Description
The Spears® 407 is the right-angle reducer that handles two things in one fitting: a 90° turn AND a transition from one size of solvent-weld PVC to a smaller female NPT thread. One end is a slip socket (cement onto schedule 40 PVC pipe); the other is a female NPT thread (thread a male fitting in). The thread end is smaller than the socket end — this is a reducing fitting designed for sprinkler riser drops and equipment-port transitions.
Why You'd Reach for a 407
- One fitting does two jobs — combines a 90° bend AND a size reduction in a single part; no separate reducer bushing + elbow stack
- Solvent-weld socket on the large end — primed and cemented for a chemically-welded joint to schedule 40 PVC pipe
- Female NPT thread on the small end — receives a male-threaded fitting (sprinkler head riser, brass nipple, threaded valve outlet, etc.)
- 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 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 both the bend and the thread base
Where It Fits in the System
- Sprinkler head risers: the classic use. Run a 3/4 in. or 1 in. PVC lateral underground, then use a 407 reducer elbow to bring the line up and out to a 1/2 in. female-NPT-threaded sprinkler head riser or pop-up nipple.
- Drip irrigation drops: branch a drip submain off a buried PVC lateral into a smaller threaded port that feeds a drip manifold or pressure regulator.
- Equipment port transitions: pump suction / discharge, filter housing inlets, pressure tank ports — many take female NPT in a smaller size than the upstream PVC.
- Hose bib and frost-free hydrant feeds: route a buried PVC supply to a wall-mounted hose bib that uses 1/2 in. or 3/4 in. female NPT.
Size Combinations
- 3/4 in. × 1/2 in. (Model 407-101, SKU 50815) — 3/4 in. slip socket on the run side, 1/2 in. female NPT on the branch. Drop a 3/4 in. lateral to a 1/2 in. sprinkler head riser. The most common reducer elbow in residential sprinkler work.
- 1 in. × 1/2 in. (Model 407-130, SKU 50818) — 1 in. slip socket on the run side, 1/2 in. female NPT on the branch. Drop a 1 in. mainline directly to a 1/2 in. sprinkler riser without an intermediate coupling.
- 1 in. × 3/4 in. (Model 407-131, SKU 50819) — 1 in. slip socket on the run side, 3/4 in. female NPT on the branch. Transition a 1 in. lateral down to a 3/4 in. threaded port for hose bibs, drip submains, or equipment connections.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Spears Manufacturing Company
- Series: 407 (standard SCH 40 PVC reducing 90° elbow, socket × female NPT)
- Type: reducing 90-degree elbow, slip socket × female NPT thread
- Bend angle: 90°
- Material: PVC, Type I, cell class 12454, molded white
- Pressure rating: matches schedule 40 PVC pipe of the larger (socket) 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 standards: ASTM D2466 (PVC pressure fittings); base material ASTM D1784; threads per ANSI / ASME B1.20.1
- Suitable for: cold water only on schedule 40 PVC (for hot water above 73°F, use schedule 80 CPVC instead)
Installation Notes
Socket end onto PVC pipe: 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 the joint for 30 seconds.
Female NPT thread: 2 to 3 wraps of PTFE thread tape (or pipe dope) on the MALE fitting that threads into the 407'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 407 fittings in the field.
Plan rotation before cementing: The 90° reducing elbow can be rotated to any angle around its socket centerline before the cement sets. Dry-fit into the run, mark the orientation of the threaded port (which way it faces matters because that's where your riser goes), then prime and cement. With medium-bodied cement you get ~15 seconds of working time on 3/4 in. and 1 in. fittings.
Cure: 1 hour before low-pressure water test; 24 hours before full operating pressure.
What’s in the Box
- One Spears 407 series PVC reducing 90° elbow in your selected size combination, bulk-packed
Compatible Accessories — Sold Separately
- Spears P-70 PVC primer (purple) for the socket joint
- Spears PVC solvent cement (medium body for 3/4 in. and 1 in. pipe)
- PTFE thread tape (white for PVC; pink heavy-duty for stainless / metal-on-metal)
- Schedule 40 PVC pipe in 3/4 in. or 1 in. for the socket end
- 1/2 in. or 3/4 in. male-NPT-threaded sprinkler head nipples / risers
- Spears 406 series straight 90° elbows (socket × socket) for non-reducing turns
- Spears 401 series tees, 417 series 45° elbows, couplings to complete the run
Stop by Garoppo’s to pick one up, or schedule local delivery within our service area.