CSA B55.1 Testing & Pressure Verification

ThermoDrain® thermal efficiency ratings and potable-side pressure curves are independently tested and certified in strict accordance with CSA B55.1.

• Residential units exhibit certified potable head loss ≤ 2.5 psi at rated 2.5 gpm flow, exceeding the 3 psi model code threshold.
• Performance ratings are indexed in public directories, providing AHJs with immediate verification for plan approval.

IPC Section 608 Double-Wall Potable Protection

Under International Plumbing Code (IPC) Section 608.17.2, heat exchangers using potable water to absorb heat from non-potable wastewater must feature double-wall isolation.

• ThermoDrain is engineered with an unpressurized, atmospheric capillary relief gap (CSA B55.2).
• In the event of a mechanical failure, fluid drips visibly to the floor; greywater cannot enter the drinking water supply under any operating or siphon condition.

Under WSEC-R Table 406.3 (Energy Credits), DWHR is designated under Option 5.1. Installing a CSA B55.1 tested DWHR unit (minimum 42% efficiency, such as the ThermoDrain TDX3350) connected to primary shower drains earns 0.5 to 1.5 prescriptive energy credits, significantly lowering envelope construction costs.

Recognized as a high-value water heating compliance option for Single-Family (Section 150.1(c)8) and Multi-Family buildings (Section 170.2(d)3). Requires testing to CSA B55.1 / B55.2 and field inspection via HERS Rater Field Verification (Reference Appendix RA3.6.9) to verify pipe diameter, slope, and water heater preheat alignment.

Under the NYStretch Energy Code and 2020 ECCC NYS, DWHR serves as an approved Service Water Heating (SWH) efficiency measure. It reduces modeled source Energy Use Intensity (EUI), allowing builders to satisfy multi-family ERI and performance stretch targets.

The Oregon Residential Specialty Code includes DWHR in the Additional Measure Selection Table. Specifying a unit with ≥ 40% efficiency satisfying CSA B55.1 fulfills the mandatory residential water heating energy efficiency measure.

HERS Index Reduction (2 to 5 Points)

Energy modelers utilizing Ekotrope, REM/Rate, or EnergyGauge can directly select the ThermoDrain model and certified CSA B55.1 efficiency:

• Routinely achieves a 2- to 5-point drop in total HERS score at low capital expenditure.
• Provides the compliance margin required to satisfy ENERGY STAR for New Homes Version 3.1 / 3.2 and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program targets.

IRA Section 45L & Section 179D Tax Deductions

Directly unlocks major federal tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):

• Section 45L ($2,500 to $5,000 per dwelling unit): Lowers modeled HERS EUI to satisfy DOE ZERH and ENERGY STAR certification thresholds in multi-family and single-family developments.
• Section 179D (up to $5.00+ per sq. ft.): Accelerates commercial building deductions by reducing source building energy and power costs relative to ASHRAE 90.1 baselines.

The unit must be mounted vertically on the DWV stack within 5 degrees of true plumb. Annular falling-film heat transfer requires gravity to maintain uniform fluid contact along the entire interior copper wall.

TD4 & Commercial Series: Must be connected to cast iron, PVC, or ABS stacks using heavy-duty, shielded stainless-steel mechanical couplings conforming to ASTM C1277 or CISPI 310 (e.g., Fernco Proflex, Husky HD). Non-shielded rubber slip-couplings are prohibited.

Incoming cold supply water must enter the bottom port and exit through the top port. This establishes the certified counterflow thermal gradient against falling drain effluent.

Verify that the atmospheric leak path around the coil manifold is fully open to ambient air. The capillary vent gap must not be covered with insulation, spray foam, or construction tape.