Fixtures Solutions Archives - Page 4 of 40

Let’s talk about tankless water heaters. If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the buzz about how they save space, energy, and provide endless hot water. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s exactly what drew me to the FOGATTI Tankless Water Heater. With its promises of powerhouse performance, instant heating, and precise temperature control, I was intrigued. But before you rush to buy one, let me share my experience and analysis of this product. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, maintenance tips, and how it stacks up against other brands. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the FOGATTI is the right fit for your home. My Experience With The FOGATTI Tankless Water Heater When I first installed the FOGATTI tankless water heater, I was excited. The compact design was a huge plus—it freed up so much space in my utility closet. The installation process wasn’t too bad, though I did need to hire a professional to ensure everything was set up correctly. The first few days were great. The water heated up quickly, and I enjoyed the luxury of endless hot water. But then the issues started. The biggest problem? Inconsistent performance. Some days, the unit worked perfectly. Other days, it took multiple attempts to get hot water. I’d turn on the faucet, wait a few minutes, and… nothing. I’d have to turn it off and on again, sometimes up to five or six times, before it finally decided to cooperate. And don’t even get me started on the error codes. Mid-shower, the unit would shut off, leaving me with cold water and a cryptic error message on the display. Checking for errors yielded no results, so I was left guessing what went wrong. Customer service was no help either. When I reached out, I was told to troubleshoot the issue myself. After days of back-and-forth, they sent a replacement unit, but it had the same flow sensor problems. At this point, I was beyond frustrated. While the FOGATTI has some great features, the inconsistency and lack of support made it a headache to own. If you’re considering this unit, proceed with caution—it might not live up to your expectations. The Good: What FOGATTI Gets Right? Let’s start with the positives because, honestly, there are some things FOGATTI does well. Space-Saving Design: One of the biggest selling points of the FOGATTI tankless water heater is its compact size. At 25" x 16.3" x 7.3", it takes up significantly less space than a traditional tank water heater. If you’re living in a smaller home or apartment, this is a huge advantage. You can mount it on a wall and forget about it—well, almost. Endless Hot Water: The idea of never running out of hot water is appealing, especially for larger households. The FOGATTI boasts a flow rate of 7.5 gallons per minute (GPM), which is impressive on paper. In theory, this means you can run multiple appliances—like a shower, dishwasher, and washing machine—simultaneously without worrying about cold water. Precise Temperature Control: The FOGATTI claims to keep the water temperature within 1°F of your desired setting. This is thanks to its advanced chip and water-gas adjustment function. For someone like me who hates fluctuating water temperatures during a shower, this sounded like a game-changer. Energy Efficiency: Tankless water heaters are generally more energy-efficient than traditional tank models because they only heat water when you need it. The FOGATTI is no exception, with a high heating power of 170,000 BTU. Over time, this could translate to lower energy bills. Decent Warranty: FOGATTI offers a 2-year warranty for the entire unit and a 5-year warranty for the heat exchanger. This is pretty standard in the industry, but it’s still a nice safety net to have. The Bad: Where FOGATTI Falls Short? Now, let’s get real. While the FOGATTI has some great features, it’s not without its flaws. Based on my experience and numerous user reviews, here are the major downsides. Inconsistent Performance: This is the most common complaint I’ve seen—and one I’ve experienced firsthand. Despite its promises of endless hot water, the FOGATTI often fails to deliver. Many users, including myself, have reported issues with the heater not producing hot water on the first try. You might have to turn it off and on several times before it works. And even then, it’s not guaranteed. Error Codes and Shutdowns: Nothing kills the mood of a relaxing shower like the water suddenly turning cold. Unfortunately, this is a frequent issue with the FOGATTI. The unit often throws error codes and shuts off mid-use. When you check for errors, nothing shows up, leaving you frustrated and without a solution. Poor Customer Service: If you run into problems, don’t expect much help from FOGATTI’s customer service. Many users have reported long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and being forced to troubleshoot the unit themselves. In some cases, customers were sent replacement units that had the same issues. Installation Hassles: While FOGATTI claims the unit is easy to install, many users have found the process to be anything but straightforward. If you’re not a DIY expert, you’ll likely need to hire a professional, which adds to the overall cost. Flow Sensor Issues: Several reviews mention problems with the flow sensor, which can fail and disrupt the unit’s performance. This is a critical component, and when it doesn’t work, the entire system is compromised. Maintenance Tips For FOGATTI Tankless Water Heaters If you already own a FOGATTI tankless water heater or are considering one despite the drawbacks, proper maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly. Here are some tips: Regular Descaling: Hard water can cause mineral buildup inside the unit, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage. Descaling the heater every 6-12 months is essential. You can use a descaling solution or vinegar for this process. Check the Air Intake and Exhaust: Make sure the air intake and exhaust vents are free of debris. Blockages can cause the unit to overheat or shut down. Inspect the Flow Sensor: Since flow sensor issues are common, keep an eye on this component. If you notice inconsistent water temperatures or error codes, the flow sensor might need cleaning or replacement. Monitor Water Pressure: High water pressure can strain the unit. