You may also like
The PVC Schedule 40 tee is used in cold water pressure distribution systems including irrigation, pool and spa, potable water and chilled water applications. Please refer to NIBCO technical data sheets and catalogs for engineering and installation information. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most frequently specified of all thermoplastic materials because of its light weight, durability and cost-effectiveness. PVC Schedule 40 is easy to install and is joined by solvent cementing or threading. PVC fittings exhibit high corrosion and chemical resistance and will not rust, scale, pit or corrode. NIBCO® plastic fittings are backed by a 5-year limited warranty. Because of its longstanding reputation for innovation and precision in design and manufacturing, NIBCO is the preferred brand in the industry.
Plastic Fittings Installation Instructions
- Maximum service temperature 140-DegreeF
- Do not test or use with compressed air or other gases
- ASTM D2466
- ASTM D1784, cell Class 12454
- NSF/ANSI/CAN-61
- UL Listed 94V-0
- NSF U.P. Certified
Plastic Fittings Installation Instructions
Manufacturer Resources
Product Specs
- All Application(s):
- Lead-Free
- All Basic Material:
- PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
- Classification:
- PVC Sch 40 Tees
- End Connection:
- Threaded
- Pipe Schedule:
- 40
- Plastic End Connection Type:
- S x S x F
- Product Group:
- Fitting
- Product Type:
- PVC Sch 40 Tees
- System Use:
- Commercial Plumbing, Irrigation, Residential Plumbing
- Product Subgroup:
- Tee
- Department:
- Plumbing
- Product Color:
- White
Nibco L14640Y – Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does slip x slip x FIPT mean on a Nibco 4612 PVC tee?
Two of the three openings on the Nibco 4612 tee are slip (socket) ends that solvent-weld over Schedule 40 PVC pipe, and the third is FIPT, a female threaded branch. The end configuration is listed as S x S x F. So the run glues into your pipe and the branch takes a male-threaded item screwed in, a sprinkler riser, a hose bib nipple, a threaded valve, a gauge. If you want all three ends glued, you want a plain slip x slip x slip tee instead.
2) Can I put hot water through a Nibco 4612 PVC Schedule 40 tee?
No. The 4612 PVC tee is a cold water pressure fitting with a maximum service temperature of 140 degrees F. That rules out domestic hot water and hot water heating loops. It is meant for cold water distribution, irrigation, pool and spa, potable cold water and chilled water. For hot water lines you need CPVC or a metal fitting, not Schedule 40 PVC.
3) What reducing sizes does the Nibco 4612 tee come in?
The 4612 runs from 1/2 inch through 4 inch, in both straight and reducing patterns. Straight sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 2, 3 and 4 inch. Reducing branch options include 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2, 3/4 x 1/2 x 1/2, 1 x 1 x 3/4, 1 x 1 x 1/2, 1 x 3/4 x 1/2, 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 x 3/4, 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 x 1/2, 1-1/4 x 1 x 1/2, 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1, 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 3/4, 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1/2, 1-1/2 x 1-1/4 x 1/2, 2 x 2 x 1-1/2, 2 x 2 x 1, 2 x 2 x 3/4, 2 x 2 x 1/2, 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 3/4, 3 x 3 x 2, 3 x 3 x 1-1/2, 3 x 3 x 1, 3 x 3 x 1/2, 4 x 4 x 3, 4 x 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 x 1-1/2. Reading order is run x run x branch.
4) Is this PVC tee approved for potable drinking water?
Yes. The Nibco 4612 tee is certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN-61 for potable water contact and is NSF U.P. Certified, and it is listed as a lead-free application. That covers cold potable distribution in commercial and residential plumbing as well as irrigation.
5) Will a Nibco 4612 tee fit the white PVC pipe I already have in the ground?
If that pipe is PVC Schedule 40, yes. The 4612 sockets are made to ASTM D2466, the standard for Schedule 40 PVC socket fittings, so a nominal size socket takes nominal size Sch 40 pipe of the same diameter. The body is white PVC and the compound is ASTM D1784 cell class 12454. Note that Schedule 80 pipe has the same outside diameter, so an Sch 80 pipe will still enter these sockets, but check with your engineer before mixing schedules on a pressure line.
6) Can I use this PVC tee on a compressed air line in my shop?
No, and this one matters. Nibco states plainly: do not test or use PVC Schedule 40 fittings with compressed air or other gases. PVC fails brittle under stored gas energy and shatters. The 4612 is for liquid pressure service only, and pressure testing should be done with water, not air. For shop air, run metal or a piping system rated for compressed gas.
7) Do I glue a PVC tee or thread it, and can I use pipe dope on the FIPT branch?
Both, on the same fitting. The two run ends are solvent cemented, PVC primer and cement, and the FIPT branch is threaded. On the threaded branch use PTFE tape or a thread sealant rated for plastic, thread it hand tight plus a turn or two, and stop. Over-torquing a male metal nipple into a plastic female thread splits the socket. Nibco publishes plastic fittings installation instructions covering both joining methods.
8) Will PVC fittings corrode in an irrigation or pool system?
PVC does not rust, scale, pit or corrode, which is why the 4612 gets specified for buried irrigation, pool and spa lines and chilled water where a metal tee would eventually give up. The material also carries high chemical resistance, useful around pool chemistry. What it does not tolerate is heat above 140 degrees F, or long direct UV exposure above grade without paint or sleeving.
9) How do I order the right reducing tee, which number is the branch?
Size a reducing 4612 as run x run x branch. On a 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 3/4, the straight-through run is 1-1/2 inch slip on both ends and the 3/4 inch is the threaded branch outlet. Where all three numbers differ, such as 1-1/4 x 1 x 1/2, the first two are the two run sockets and the last is the branch. On the straight sizes, 1/2 through 4 inch, all three openings are the same nominal size, two slip and one FIPT.
10) Is the Nibco 4612 tee UL listed for flame rating?
The PVC compound used in the 4612 is UL Listed 94V-0, the flame class for the material. That is a material flammability listing, not a fire sprinkler system listing, so do not read it as approval for a fire protection line. The fitting is a cold water pressure fitting for distribution, irrigation and chilled water service.
11) I need to standardize tees across a whole property, does one part number cover it?
One family does. The 4612 covers 1/2 inch to 4 inch in the same white PVC Sch 40, same S x S x F pattern, same ASTM D2466 socket standard, so a maintenance stock built on it interchanges branch to branch across irrigation zones, pool equipment rooms and cold potable runs. Each size is its own part number, for example 1 inch is L14640Y and 2 inch is L14735YP, so build the stock list by size rather than expecting one number to serve.
How fast can I get the Nibco L14640Y 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 Nibco L14640Y come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The Nibco L14640Y 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 Nibco L14640Y?
You can call, text, or email our expert support team for fast answers. We’re here to help with
product
selection,
installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us
Why buy the Nibco L14640Y from ZenSupply?
ZenSupply makes it easy to get the commercial door hardware you need—fast shipping, expert support,
and
rewards on
every order.
Our team is always ready to help you choose the right product for your project.