Description
The Spears® 406 is the standard 90° PVC elbow — the right-angle turn you reach for when a lateral needs to go around a corner, a riser needs to rise, or a pipe needs to dive into a manifold. Two solvent-weld socket ends in a 90-degree configuration. Molded white PVC, Spears USA, domestic-manufactured to schedule 40 / standard dimensions, NSF-certified for potable water.
Why Pros Stock the 406
- Two solvent-weld socket ends — both ends take primed-and-cemented PVC pipe; no thread tape, no compression nut, no leak path at the joint
- True 90° bend — matches schedule 40 layout dimensions; stacks cleanly with tees, 45s, and couplings on the same run
- 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. or 1 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 bend (the highest-stress point on any elbow)
Where It Fits in the System
- Sprinkler manifold corners: turn a mainline through a valve manifold or trench bend without breaking the run
- Sprinkler head risers: the standard right-angle to take a buried lateral up to a pop-up rotor or spray head
- Drip irrigation routing: dogleg a PVC drip submain around a planting bed or hardscape feature
- Pump and pool plumbing: right-angle the suction or return line through a wall penetration or equipment pad — on the return side where the 45 isn't required for flow
- Pond and water-feature plumbing: turn a return line through the bulkhead into a filter housing or skimmer port
- Workshop / hobby plumbing: compressed-air runs (use schedule 80 instead for safety), hydroponic loops, aquaponics builds, RO water distribution
406 vs. 417 (45°) — Which Should You Use?
The 406 90° turns sharper but has higher pressure loss than the 417 45°. For a quick rule of thumb in irrigation work: use 90s where you don't care about pressure (zone valves, head risers, equipment manifolds); use 45s where you do (long mainlines, pump suction lines, any place where head pressure is marginal). Pairing two 45s back-to-back gives you the same 90° turn with about half the friction loss.
Size Differences
- 3/4 in. (Model 406-007, SKU 50812) — 3/4 in. nominal sockets both ends, 1-1/16 in. center-to-end. The size for typical residential sprinkler laterals and drip zone corners.
- 1 in. (Model 406-010, SKU 50814) — 1 in. nominal sockets both ends, 1-1/4 in. center-to-end. The size for sprinkler mainlines, pump discharge plumbing, and most pond / pool corners.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Spears Manufacturing Company
- Series: 406 (standard SCH 40 PVC 90° elbow, socket × socket)
- Type: standard 90-degree elbow, two solvent-weld socket ends
- Configuration: socket × socket (both ends same nominal size)
- Bend angle: 90°
- Material: PVC, Type I, cell class 12454, molded white
- Pressure rating: matches schedule 40 PVC pipe of the same nominal size
- Maximum operating temperature: 140°F (PVC service-temperature ceiling)
- Origin: domestic, U.S.A.
- Certifications: NSF-pw (potable water service), Spears USA mark
- Reference standard: ASTM D2466 (PVC pressure fittings); base material ASTM D1784
- Suitable for: cold water only on schedule 40 PVC (for hot water above 73°F, use schedule 80 CPVC instead)
Installation Notes
Plan rotation before cementing: A 90° elbow can be rotated to any angle around its centerline before the cement sets, so dry-fit into the run first, mark the orientation, then prime and cement. With medium-bodied cement on 3/4 in. or 1 in. fittings you get ~15 seconds of working time to push and twist before the cement skins.
Prime and cement each socket: Spears P-70 (or equivalent) PVC primer on both the pipe end and the inside of the 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.
Cure: 1 hour before low-pressure water test; 24 hours before full operating pressure.
Thrust considerations: A 90° turn on a long unbraced run will try to walk under pressure. On mainlines with 20+ ft of pipe behind the elbow, consider a poured-concrete thrust block or a strap to a fixed structure. Less of a concern on residential laterals under 25 PSI; very real on commercial / pump-fed runs.
What’s in the Box
- One Spears 406 series PVC 90° elbow in your selected nominal size (3/4 in. or 1 in.), bulk-packed
Compatible Accessories — Sold Separately
- Spears P-70 PVC primer (purple) for each socket joint
- Spears PVC solvent cement (medium body for 3/4 in. and 1 in. pipe)
- Schedule 40 PVC pipe in 3/4 in. or 1 in.
- Spears 417 series 45° elbows for lower-pressure-loss turns on mainlines
- Spears 401 series tees (socket × 3) to add branches to the run
- Spears 436 series male adapters (MNPT × socket) to thread the assembly into a brass valve or pump fitting
- Schedule 40 PVC couplings, caps, and reducer bushings to complete the lateral run
Stop by Garoppo’s to pick one up, or schedule local delivery within our service area.