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 120 psi, consider installing a pressure regulator to protect the heater. Schedule Professional Servicing: Even if you’re handy, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the unit annually. They can identify and fix issues before they become major problems. How FOGATTI Compares To Other Brands? Let’s see how the FOGATTI stacks up against some popular competitors in the tankless water heater market. FOGATTI Vs. Essency Water Heater Performance: The FOGATTI boasts a higher flow rate (7.5 GPM) compared to Essency’s 5.5 GPM. If you’re running multiple showers or appliances at once, the FOGATTI should handle it better—on paper. But in reality, its inconsistent ignition and frequent shutdowns (as I experienced) make Essency water heater’s lower-but-stable flow rate more reliable for smaller households. Reliability: Essency’s units rarely show up in complaint threads about error codes or sensor failures. FOGATTI’s flow sensor issues and mid-shower shutdowns are notorious, while Essency users report fewer operational hiccups. Price: FOGATTI is slightly cheaper upfront (600–600–800 range) compared to Essency (700–700–900). But factor in potential repair costs and the hassle of customer service, and Essency’s mid-range pricing feels like a safer bet. Unique Features: Essency includes built-in leak detection, which FOGATTI lacks. For accident-prone homes, this could prevent water damage disasters. Verdict: If you want basic reliability without constant troubleshooting, Essency wins. But if you’re gambling on FOGATTI’s specs working perfectly (they often don’t), prepare for frustration. FOGATTI Vs. Lochinvar Water Heater Performance: Lochinvar’s Knight model delivers a comparable 7.6 GPM flow rate to FOGATTI’s 7.5 GPM. However, Lochinvar’s units consistently maintain temperature, even during simultaneous use. My FOGATTI, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with two showers running at once, often dropping temperatures or shutting off. Reliability: Lochinvar is a commercial-grade brand trusted by contractors, while FOGATTI’s consumer-grade build shows in its fragile sensors and error-prone display. Lochinvar users rarely report the “cold water surprises” that plague FOGATTI. Price: Lochinvar is pricier (1,200–1,200–1,500), but you’re paying for durability. FOGATTI’s lower cost might tempt you, but ask yourself: How much is your sanity worth when dealing with daily malfunctions? Unique Features: Lochinvar offers Wi-Fi connectivity for remote temperature adjustments—something FOGATTI doesn’t support. For tech-savvy households, this is a game-changer. Verdict: If budget isn’t a constraint, Lochinvar’s reliability and smart features outclass FOGATTI. For long-term peace of mind, spend extra on Lochinvar. FOGATTI Vs. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater Performance: Stiebel Eltron’s electric models (like the Tempra 36 Plus) focus on precision, with temperature fluctuations under 1°F—similar to FOGATTI’s claims. But while FOGATTI’s gas unit should heat faster, its delayed ignition and sensor glitches make Stiebel’s electric heating feel more responsive in practice. Reliability: Stiebel Eltron is a German-engineered brand with a cult following for durability. Their units rarely throw errors, whereas FOGATTI’s error codes (like E5 or E7) became a running joke in my household. Price: Stiebel Eltron’s electric models range from 900–900–1,300, which is higher than FOGATTI’s gas units. However, electric models save on gas line installation costs, which can offset the difference. Unique Features: Stiebel Eltron’s Advanced Flow Control adjusts heating output based on water demand, maximizing efficiency. FOGATTI’s “sectional burning” feature tries to mimic this but lacks the same smooth performance. Verdict: If you’re open to electric models, Stiebel Eltron’s precision and reliability make it a superior choice. FOGATTI’s gas-powered potential is overshadowed by its operational flaws. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What brand of tankless water heater is the most reliable? Rinnai and Navien lead the pack. Both offer robust warranties, minimal error codes, and stellar customer service. What does E1 mean on a FOGATTI tankless water heater? E1 typically signals a flow sensor problem. It’s a recurring issue with FOGATTI units, often requiring part replacements or professional repairs. What do plumbers think of tankless water heaters? Many plumbers praise tankless systems for efficiency but caution against cheaper models like FOGATTI. They recommend investing in reputable brands to avoid installation headaches and repair costs. What is the downfall of a tankless water heater? The upfront cost and installation complexity can deter buyers. Cheaper models may also struggle with inconsistent performance, especially in homes with high hot water demand. Final Thoughts: Should You Buy The FOGATTI Tankless Water Heater? After spending time with the FOGATTI tankless water heater and researching countless user reviews, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it. While it has some appealing features like its compact design and energy efficiency, the inconsistent performance and poor customer service are major red flags. If you’re looking for a reliable tankless water heater, there are better options on the market, even if they come with a higher price tag. That said, if you’re determined to go with FOGATTI, make sure you’re prepared for potential hiccups. Proper maintenance and realistic expectations can help you get the most out of the unit. But if you’re like me and value reliability above all else, it might be worth exploring other brands. At the end of the day, a tankless water heater is a significant investment. Take your time, do your research, and choose a product that aligns with your needs and budget. Trust me, your future self will thank you.