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.

US Mechanical Standard • Residential TDX & Commercial TD Series

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 TDX Manual (PDF) Download TDH Manual (PDF) US Code & Tax Credit Guide →
± 5° from Plumb
Vertical stack plumb tolerance
True Counterflow
Cold supply enters bottom • Exits top
≤ 2.5 psi Loss
Exceeds IECC 3.0 psi max threshold @ 2.5 gpm
IPC Sec. 608
Double-wall vented potable separation
Field Engineering Documentation • Manufacturer Guides

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.

TDX Series Manual Residential

Instruction manual for ThermoDrain TDX Series units with factory-integrated direct solvent-weld PVC/ABS sleeves and pre-assembled 3/4" PEX crimp fittings.

TDH & Commercial TD Manual Commercial / Multi-Family

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.

IECC R403.5.4 & IRC N1103.5.4 Statutory Compliance Mandate Statutory Reference

"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."

ThermoDrain units strictly satisfy both testing criteria. The potable circuit maintains pressure drops below 2.5 psi at rated 2.5 gpm flows, and the central heat exchanger isolates wastewater via an unpressurized, vented atmospheric capillary relief path conforming to International Plumbing Code (IPC) Section 608.17.2.
Job-Site Preparation

Tools, Materials & Pre-Rough-In Verification

Verify rough-in framing and clearance before cutting into the vertical DWV stack:

1. Vertical Height Clearance

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.

2. Stack Drainage Source

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.

3. DWV Coupling Hardware

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.

4. Potable Water Connections

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.

Step-by-Step Execution

Plumbing Rough-In Instructions

Follow these five sequential procedures to ensure a code-compliant installation:

1

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.

Cut Length Measurement: Measure the overall length of the ThermoDrain unit between internal pipe stops. For TDX models, cut a section of existing PVC/ABS equal to the unit length minus the insertion depth of both hub sockets. Deburr and chamfer pipe ends cleanly.
2

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.
Plumb Tolerance: Check with a torpedo level on two perpendicular planes. The core must be within 5 degrees of true vertical to guarantee gravity maintains an even falling film along the entire copper circumference.
3

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.
4

Verify Atmospheric Vent Air Gap (CSA B55.2 / IPC 608)

The unit incorporates an engineered vented double wall that exhausts to atmosphere.

Field Inspection Mandate: The capillary leak path collar around the coil must remain completely exposed to room air. Never cover this vent gap with foam insulation, caulking, duct tape, or expanding spray foam.
5

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.

US Plumbing Architecture • IECC R403.5.4 / ANSI RESNET 301

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%:

1. Equal Flow (Dual-Feed) Max Efficiency
Preheats BOTH Water Heater & Shower Cold Line

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.
2. Shower Cold Only Fixture Isolation
Preheats ONLY the Cold Feed to Shower Valve

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.
3. Water Heater Only Fastest Install
Preheats ONLY the Tank / Tankless Inlet

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.
Commercial Service Mains (1" to 2"+): For commercial buildings or hotels with primary water services larger than 3/4", manifold multiple ThermoDrain units in parallel using reverse-return (Tichelmann) piping. This divides the flow volume, preventing coil wall erosion (velocity ≤ 8 ft/s) and restricting total loop head loss to ≤ 2.5 psi across flow rates from 8 to 40+ gpm.
Rough-In Verification

AHJ Inspector & HERS Rater Rough-In Checklist

Field verification parameters for municipal code officials and third-party energy raters:

Inspection Item Code / Engineering Standard Compliance Status
Vertical Stack Plumb Unit installed on a vertical DWV stack within ±5° of plumb. ✓ Mandatory
Coupling Type Direct solvent weld (TDX) or ASTM C1277 / CISPI 310 shielded No-Hub couplings (TD4). ✓ Mandatory
Flow Orientation Cold potable enters bottom fitting; preheated water exits top fitting (True Counterflow). ✓ Mandatory
Potable Pressure Drop CSA B55.1 tested pressure drop remains strictly < 3.0 psi at rated fixture flow (IECC R403.5.4). ✓ Mandatory
Double-Wall Relief Gap CSA B55.2 / IPC 608 atmospheric vent gap remains unblocked by insulation, spray foam, or tape. ✓ Mandatory
US Plumbing & Engineering Support Desk

Need technical assistance with sizing, manifolds, or HERS modeling?

Our technical engineering staff provides complimentary DWV stack reviews, pressure drop verification, and AHJ submittal compliance letters. Invoicing is conducted through existing mechanical contractor commercial trade accounts:
Ferguson Enterprises • Winsupply • Keller Supply Company • Hajoca Corporation • The Granite Group

Contact Technical Support Desk → MasterFormat 22 31 16 Specs Toll-Free: 1-888-881-7693

PERFORMANCE VÉRIFIÉE ET SÉCURITÉ CERTIFIÉE

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