Reducing Tee, Slip x Slip x Slip PVC Schedule 40 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 1-1/4" (401-290)

The 401-290 is a 2-1/2" × 2-1/2" × 1-1/4" PVC Schedule 40 Reducing Tee with three slip (socket) ends — a full-size 2-1/2" through-run and a reduced 1-1/4" 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 meaningful branch flow capacity without stepping all the way down to a full equal-bore tee configuration.

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 1-1/4" reducing branch consolidates what would otherwise require a full-bore tee plus a reducing bushing into a single solvent-welded fitting — reducing part count, installation time, and the total number of joint surfaces in the finished assembly.

Within the 2-1/2" reducing tee size progression, the 1-1/4" branch occupies a practical middle position. It supports higher branch flow rates than the 3/4" (401-288) or 1" (401-289) branch variants while still maintaining the volume and velocity advantage of a 2-1/2" through-run for the main line. This makes the 401-290 particularly well suited for applications where the branch feeds a sub-main, a large fixture group, or equipment with meaningful flow demand — scenarios where a 1" branch would impose unacceptable velocity head loss but a full equal-bore 2-1/2" branch is unnecessary for the downstream load.

Solvent cement installation follows standard Schedule 40 procedures across all three socket ends — clean, prime, and cement each mating surface using a compatible PVC cement per ASTM D2564. At 2-1/2" socket ends, ensure sufficient primer penetration and cement coverage around the full circumference before assembly. The governing pressure rating for the assembled fitting is determined by the smallest socket end (the 1-1/4" branch); consult Charlotte Pipe's published technical data for this reducing combination before specifying to a system working pressure.

Specifications

Industries & Applications

• Commercial Plumbing — Main supply branch takeoffs in large commercial facilities where a 2-1/2" supply main feeds 1-1/4" service lines to large fixture groups, sub-distribution headers, or high-flow equipment connections that exceed the capacity of smaller branch configurations
• Irrigation & Agriculture — Header distribution runs where a 2-1/2" irrigation main supplies 1-1/4" lateral branches for high-output zone valve stations, sub-manifolds, or large-area drip and spray zones requiring flow capacity beyond what a 1" branch delivers
• Industrial Process Piping — Process water and utility water mains requiring 1-1/4" branch takeoffs for equipment feeds, recirculation loops, or larger auxiliary supply lines where branch velocity must be controlled
• HVAC & Mechanical Systems — Chilled water, condenser water, and cooling tower makeup mains supplying 1-1/4" equipment connections, air handler feeds, or mechanical room sub-headers with moderate-to-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 1-1/4" branch capacity is required
• Fire Suppression Support Lines — Auxiliary supply branching in non-FM-rated wet system support piping where 1-1/4" branch flow capacity is required for the downstream zone