Tee, Slip x Slip x Slip PVC Schedule 80 3" x 2-1/2 (801-339)

The 801-339 is a 3" x 2-1/2" Schedule 80 PVC Reducing Tee with Slip x Slip x Slip connections. This fitting maintains a full 3" cemented main run on both inline sockets while introducing a 2-1/2" slip branch socket off the side — all three connections are solvent-weld, making the entire assembly a fully cemented, permanent, pressure-rated branch fitting with no threaded ports. The two inline run sockets accept standard 3" Schedule 80 PVC pipe, preserving the full bore of the main line through the fitting, while the 2-1/2" branch socket receives 2-1/2" PVC pipe for a permanent cemented branch connection off the main run.

The 3" x 2-1/2" configuration represents the most modest branch reduction in the 3" Schedule 80 reducing tee family — a single half-increment step down from the 3" main to a 2-1/2" branch. At this size pairing, the branch is nearly equal in flow capacity to the main run. The 2-1/2" branch carries approximately 69% of the cross-sectional area of the 3" run, making the 801-339 the closest available approximation to an equal-flow split in the 3" reducing tee series short of the full-size 3" x 3" x 3" tee (801-030). This near-equal split configuration is encountered in systems where the branch must carry a flow rate approaching — but not equaling — the full main line capacity: a nearly equal parallel circuit, a high-demand equipment feed, a large-capacity sub-main, or a junction where the branch serves a load only slightly smaller than the continuing run.

The 3" to 2-1/2" size differential is small enough that the branch socket and run sockets will be visually similar during installation — more so than in the larger-reduction variants of this series. The 2-1/2" socket is meaningfully smaller than a 3" socket but not dramatically so, and the difference may not be immediately apparent without a careful size check during assembly. Confirming correct pipe size insertion on each socket before cementing is particularly important at this size pairing, and the pipe ends should be verified against the socket size before primer and cement are applied.

Positioned within the 3" Schedule 80 reducing tee family, the 801-339 sits above the 801-338 (3" x 2" branch) in the branch size hierarchy and below the full-size 801-030 (3" x 3" x 3"). A buyer deciding between the 801-339 and the 801-030 is choosing between a near-equal branch and a fully equal branch — a decision governed by whether the downstream branch circuit is sized at 2-1/2" or 3". A buyer deciding between the 801-339 and the 801-338 is choosing between a near-equal branch (2-1/2") and a one-increment-reduced branch (2") — a decision governed by the downstream pipe size and flow requirement at the branch point. All three part numbers differ by a single digit, and the correct SKU is determined entirely by the downstream branch pipe size required.

The all-slip configuration means every connection is a permanent solvent-welded joint — once cemented, no socket can be disassembled without cutting pipe. This is the standard configuration for permanent pressure piping systems where all branch and run connections are designed to remain in place for the service life of the installation. For applications where the 2-1/2" branch must terminate at a threaded valve, equipment port, or fitting rather than continuing as a cemented pipe run, the equivalent fitting with a 2-1/2" FPT branch port eliminates the need for a downstream adapter at the branch exit. The all-slip 801-339 is the correct specification when the 2-1/2" branch continues as a cemented PVC pipe run downstream of the tee.

Proper solvent cementing practice at 3" is essential on both run sockets — full two-step primer and cement application with thorough coverage of the complete socket interior and pipe end on both run sides, plus the same two-step approach on the 2-1/2" branch socket. On a tee, the run and branch sockets should be assembled in a deliberate sequence that allows each joint adequate set time, with each pipe held in alignment through the set period before the joint is allowed to cure undisturbed.

Specifications:

⚠️ Note: In a reducing fitting, the smaller end governs the pressure rating. All three sockets are permanent solvent-weld connections — once cemented, no connection can be broken without cutting pipe. The 2-1/2" branch socket is visually similar to the 3" run sockets at this size pairing — confirm correct pipe size on each socket before cementing. Confirm 801-339 (2-1/2" branch) vs. 801-338 (2" branch) and 801-030 (3" branch, full size) before ordering — adjacent part numbers differ by a single digit. Use primer before cementing all three sockets — do not skip the priming step on the 3" run sockets at this diameter. If the 2-1/2" branch must terminate at a threaded connection rather than continuing as cemented pipe, specify the FPT branch equivalent instead. Consult manufacturer derating tables for elevated-temperature service.

Industries & Applications:

• Water & Wastewater Treatment — Branches a near-equal-capacity 2-1/2" cemented sub-main or high-demand equipment feed off a 3" treatment plant distribution header where the branch circuit carries a flow load approaching the main line capacity and a full-size 3" branch would be unnecessarily oversized for the downstream system
• Chemical Processing — Used on 3" chemical distribution headers where a 2-1/2" cemented branch must supply a parallel processing circuit, large equipment group, or secondary distribution sub-main that draws a near-equal share of the main flow, with the all-slip assembly eliminating threaded joints at the branch point in corrosive-service piping
• Industrial Process Piping — Establishes near-equal-capacity 2-1/2" cemented branch connections off 3" process water, cooling water, and chemical distribution mains on plant piping systems and skid assemblies where the downstream branch is sized at 2-1/2" and all connections are designed as permanent solvent-welded joints
• Pump Station & Equipment Connections — Installed on 3" pump discharge or suction headers where a 2-1/2" cemented branch supplies a near-equal parallel pump circuit, large equipment inlet, or high-capacity bypass line that requires the full flow capacity of a 2-1/2" pipe connection at the branch point
• Irrigation & Agricultural Systems — Taps a 2-1/2" cemented high-volume zone lateral or sub-main off a 3" pressurized distribution header where the branch circuit serves a large zone or equipment group with a flow demand close to the main line capacity, with the modest one-step branch reduction preserving near-full flow delivery to the branch
• Municipal & Utility Infrastructure — Applied on 3" municipal water distribution mains and pump station headers where a 2-1/2" cemented branch connection must be introduced at a defined junction point for a high-demand service area, sub-distribution main, or large building lateral requiring near-equal flow capacity to the continuing main