ThermoDrain Installation Made Easy

Installing next-generation drain water heat recovery (DWHR) technology has never been more straightforward. Whether you are a professional plumber completing a high-volume new build or a homeowner tackling a DIY basement remodel, ThermoDrain units are engineered to integrate seamlessly into standard residential and commercial plumbing systems.

📥 Download Official Installation Guides

• TDX Series Installation Manual (PDF Format) — [Download Here]
• TDH Series Installation Manual (PDF Format) — [Download Here]

📐 Vertical vs. Horizontal Orientation Compliance

Did you know that horizontal installation is fully possible with ThermoDrain units? Because our systems are manufactured using premium, independently certified solid copper drain pipes, they can adapt safely to custom spatial constraints.

⚠️ Important Engineering Note: All efficiency ratings, heat recovery kilowatts (kW), and performance metrics published in our official documentation are strictly rated for vertical installations. Installing a unit horizontally alters the fluid dynamics of the falling wastewater film, which will result in a lower thermal efficiency rating than a standard vertical setup.

🚰 Factory-Installed Water Fittings (Potable System Connections)

ThermoDrain units feature rugged, factory-integrated potable water connections configured to fit your specific piping strategy. TDX has 360 degree swivel for easier installation.

1. Crimp-Style PEX Fittings (ASTM F1807)

• Available on: TDX & TDH models
• The Advantage: This patent-pending, factory-installed manifold option makes connecting your domestic water supply incredibly fast. No open-flame torches are required. Simply route your standard 3/4-inch PEX lines straight to the port and secure them with a standard plumbing crimp tool.
• 🎥 [Watch this video to learn more about Crimp PEX connections.]

2. Expansion-Style PEX Fittings (ASTM F1960)

• Available on: TDX & TDH models
• The Advantage: Engineered for cold-expansion plumbing setups. This patent-pending factory option entirely eliminates soldering. The installer utilizes an expansion tool to widen the PEX tubing and sleeve, slides it over the factory fitting, and lets the pipe naturally shrink back down for a permanent, industrial-grade seal.
• 🎥 [Watch this video to learn more about Expansion PEX mechanics.]

3. Solid Copper 3/4″ Male Sweat Connections

• Available on: TDH Series Standard Units
• The Advantage: Designed for maximum layout flexibility. These fixed, high-purity copper ports arrive ready for traditional soldering (sweating) or can easily receive quick-connect mechanical adapters (such as compression fittings or push-to-connect adapters) to tie directly into any custom copper or hybrid pipe system.

✏️ Unsure which style matches your project? Review the explicit layout differences between [Crimp vs. Expansion PEX Here].

🧼 Drain Stack Connections: TDH vs. TDX

The mechanical connection method to your home or building's main drain line depends strictly on the model series and diameter size:

🔹 TDX Series: Direct ABS Solvent-Welding (Glue)

The premium TDX series features factory-integrated, impact-resistant ABS connection hubs at both ends. The unit solvent-welds (glues) directly inline into standard 3-inch residential ABS plastic drain stacks using regular plumbing cement, requiring zero mechanical bands or specialized external adapters.

🔹 TDH Series (3-Inch Diameter Models): High-Quality Mechanical Couplings Included

Every standard residential 3-inch TDH series unit ships complete with heavy-duty mechanical rubber drain couplings (such as shielded/unshielded flexible transition couplings) included inside the box, ensuring a fast, drop-in mechanical retrofit or inline installation.

🔹 TDH Series (4-Inch Commercial Models): No Couplings Included

Please note that high-capacity 4-inch diameter TDH models do not come with mechanical drain couplings. Due to the diverse nature of commercial plumbing systems—where code requirements vary between heavy-duty shielded cast iron, PVC, or copper DWV drain stacks—commercial contractors must source their own local code-compliant 4-inch mechanical transition couplings (e.g., Fernco or shielded mission bands) on-site to match the specific pipeline material of the building.