PLUMBING OUTLET BOX

摘要

Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that increase the energy efficiency of a building thermal envelope. In particular, plumbing outlet boxes are described that include a continuous flange and a compressible seal contacting the flange. The plumbing outlet boxes are designed to be mounted within a cutout in a drywall panel such that, when a faceplate is engaged with the housing, the seal creates a sealing effect between the plumbing outlet box and the wall, thereby maximizing the energy efficiency of the installation by reducing the air leakage between the interior side of the wall and the exterior side of the wall.

主权项

1. A plumbing outlet box configured for mounting within a cutout in a drywall panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said plumbing outlet box comprising:
a housing including a top wall and a bottom wall and an opening providing access into an interior of the housing; a substantially planar and continuous flange extending proximate to and surrounding the opening; a compressible seal having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the seal contacting the flange; and a faceplate configured to mount to the housing, wherein in a mounted position, the faceplate contacts a portion of the front surface of the drywall panel and compresses the seal such that the front surface of the seal contacts the rear surface of the drywall panel to create a seal around the drywall panel cutout.