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Spears PVC Reducing Tee, Socket Connection, Schedule 40
The Spears PVC Reducing Tee, Socket Connection, Schedule 40 is a Schedule 40 PVC pipe fitting engineered to transition between two pipe sizes while branching flow direction in a single, compact fitting. Built with socket (SOC) connections on all three outlets, this reducing tee is designed for solvent-welded PVC piping systems and is available in sizes such as 1-1/4" x 1". Constructed from PVC for reliable corrosion and chemical resistance, it is a dependable choice for pressure piping applications where a branch and a size reduction are needed at the same point in the line, helping installers avoid an extra coupling or reducer fitting.
Key Features
- Reducing Configuration: Combines a branch tee and a reducer in one fitting, simplifying transitions between pipe sizes such as 1-1/4" x 1" without additional couplings.
- Durable Construction: Molded from PVC for excellent corrosion, chemical, and impact resistance in pressure piping systems.
- Socket (SOC) Connections: Solvent-weld socket ends on all outlets provide a secure, leak-resistant joint when properly primed and cemented.
- Schedule 40 Rated: Matches standard Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings for consistent wall thickness and pressure performance.
- Space-Saving Design: Reduces the number of fittings required at a branch-and-reduce point, saving installation time, labor, and material costs.
- Lightweight & Easy to Install: PVC construction makes the fitting easy to handle, cut to fit, and solvent weld on the job site without specialized tools.
- Smooth Interior Bore: Molded interior surfaces help maintain consistent flow characteristics through the branch and reduction points.
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Tee
- Material: PVC
- Connection Type: Socket (SOC)
- Pipe Schedule: Schedule 40
- Configuration: Reducing Tee
Typical Applications
- Residential and Commercial Plumbing Systems
- Pressure Piping and Water Distribution Lines
- Irrigation and Sprinkler System Branch Points
- Pool, Spa, and Pump Piping Transitions
- Renovation and New Construction Plumbing Projects
- Agricultural and Light Industrial Fluid Handling Lines
Why Spears?
Spears PVC fittings are manufactured for consistent fit, dependable solvent-weld sealing, and long-term corrosion resistance in demanding piping systems. This Schedule 40 PVC Reducing Tee delivers the durable, code-compliant performance professionals expect when transitioning pipe sizes on a branch line, making it a practical choice wherever reliable, leak-resistant PVC piping connections are required across plumbing, irrigation, and light industrial installations.
Manufacturer Resources
PVC Schedule 40 Fittings
Product Specs
- Product Type:
- Tee
- Department:
- Plumbing
- Product Group:
- PVC & CPVC Fittings
- Product Material:
- PVC
- Connection Type:
- Socket
- Series:
- Schedule 40
- Product Subgroup:
- Pipe Fittings
Spears 401-168 – Frequently Asked Questions
1) What size reductions does the Spears Schedule 40 PVC reducing tee come in?
Two size combinations are offered: 1-1/4 x 1 inch (part 401-168) and 4 x 2 inch (part 801-420). Both are reducing tees with socket ends, so the run stays at the larger size and the branch drops to the smaller one.
2) Do I need to glue this PVC reducing tee, or does it thread on?
It glues. All three outlets are socket (SOC) ends, meant for solvent welding, so you cut the pipe square, prime it, and cement it. There is no thread on this fitting, so if you need a threaded takeoff at that branch you want a socket x socket x FPT tee instead.
3) Will a Schedule 40 PVC socket fitting work on Schedule 80 pipe of the same size?
Yes for the joint itself. Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 share the same outside diameter at a given nominal size, so a Schedule 40 socket fitting slips over Schedule 80 pipe. What changes is the pressure rating of the assembly: the Schedule 40 fitting becomes the weak point, so on a system specified for Schedule 80 pressure you should use Schedule 80 fittings throughout.
4) Can I use one reducing tee instead of a tee plus a bushing on my branch line?
That is the point of it. The reduction is molded into the branch, so a 1-1/4 inch run with a 1 inch takeoff needs one fitting rather than a full-size tee and a reducer bushing. Fewer joints means fewer places to leak and less glue-up time on the riser.
5) Is PVC the right material for my line, or should I be using CPVC?
This tee is molded PVC, which handles cold water, irrigation, pool and pump piping, and general pressure distribution with good corrosion and chemical resistance. PVC is not a hot water material. If the line carries hot water or elevated process temperatures, move to CPVC fittings of the same schedule and size.
6) Which part number do I order for a 4 inch main with a 2 inch branch?
Order the 4 x 2 inch reducing tee, part number 801-420. It takes 4 inch pipe on the run and 2 inch on the branch, all socket ends.
7) Where can I find the dimensional data for Spears Schedule 40 PVC fittings?
Spears publishes a Schedule 40 PVC fittings catalog with the socket depths, laying lengths, and dimensional data for the reducing tees. ZenSupply hosts it at zensupply.com/content/pdf/spears/pvc-schedule-40-fittings.pdf, which is what you want if you are laying out center-to-center runs before cutting pipe.
8) Can this reducing tee go underground or in a buried irrigation main?
Solvent-welded Schedule 40 PVC is standard practice for buried irrigation and sprinkler branch points, and this tee is listed for exactly that kind of service along with water distribution and agricultural lines. Give the joint full cure time before you pressurize or backfill.
How fast can I get the Spears 401-168 delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the
continental
U.S.
Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit,
reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the Spears 401-168 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Spears 401-168 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the Spears 401-168?
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