The Chilipepper Hot Water Demand System FAQ page...
Save water with this green plumbing product.

Will the Chilipepper speed up my slow hot water?

Yes, the Chilipepper CP6000 hot water demand system pumps typically 2-1/2 to 3 gallons per minute, it will deliver hot water faster than typical low flow fixtures are capable of, i.e. delivery rates of 3/4 to 2 gallons per minute. Low flow fixtures cause slow hot water. Not only is the Chilipepper green, it's convenient as well!
 

Is the Chilipepper hot water demand system appliance an instantaneous (tankless) type hot water heater?

No, the Chilipepper hot water appliance is not a tankless water heater, it pumps hot water from your water heater to your hot water fixtures. Tankless water heaters do however take longer to deliver hot water to your fixtures, so a CP6000 should be used with every tankless water heater...it's truly a green plumbing product.

Can the Chilipepper hot water appliance take the place of a hot water heater?

No, it will not take the place of your hot water heater. The Chilipepper demand hot water system is a pump, not a water heater. It can make slow hot water faster, but it won't make it any hotter.

What is the Chilipepper hot water appliance?

The Chilipepper is a pump that brings hot water from your existing water heater to your fixtures quickly and it does so without running water down the drain. Also known as a demand type hot water delivery system.

How much does it cost to run the Chilipepper hot water appliance?

The Chilipepper uses only about $2.00 dollars per year in electricity to operate.

Does a plumber have to install the Chilipepper hot water appliance?

No, anyone can install the Chilipepper, the only plumbing required are hose connections. You do need an electrical outlet to plug the pump into.
 

How does the Chilipepper bring hot water to the fixture without running water down the drain?

The Chilipepper circulates the water back to the water heater through the cold water line under your sink, shutting off before hot water enters the cold water line. It has a built in spring loaded check valve that prevents mixing of the hot and cold water when the pump is not running.

Does hot water get into the cold water line?

No, the circuit shuts the pump off before hot water gets in the cold water line. A small amount of warm water will enter the cold water pipe, but it is quickly purged during usage.

When the Chilipepper is installed under the bathroom sink does the shower get hot water quickly also?

Yes, because once the Chilipepper brings hot water to the bathroom sink the distance to the shower from the sink is very short. Typically the wait is less than 4 or 5 seconds.

Will the Chilipepper get hot water to more than one fixture?

It depends on how your home is plumbed, for some homes the answer is yes and others no. Choose the fixture where you think you want to install the Chilipepper and run the hot water till it is hot.  Now you can try any other fixture and see how long it would take if a Chilipepper was being used.

To find out how your plumbing layout would work with a hot water demand system you can take the Demand System Plumbing Test. Speed up your slow hot water at all of your fixtures if possible.

Will the Chilipepper work with water softeners, water filters or other water accessories?

Yes the Chilipepper will work with any water accessories.

Will the Chilipepper work with tankless water heaters?

Yes. The Chilipepper CP6000 has enough power to operate any tankless water heater, gas or electric.

Will the Chilipepper work with solar water heating systems?

In most cases yes.  There are many kinds of solar heating systems. If in doubt contact us.