Reducing Tee, Slip x Slip x Slip PVC Schedule 40 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" (401-291)

The 401-291 is a 2-1/2" × 2-1/2" × 1-1/2" PVC Schedule 40 Reducing Tee with three slip (socket) ends — a full-size 2-1/2" through-run and a reduced 1-1/2" branch outlet. All three connections are made with solvent cement, producing a rigid, leak-free assembly suited for commercial plumbing, irrigation distribution, and industrial process piping where a large-diameter supply main must deliver high branch flow capacity while preserving full main-line volume and velocity across the through-run.

Manufactured from white PVC Schedule 40 compound, this tee complies with ASTM D2466 and carries NSF/ANSI 61 certification for potable water contact. The integral 1-1/2" reducing branch eliminates the need for a separate full-bore tee plus a downstream reducing bushing — consolidating two fittings and two additional joint surfaces into a single solvent-welded connection and reducing both installed cost and potential leak points in the finished system.

Within the 2-1/2" reducing tee size progression, the 1-1/2" branch represents the largest reducing step before reaching an equal-bore configuration. The relatively modest size differential between the 2-1/2" run and the 1-1/2" branch means this fitting is particularly well suited for systems where the branch sub-main or equipment connection carries substantial flow — large fixture groups, pump suctions, recirculation returns, or zone sub-headers where the smaller branch variants (401-288 through 401-290) would introduce unacceptable velocity or pressure loss. Where the downstream branch demand approaches or equals the main-line capacity, the equal-bore 2-1/2" tee (401-025) should be evaluated instead.

Solvent cement installation follows standard Schedule 40 procedures across all three socket ends. At 2-1/2" socket ends, ensure full-circumference primer penetration and adequate cement coverage before assembly; work deliberately at this diameter as open time is shorter than at smaller sizes. The governing pressure rating for the assembled fitting is determined by the smallest socket end (the 1-1/2" branch); consult Charlotte Pipe's published technical data for this reducing combination before specifying to a system working pressure.

Specifications

Industries & Applications

• Commercial Plumbing — High-capacity branch takeoffs in large commercial facilities where a 2-1/2" supply main feeds a 1-1/2" service line to a large fixture group, sub-distribution header, or high-demand equipment connection requiring flow volume beyond what smaller branch configurations support
• Irrigation & Agriculture — Header distribution runs where a 2-1/2" irrigation main supplies a 1-1/2" lateral branch for a large zone valve station, pump-fed sub-manifold, or high-output field irrigation zone where branch flow demand is substantial
• Industrial Process Piping — Process water, cooling water, and utility water mains requiring a 1-1/2" high-flow branch takeoff for recirculation loops, equipment feeds, or auxiliary distribution lines where branch velocity must be controlled within acceptable limits
• HVAC & Mechanical Systems — Chilled water, condenser water, and cooling tower makeup mains supplying 1-1/2" air handler connections, pump bypass lines, or mechanical room sub-headers with high flow demand
• Municipal & Civil Water Distribution — Service lateral branches off larger distribution mains in low-to-medium pressure municipal or site utility applications where 1-1/2" branch capacity is specified
• Fire Suppression Support Lines — Auxiliary supply branching in non-FM-rated wet system support piping where a 1-1/2" branch is required to meet downstream zone flow demand