Sprinkler Swing Joints: Installation Guide

Sprinkler Swing Joint PVC parts

Understanding Swing Joints

Swing joints offer a flexible solution for installing sprinkler heads. The swing pipe can range from 3 inches to longer lengths, with no strict limit as long as you don't exceed the pipe's velocity. For individual sprinkler heads, swing pipes often serve as laterals.

Key points:

  • Maximum recommended flow: 3 GPM for swing/funny pipe
  • Can exceed 3 GPM for short distances
  • For high-flow heads, limit swing joint length to 18 inches
Pop-up Swing Joint schematic

Pop-up with Swing Joint

  1. Pop-up Sprinkler Head
  2. 1/2" Marlex coupled with 1/2" Funny Elbow
  3. Funny Pipe
  4. 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC Tee coupled with 1/2" Funny Elbow
  5. 3/4" PVC pipe Schedule 40
  6. Optional: 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC Elbow
  7. Optional: 1/2" Auto Drain (typically one at the lowest point of each zone)
Rotor Swing Joint schematic

Rotor with Swing Joint

  1. Rotor Sprinkler Head
  2. 3/4" Marlex coupled with 3/4" Funny Elbow
  3. Funny Pipe
  4. 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC Tee coupled with 3/4" Funny Elbow
  5. 3/4" PVC pipe Schedule 40
  6. Optional: 3/4" Slip x 1/2" Thread PVC Elbow
  7. Optional: 1/2" Auto Drain (typically one at the lowest point of each zone)