Description
The Spears® 417 series is the 45° PVC elbow that gives your lateral run a gentler turn than a 90 — less pressure loss, less turbulence, and a more graceful curve through a trench corner. Two solvent-weld socket ends in a 45-degree configuration. Molded white PVC, Spears USA, domestic-manufactured to schedule 40 / standard dimensions, NSF-certified for potable water.
Why a 45 Instead of a 90
- Lower pressure loss — a 45° elbow has roughly half the friction-loss coefficient of a 90°; matters on long sprinkler mainlines, pump suction lines, and any run where head pressure is marginal
- Smoother flow profile — less turbulence at the bend, less air entrainment, less hammer on sudden valve close
- Better for swing-arm or offset routing — pair two 45s back-to-back to dogleg a pipe around an obstruction without the abrupt 90-90 lay-up
- Two solvent-weld socket ends — both ends take primed-and-cemented PVC pipe; no thread tape, no compression nut
Why You'd Reach for a 417
- 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; NSF-pw certified 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)
- Center-to-end length: 1-3/16 in. (3/4 in.) / 1-3/8 in. (1 in.) — standard footprint, fits any valve manifold or trench layout
Where It Fits in the System
- Sprinkler mainline routing: ease a 1 in. mainline around a tree, retaining wall, or buried obstruction without the head-loss penalty of stacked 90s
- Drip-zone manifolds: branch a 3/4 in. drip lateral off a manifold at a 45° angle instead of perpendicular — saves trench space and avoids tight bends in flexible tubing downstream
- Pump suction lines: any bend on a pump suction line should be a 45 if possible; a 90 here loses measurable suction head and risks cavitation on borderline NPSH installs
- Pond and water-feature plumbing: the smooth 45° bend is fish-friendly — reduces shear and air entrainment in koi-pond return lines
- Pool plumbing: use 45s on the suction side of pool pumps; the 90s are acceptable on the return where pressure is positive
Size Differences
- 3/4 in. (Model 417-007, SKU 50810) — 3/4 in. nominal sockets both ends, 1-3/16 in. center-to-end. The size for typical residential sprinkler laterals and drip zone bends.
- 1 in. (Model 417-010, SKU 50811) — 1 in. nominal sockets both ends, 1-3/8 in. center-to-end. The size for sprinkler mainlines, pump suction lines, and most pond / pool plumbing bends.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Spears Manufacturing Company
- Series: 417 (standard SCH 40 PVC 45° elbow, socket × socket)
- Type: standard 45-degree elbow, two solvent-weld socket ends
- Configuration: socket × socket (both ends same nominal size)
- Bend angle: 45°
- 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 the rotation before cementing: A 45° elbow can be rotated to any angle around its centerline before the cement sets, so dry-fit the elbow into the run first, mark the orientation with a pencil, then prime and cement. You have about 15 seconds of working time with medium-bodied PVC cement on 3/4 in. and 1 in. fittings to push, twist, and align before the cement skins.
Cement each socket: Spears P-70 (or equivalent) PVC primer on 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.
Cure: 1 hour before low-pressure water test; 24 hours before full operating pressure.
Stack 45s with care: Two 45° elbows back-to-back create a true Z-bend or dogleg. The middle pipe stub between them needs to be at least 2× the pipe diameter long for the joint to set properly — shorter stubs deform during cementing.
What’s in the Box
- One Spears 417 series PVC 45° 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 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
- Spears 406 series 90° elbows for tighter turns where pressure loss isn't a concern
- 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.