THERMODRAIN BUILDING CODES
At EcoInnovation Technologies, we follow and respect the building code guidelines set by individual provinces.
Building Code Compliance & Energy Frameworks
ThermoDrain Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) systems are engineered to provide homebuilders, mechanical engineers, and developers with the most cost-effective path to building code compliance. By passively reclaiming up to 57.2% of waste thermal energy from shower greywater,ThermoDrain lowers overall energy modeling costs while satisfying stringent provincial and national building mandates.
North American Engineering Certifications
To guarantee smooth municipal inspections and energy modeling approval, all ThermoDrain models are independently certified and third-party verified:
Performance & Efficiency Verification:
** Independently tested and verified to **CSA B55.1**.
Potable Water Safety Certification:
** Certified to **CSA B55.2** for safe, fail-safe double-wall separation with a vented leak path.
Ontario Building Code (OBC) & SB-12
In Ontario, DWHR is a primary prescriptive and performance path compliance feature for residential dwellings (including detached homes, townhomes, and multi-family structures).
The Mandate: Where required, the DWHR unit must feature a minimum 42% efficiency verified to CSA B55.1. It must be installed on at least one shower (if multiple showers exist, at least two must be connected if fed by the same stack).
Approved Solutions: The TDX Builder Pro TDX3350 (42.07% efficiency) is specifically optimized to meet this baseline constraint at the lowest infrastructure cost.
OBC 7.4.9.1 Size Exception: The Ontario Building Code explicitly allows a larger diameter ThermoDrain unit to be installed on a smaller diameter drain pipe (such as a 3" unit on a 2" shower stack) provided it does not receive toilet waste or solids.
British Columbia Building Code & BC Step Code
As BC aggressively steps toward Net-Zero targets, building performance modeling requires high-yield mechanical efficiency.
The Mandate: Energy advisors heavily rely on high-efficiency DWHR to reduce Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI) metrics across Step 3, Step 4, and Step 5 builds.
Approved Solutions: The high-performance TDX NETZERO Pro (TDX3615) delivers up to 55% efficiency, serving as a vital strategic upgrade to clear high-tier step code requirements without requiring expensive structural insulation overhauls.
United States Building Codes & HERS Index
IECC Compliance: ThermoDrain satisfies the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements for passive energy recovery.
RESNET HERS Index: Integrating a ThermoDrain unit automatically reduces a home’s HERS Index score, giving production builders an affordable credit boost in energy rating software.
Approved Code Plumbing Layouts
Per national plumbing standards, preheated water leaving the ThermoDrain unit can be routed using three code-approved configurations:
1. **Equal Flow (Recommended):** Preheated water is split, feeding both the cold water inlet of the water heater AND the cold side of the shower balance valve. This yields the highest energy efficiency.
2. **Water Heater Feed Only:** Preheated water is routed exclusively to the intake of the water heater (tank or tankless).
3. **Shower Feed Only:** Preheated water feeds only the cold side of the shower fixture.
*Note: DWHR units must be mounted vertically to achieve the "falling film" effect required for heat transfer and can receive black waste water from toilets or garbage disposals.*