Description
The Spears® 402-101 is the reducer-tee crews reach for when a 3/4 in. PVC lateral needs to feed a 1/2 in. female-NPT-threaded riser without an extra bushing in the stack. Two slip-socket ends solvent-weld onto 3/4 in. schedule 40 PVC pipe (the run); the perpendicular branch is a 1/2 in. female NPT thread (the riser drop). Molded white PVC, Spears USA marking, domestic-manufactured to ASTM D2466.
Why You'd Reach for the 402-101
- Three jobs in one fitting — tees the run into a 90° branch AND reduces the branch from the 3/4 in. run size down to a 1/2 in. threaded port; no separate reducer bushing required
- Solvent-weld socket on both run ends — primed and cemented for chemically-welded joints to 3/4 in. schedule 40 PVC pipe; no thread tape, no rubber gasket, no leak path on the through-run
- Female NPT thread on the branch — receives a 1/2 in. male-threaded fitting (sprinkler head riser, brass nipple, pop-up adapter, drip manifold inlet, threaded valve outlet)
- Molded PVC (Type I, cell class 12454) — conforms to ASTM D1784; chemically resistant to soil acids, irrigation fertilizers, chlorine, and typical municipal water
- Schedule 40 / standard dimensions — matches any 3/4 in. schedule 40 PVC pipe and fitting in the system
- Manufactured per ASTM D2466 — the controlling spec for PVC pressure pipe fittings; carries the NSF-pw mark for potable water service
- Spears USA, domestic manufacture — computer-stress-analyzed mold design with reinforced material at the branch junction and the thread base
Where It Fits in the System
- Sprinkler head risers (the classic use): Run a 3/4 in. PVC lateral underground in a straight line, drop a 402-101 inline anywhere a head is needed, then thread a 1/2 in. male-NPT pop-up riser or nipple into the branch. Keeps the lateral straight and dropping heads only where you want them.
- Drip irrigation submains: branch a drip submain off a buried 3/4 in. PVC lateral into a 1/2 in. threaded port that feeds a pressure regulator or filter assembly.
- Equipment port drops: tap a 3/4 in. PVC supply line for a 1/2 in. female NPT pickup feeding a filter housing inlet, pressure tank port, or hose bib.
- Manifold branching: when a 3/4 in. PVC manifold feeds multiple 1/2 in. threaded outlets, chain 402-101 tees inline rather than stacking 90° elbows + reducer bushings.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Spears Manufacturing Company
- Manufacturer part number: 402-101
- First Supply item number: P40SFTFFD
- Series: 402 (standard SCH 40 PVC reducing tee, socket × socket × female NPT)
- Type: reducing tee, slip socket × slip socket × female NPT thread
- Run size: 3/4 in. × 3/4 in. (both socket ends)
- Branch size: 1/2 in. female NPT thread
- Material: PVC, Type I, cell class 12454, molded white
- Pressure rating: matches schedule 40 PVC pipe of the run size (cold water service)
- Maximum operating temperature: 140°F (PVC service-temperature ceiling)
- Origin: domestic, U.S.A.
- Certifications: NSF-pw (potable water service), Spears USA mark
- Reference standards: ASTM D2466 (PVC pressure fittings); base material ASTM D1784; threads per ANSI / ASME B1.20.1
- UPC: 10054211147525 (case GTIN-14)
- Suitable for: cold water only on schedule 40 PVC (for hot water above 73°F, use schedule 80 CPVC instead)
Installation Notes
Socket ends onto PVC pipe (the run): Dry-fit the tee in the line first to verify orientation — once cemented, the branch direction is locked. Apply Spears P-70 (or equivalent) PVC primer to both the pipe end and the inside of each socket. Apply medium-bodied PVC solvent cement to both surfaces. Push the pipe fully into the socket and rotate 1/4 turn to spread the cement. Hold each joint for 30 seconds.
Female NPT thread (the branch): 2 to 3 wraps of PTFE thread tape (or pipe dope) on the MALE fitting that threads into the 402-101's female port. Hand-tighten plus 1 to 2 turns with a strap wrench. DO NOT over-tighten. PVC female threads can split if you crank a male fitting too hard. If the joint leaks at proper torque, replace the tape and try again — don't keep tightening. Over-tightening is the #1 cause of cracked PVC female-thread ports in the field.
Plan branch direction before cementing: The branch port can be rotated to any angle around the run centerline before cement sets. Mark the orientation while dry-fitting, then prime and cement. With medium-bodied cement you get ~15 seconds of working time on 3/4 in. fittings.
Cure: 1 hour before low-pressure water test; 24 hours before full operating pressure.
What’s in the Box
- One Spears 402-101 PVC reducing tee, 3/4 in. × 3/4 in. × 1/2 in., socket × socket × female NPT, bulk-packed
Compatible Accessories — Sold Separately
- Spears P-70 PVC primer (purple) for the socket joints
- Spears PVC solvent cement (medium body for 3/4 in. pipe)
- PTFE thread tape (white for PVC; pink heavy-duty for stainless / metal-on-metal)
- Schedule 40 PVC pipe in 3/4 in. for the run ends
- 1/2 in. male-NPT-threaded sprinkler head risers and pop-up nipples
- Spears 406 series straight 90° elbows (3/4 in. socket × socket) for non-branching turns in the same line
- Spears 401 series same-size tees, 407 series reducing elbows, couplings to complete the run
Stop by Garoppo’s to pick one up, or schedule local delivery within our service area.