Before beginning this guide make sure the outlet you have plugged the Chilipepper into has power. Check by plugging a lamp or appliance into the outlet and trying it. Beware of outlets that have the garbage disposal plugged into them. They are usually only on if the switch for the disposal is turned on.

Make sure also that the hot and cold water supply valves are on and run the hot and cold fixtures for a few moments to be sure no air is trapped in the pump.

Click on the link that best describes your problem, or continue reading below these links.

When I push the button nothing happens

The pump only runs for a few seconds and shuts off without getting hot water to the fixture.

The pump runs too long and gets hot water in the cold water pipe.

Hot water gets in the cold water line without running the pump.

The pump runs in two short bursts every 15 to 20 seconds over and over

Trouble Shooting Your Chilipepper Hot Water Pump

If you are having a problem with your Chilipepper demand system please review these trouble shooting procedures.

They cover all of the common types of problems.

Nothing Happens When I Push the Button

Check for power at the outlet.

If your unit is being installed under the kitchen sink do not assume that you can use the outlet being used by the garbage disposal. In most cases the outlet is controlled by a wall mounted switch and so power is only present when the disposal is operating.

If there is power at the outlet then the only other thing you need to do is to short the control wires together momentarily.

If there is power at the outlet and the Chilipepper is in good working condition, something will happen!

If nothing happens the unit needs to be returned to us for service or replacement.

The microprocessor based technology in the control circuit of the CP6000 allows you to determine in most cases just what is wrong or not wrong with the unit.

The Pump only runs for a moment and shuts off

To activate the Chilipepper requires the two control wires make contact, and then break contact. In other words, the unit will not start up until you release the button.

The voltage on the control wires is 5 volts at less than 1 milliamp.

The microprocessor monitors the control wires and the temperature sensor built into the pump.

If the control wires are connected and released, the microprocessor will first check the temperature of the water inside the pump.

If the water temperature is less than 96 degrees F., then the processor will start the pump and begin to monitor the temperature for an increase, and when it detects an increase in temperature it will shut the pump off.

If the water temperature is more than 96 degrees F., then the pump will run for 1/4 second and stop. This is to alert you to the fact that hot water is already present.

Every time you try to start the pump, it will only run for 1/4 second and stop if the water has not cooled to below 96 degrees F.!

If the pump behaves like the water is already hot, but you know the hot water pipe has cooled off water in it, then turn on the cold water tap for a minute or two to flush out any potential warm water, and try it again.

Also turn the sensitivity knob fully clockwise for the least sensitivity for the test.

If it still behaves as though there is already hot water then the unit will need to be returned for service or replacement.

The pump runs for two short bursts and repeats every 15 to 20 seconds.

If you are using a remote control system such as X10 or others electrical noise on the power lines can cause the unit to not work properly.

Sometimes the remotes can get stuck in the on position. Your Chilipepper will run for two quick 1/4 second jogs and repeat every 15 to 20 seconds. This is to let you know that the control wires are shorted, or whatever they connect to is malfunctioning.

Usually pressing the "off" button will reset the relay in the remote receiver.

Power line electrical noise can even cause the remote to start the Chilipepper, although it is very rare.

To solve the problem you need to find the source of the noise and install a noise filter between the offending device and the outlet that the offending device is plugged into to prevent the noise from getting into the power lines. X10.com carries such filters, although the X10 website is difficult to use.

The X10 noise filter works with 120 volt 60 Hz outlets...a normal outlet....and will handle up to 5 amps. It's called an It's an XPPF filter at X10.com. It costs about $20.00.

Some typical noise producing items are florescent light fixtures and electric brush-type motors used in vacuum cleaners and garbage disposals.

Hot Water Leaking Into the Cold Water Line or Vice Versa

Please proceed to the next page which covers the Check valve and associated problems, cleaning, and installing spacers to increase the spring force.

Trouble Shooting the Check Valve Assembly

Chilipepper Sales 1380 Greg St., # 221 Sparks Nevada, 89431 (775)-359-1223