GUIDE D'INSTALLATION THERMODRAIN
ThermoDrain est l'une des unités de récupération de chaleur des eaux de drainage les plus faciles à installer. Chaque unité est livrée avec un guide d'installation ThermoDrain complet. Le guide comprend des images et des instructions détaillées. Chaque unité est livrée avec des raccords de vidange ainsi que trois raccords d'eau potable différents installés en usine.
ThermoDrain® Installation & Rough-In Manual.
Comprehensive mechanical installation instructions for licensed master plumbers, general contractors, and trade professionals across the United States. Covers vertical DWV stack alignment, solvent weld vs. No-Hub shielded mechanical joints, true counterflow potable piping, and compliance with statutory model energy and plumbing codes (IECC R403.5.4 / C404.7, IRC N1103.5.4, and IPC Section 608).
Download Printable Cut Sheets & Submittal Manuals (PDF)
Job-site-ready technical manuals including rough-in dimensional drawings, code compliance certifications, and step-by-step mechanical procedures.
Instruction manual for ThermoDrain TDX Series units with factory-integrated direct solvent-weld PVC/ABS sleeves and pre-assembled 3/4" PEX crimp fittings.
Technical guide for ThermoDrain TDH (Horizontal) and TD Series (3" and 4" Commercial Cores) utilizing shielded No-Hub mechanical couplings and rigid sweat/threaded connections.
"Drain water heat recovery units shall comply with CSA B55.2. Drain water heat recovery units shall be tested in accordance with CSA B55.1. Potable water-side pressure loss of drain water heat recovery units shall be less than 3 psi (20.7 kPa) for individual units connected to one or two showers. Potable water-side pressure loss of drain water heat recovery units shall be less than 2 psi (13.8 kPa) for individual units connected to three or more showers."
Tools, Materials & Pre-Rough-In Verification
Verify rough-in framing and clearance before cutting into the vertical DWV stack:
Measure unobstructed straight vertical pipe run along the stack:
• TDX3240B (24"): Needs 28" (71 cm) min.
• TDX3350 (35"): Needs 39" (99 cm) min.
• TDX3615 (61.5"): Needs 66" (168 cm) min.
• TD442 (4" × 42"): Needs 46" (117 cm) min.
Confirm the vertical stack receives effluent from one or more primary shower fixtures. The unit accommodates mixed blackwater (toilets) without clogging, but concurrent shower flow is required for active heat exchange.
TDX Series: Standard PVC or ABS transition solvent cement.
TD4 Series: Heavy-duty shielded stainless-steel mechanical couplings conforming to ASTM C1277 or CISPI 310 (e.g., Fernco Proflex, Husky HD). Non-shielded rubber slip-boots are prohibited.
Supplied with factory-integrated 3/4" PEX crimp fittings (ASTM F1807 / F1960). If sweating rigid copper, detach the PEX adapters or wrap the brass body with a wet heat-sink rag to avoid damaging internal seals.
Plumbing Rough-In Instructions
Follow these five sequential procedures to ensure a code-compliant installation:
Secure the Drainage Stack & Cut Pipe Section
Shut off the main incoming domestic water supply and depressurize plumbing fixtures. Fasten a heavy-duty riser clamp or galvanized pipe strap to the upper drain stack anchored to overhead floor joists to support the stack's weight when cut.
Mount the Core & Verify True Plumb (±5°)
Slide the ThermoDrain into the vertical stack opening:
- TDX Models: Apply approved PVC/ABS solvent primer and cement to the factory-molded plastic sleeves and glue directly into the existing drain line.
- TD4 / Commercial Models: Secure using heavy-duty shielded mechanical couplings tightened to 60 in-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench.
Connect Potable Supply in True Counterflow
Piping the potable side in reverse (concurrent downward flow) reduces heat exchanger effectiveness by up to 50%.
- BOTTOM INLET: Route the cold municipal or well water main into the lower potable port.
- TOP OUTLET: Route preheated water from the upper port directly to the cold inlet of the domestic water heater (or to both the water heater and the cold port of ASSE 1016 shower valves in equal-flow setups).
- Install a 3/4" full-port ball valve immediately upstream of the unit to permit isolation.
Verify Atmospheric Vent Air Gap (CSA B55.2 / IPC 608)
The unit incorporates an engineered vented double wall that exhausts to atmosphere.
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing & Commissioning
Reopen the main water supply slowly to bleed air from the potable loop and water heater. Inspect all PEX crimps and mechanical coupling bands under static line pressure. Run an upstairs shower fixture to confirm quiet, unobstructed falling-film drainage through the interior core.
Flexible Potable Piping: Cold to Shower & Equal Flow
Under US model energy codes and RESNET standards, ThermoDrain® can be piped in three approved configurations. Connecting preheated water directly to the cold side of your shower valve reduces hot water draw at the fixture by up to 50%:
Preheated water splits to feed both the cold inlet of the water heater and the cold port of the shower mixing valve.
- Highest CSA B55.1 Rating: Equalizes mass flow ($ṁ_{drain} \approx ṁ_{potable}$), boosting heat recovery effectiveness by 5% to 8%.
- HERS & Tax Credits: Unlocks maximum ERI score drops for IRA Section 45L ($5,000/door) and ENERGY STAR v3.2.
- Best For: New home construction and open-wall remodels where running a dedicated PEX riser is straightforward.
Preheated water routes directly into the cold port of the shower mixing valve; the water heater remains connected to normal street cold.
- Valve Modulation Effect: The bather turns the valve handle toward "cold" to blend the 75°F–80°F preheated water, slashing hot water draw by up to 50%.
- ASSE 1016 Safe: Fully compatible with modern pressure-balanced and thermostatic anti-scald shower cartridges.
- Best For: Installations located adjacent to dedicated bathroom risers where running pipe back to the mechanical room is impractical.
Preheated water routes exclusively into the water heater; shower valve cold ports remain on standard unheated municipal water.
- Stretches Tank Capacity: Incoming water is pre-warmed, giving a standard 50-gal tank the effective output of a commercial system.
- Zero Drywall Work: 100% of piping is contained inside the mechanical room or basement ceiling near the water heater.
- Best For: Fast residential retrofits, rental upgrades, and finished basements.
AHJ Inspector & HERS Rater Rough-In Checklist
Field verification parameters for municipal code officials and third-party energy raters:
PERFORMANCE VÉRIFIÉE ET SÉCURITÉ CERTIFIÉE

Fiches techniques ThermoDrain
- **NOUVEAU** Série TDH 3″ (technologie avancée avec unité haute efficacité et haute performance)
COPIE PDF DE LA SÉRIE TDH 3″ DISPONIBLE ICI POUR TÉLÉCHARGEMENT - 3″ Série TD (Commercial, multirésidentiel à volume élevé et institutionnel)
SÉRIE TD 3″ COPIE PDF DISPONIBLE ICI POUR TÉLÉCHARGEMENT - 4″ Série TD (Commercial, multirésidentiel à volume élevé et institutionnel)
TD 4″ COPIE PDF DISPONIBLE ICI POUR TÉLÉCHARGEMENT