A ThermoDrain can be installed by a single person in less than 45 minutes.

Two easy to install drain couplings and instructions. If you ordered a PEX option, these will be either crimp PEX type fittings or expansion type PEX fittings that will be factory installed onto the unit. See this do it yourself video for more information. or visit our Installation guide page.

To view PDF on how to measure for restricted heights. To determine your drain diameter, use this guide
NOTE: With the new TDH Series, the height for the 42% efficient unit is now 33.5 inches.

ThermoDrain units work with all hot water heaters. ThermoDrain is compatible with all types of plumbing systems (Iron, ABS, Copper, Pex).

If the ThermoDrain is located in a humid area, condensation may form on the outside coil as is the case with all cold water lines in the home. and therefore insulating the ThermoDrain is recommended. Insulating the ThermoDrain will not significantly increase the efficiency of the unit.

No, it simply transfers the heat from waste water by heating the drain wall. The drain wall in turn, heats up the wall of the potable water tubing and this heats up the incoming cold water. Waste water from the toilet and shower will pass through the ThermoDrain copper drain pipe in the same way your previous drain pipe would have allowed. The difference is that the copper drain pipe will transfer the heat energy through conduction heat transfer into the cold water that circulates on the outside of the drain pipe.

Three options, send it to the cold intake of the hot water heater or to the cold inlet of the shower or both. The most efficient way is to do both. Visit our Installation guide page.

No, If you take a look at the NETZERO ThermoDrain unit, it will preheat cold water from 50F (10C) to 78.6 F (26C) @ 2.5 GPM (9.5 L/min). The preheated water is roughly at room temperature. Therefore the unit does not need to be close to the shower or the hot water heater.

No, the ThermoDrain contains enough copper mass that it would not allow a fluctuation in outgoing preheated water temperature if someone was to flush a toilet while someone else was showering.

Typically, you would want to place it on the main vertical drain stack right before the waste exits the home. . The ThermoDrain does not clog any differently than a regular drain pipe. Semi solids can flow through the unit. It has been designed to replace a part of your drain pipe where both toilet water and/ or gray water flows.

No, the waste water (as it flows down the pipe) forms a film on the inside of the copper drain pipe located in the center of the ThermoDrain.

No maintenance is required, simply avoid using harsh or corrosive chemicals in the drain system that could result in copper corrosion and premature failure of the ThermoDrain unit. The ThermoDrain is built using ASTM 306 drain pipe and is designed to last for decades if used properly.