Reducing Tee, Slip x Slip x FPT PVC Schedule 40 3" x 3" x 2" (402-338)

The 402-338 is a 3-inch Schedule 40 PVC reducing tee with slip (socket) connections on both run ends and a 2-inch female pipe thread (FPT) connection on the branch outlet. Unlike reducing tees with small-bore threaded branches suited for instrumentation and injection ports, the 2-inch FPT branch on the 402-338 is a large-bore threaded port sized to carry substantial flow — making this fitting the right choice wherever a 3-inch Schedule 40 mainline must branch to a 2-inch threaded valve, pump connection, filter inlet, equipment nozzle, or secondary distribution line while maintaining the full mainline run straight through the fitting body.

The one nominal step reduction from the 3-inch run to the 2-inch branch strikes a practical balance between mainline flow continuity and branch capacity. The 3" x 3" run passes full mainline flow through the fitting with minimal restriction, while the 2-inch FPT branch provides a ready-made threaded port that accepts standard male NPT pipe, valves, adapters, and fittings directly — without an additional reducer, bushing, or threaded adapter fitting in the branch line. The result is a compact, single-body solution that reduces fitting count, simplifies installation, and eliminates unnecessary potential leak points at the branch junction.

The mixed connection configuration — permanent solvent weld on the run, threaded on the branch — is deliberately suited to systems where the mainline is a fixed, buried or permanently routed installation while the branch connection serves a piece of equipment or valve that may need to be serviced, replaced, or reconfigured over the system's life. The threaded branch can be broken and remade independently without disturbing the solvent welded mainline.

Both 3-inch run ends require heavy-bodied PVC solvent cement applied thoroughly and quickly to both the pipe end and socket bore. Pipe should be seated immediately with a quarter-turn rotation to distribute cement evenly, then held firmly for 30 seconds. Allow a full 24-hour cure before pressurizing the system. The 2-inch FPT branch accepts male NPT fittings assembled with PTFE thread tape or appropriate thread sealant — do not overtighten threaded connections into PVC female threads.

This fitting is manufactured from virgin PVC compound conforming to ASTM D1784 Cell Classification 12454 and dimensioned to ASTM D2466 standards for Schedule 40 PVC socket fittings.

Specifications:

Pressure rating is for water service at 73°F. Derate for elevated temperatures per manufacturer guidelines. Use heavy-bodied PVC solvent cement for 3-inch socket joints. Use PTFE thread tape or appropriate thread sealant on the 2" FPT branch — do not overtighten threaded connections into PVC female threads.

Industries & Applications:

The 402-338 reducing tee is specified wherever a 3-inch Schedule 40 PVC mainline requires a large-bore 2-inch threaded branch for flow distribution, valve connections, or equipment takeoffs:

• Irrigation & Agricultural Distribution — Threaded branch connections on 3-inch irrigation supply headers for 2-inch zone control valves, filter station inlets, fertigation system connections, and pump bypass lines on large-scale field and greenhouse distribution systems
• Municipal & Commercial Plumbing — Large-bore service taps and equipment connections on 3-inch utility water mains and mechanical room headers where a 2-inch threaded branch serves hydrants, hose bibs, backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves, or secondary distribution headers
• Chemical Processing & Water Treatment — Branch takeoffs on 3-inch chemical distribution and process headers supplying 2-inch chemical feed equipment, filter vessels, and treatment skid connections where a threaded branch supports serviceability and equipment changeout
• Swimming Pool & Aquatic Facility Plumbing — Bypass connections, heater supply taps, and chemical feeder inlets on 3-inch pool recirculation mains where a 2-inch FPT branch accommodates large-bore treatment and heating equipment without full-size branch piping
• Industrial Process Piping — Flow distribution tees on 3-inch process and cooling water headers supplying 2-inch threaded equipment connections, valve stations, and secondary loop takeoffs where mixed permanent-and-serviceable connection architecture is preferred
• Pump & Filtration Systems — Branch connections from 3-inch pump discharge headers to 2-inch filter inlets, pressure vessel nozzles, and bypass valve assemblies where a threaded branch supports routine equipment service and replacement
• HVAC & Cooling Systems — Large-bore branch takeoffs on 3-inch condenser water and cooling tower supply headers connecting to 2-inch chemical treatment skids, bypass lines, and secondary equipment connections in mechanical room installations