Q: How can I better handle Table responses when using Plumber?
A: There are two methods to handle table responses:
Method 1: Fixed Method (Recommended for most users)
This method handles up to 5 maximum rows consistently. Always set a maximum number of rows in your form. This allows you to configure the automation for the highest possible number of rows. If a submission has fewer rows than the maximum, the automation will still function correctly.
For example, if your form's table allows 5 rows:
Set up your pipe with all 5 rows filled by doing a test form submission with all 5 rows completed
Go to your pipe's Form action and re-trigger "check step" to pull the new fields
Re-check all actions to use the new fields in your automation
Method 2: Dynamic Method
This method uses the for-each action and works well with the Tile action. It accepts any number of rows and populates Tiles accordingly. For example, if a respondent submits 3 rows, it will create 3 separate tiles with duplicate responses (except for the table data). Note: If you use for-each with table responses followed by an email action, you'll send multiple emails based on the number of table rows.
Which method should I choose?
Since these methods can be confusing to understand from reading alone, we recommend trying both to see which works better for your use case. For simplicity, use Method 1. However, if you need to handle an unknown, dynamic number of table rows, use Method 2.
Data Storage: Tiles vs M365 Excel
Q: What is the difference between Tiles and M365 Excel?
A: Tiles is a feature built into Plumber, whilst M365 Excel is a separate Microsoft application that Plumber can integrate with. Both can store data for your automations, but they serve different purposes depending on your needs.
Feature
Tiles
M365 Excel
Built by
Plumber (OGP)
Microsoft
Availability
All Plumber users
.gov.sg users only
Primary function
Basic data storage and retrieval
Advanced data processing and analysis
Capabilities
Store information, allow automation to read table data
Formulas, computations, dashboards, pivot tables, conditional formatting
Response speed
Faster responses
Slower due to government-wide queuing mechanism
Best for
Pure data storage, time-sensitive multi-user access
Complex calculations, data analysis, reporting
Collaboration
Multiple users can view data quickly
Advanced sharing and collaboration features
When to use Tiles: If your use case is purely storing data or you need multiple users to view data in a time-sensitive manner.
When to use M365 Excel: If you require computations, formulas, dashboards, or advanced data analysis features.
M365 Excel Issues
Q: How come I do not have access to M365 Excel integration?
A: This restriction is in place because the ".gov.sg" email domains share the same system on SG SharePoint, which is the only system integrated with the product. The other domains reside on a separate SharePoint system to which the product does not have access.
Q: Why am I not able to find the Microsoft 365 folder created by Plumber?
A: First, check whether you're able to locate the folder by accessing this link: https://gccprod-my.sharepoint.com/gccprod-my.sharepoint.com
If you're able to access the link but still unable to locate the folder, please try these troubleshooting steps:
Login to Plumber.gov.sg
Open My Apps on the left → M365 Excel → Delete "SG Govt SharePoint" connection
Open OneDrive in your GSIB → Shared → Refresh page
You should now be able to see a folder named after your email address
Email & Attachments
Q: Can I change the email address that Plumber uses to send emails?
A: No, Plumber uses a fixed system email address ([email protected]) for all outgoing emails. This cannot be modified by users.
Q: Can I send attachments to SharePoint folders, Excel files, Tiles, or custom APIs?
A: No, attachments can only be forwarded through email by Postman.
Q: Why do some email addresses get blacklisted?
A: There could be several reasons why email addresses get blacklisted. For instance, the recipient may have left the organisation and rejoined, or the recipient may have unsubscribed to emails sent out by Postman. You may contact us at Plumber Support for assistance with this.
Current Limitations
Q: Are there OR functions in if-then conditions?
A: We don't have OR functions, so you will have to build the if-then conditions accordingly.
Q: Can Plumber generate calendar invites?
A: No, we are not able to do that.
Q: Is there any integration with any AI product?
A: Not at the moment, but we are open to hear you out. Let us know your suggestions.
Need More Help?
Have questions not answered here? Reach out to us at https://go.gov.sg/plumber-support
Plumber specifications
Q: Where does Plumber reside?
A: Plumber resides on GCC (OGP).
Q: Who can view the data and pipes?
A: Data and pipes can be viewed by:
Users you explicitly grant access to
The Plumber team for troubleshooting purposes
Q: What are the access controls for Plumber?
A: Access is controlled through user permissions. You determine who can view or edit your pipes and associated data. The Plumber team maintains access solely for technical support and troubleshooting when needed.
Q: Where can I find Plumber's GitHub repository?
A: You can find Plumber's GitHub repository at: https://github.com/opengovsg/plumber
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