Sprinkler Swing Joint DIY - Complete Build Tutorial
What You'll Learn
- How to build a professional swing joint from scratch
- Connecting funny pipe with barbed fittings and marlex to PVC
- Why swing joints are essential for protecting sprinkler heads
- Proper assembly technique for long-lasting installations
Building a Swing Joint from Scratch
This demonstration shows how to build a professional-quality swing joint using funny pipe, barbed fittings, and a marlex street 90 to connect to your PVC lateral line. Shot in a controlled setting on a lateral line, this video provides a clear view of every step in the assembly process.
Note: This is a demonstration in a controlled setting showing the assembly technique. The same process applies to real installations on lateral lines.
Why Swing Joints Matter
Swing joints are one of the most important components in a professional sprinkler installation:
- Perfect Positioning: Allows you to adjust sprinkler head height and angle after installation
- Damage Prevention: Provides flexibility to absorb impacts from lawn mowers, foot traffic, and equipment
- Ground Movement: Accommodates ground settling, freeze/thaw cycles, and soil expansion without breaking heads
- Easy Replacement: Makes future head replacement simple - just unscrew the old head and screw in a new one
- Professional Results: Ensures heads stay properly aligned and at the correct height over time
Assembly Process
The video demonstrates the complete assembly process:
- Start with the barbed 90 fitting that will thread into your PVC tee on the lateral line
- Insert one end of the funny pipe onto the barbed end of the fitting
- Connect the marlex street 90 to the other end of the funny pipe
- This creates a flexible connection between the rigid PVC line and your sprinkler head
- The sprinkler head threads directly onto the marlex street 90 at the top
Pro Tip: Use 1/2" fittings for spray heads (pop-ups) and 3/4" fittings for rotors. The larger diameter provides better flow for high-GPM rotor heads.
Parts You'll Need
Pre-Assembled Options (Quick & Easy):
- Hunter Rotor Swing Joint (3/4") - Pre-assembled for rotor heads
- Hunter Pop-up Swing Joint (1/2") - Pre-assembled for spray heads
Individual Parts for DIY Assembly (Most Economical):
- Funny Pipe (Flexible Swing Pipe) - The flexible connector
- 1/2" Barbed 90° Elbow - For spray head swing joints
- 1/2" Marlex Street 90° Elbow - For spray head lateral connection
- 3/4" Barbed 90° Elbow - For rotor swing joints
- 3/4" Marlex Street 90° Elbow - For rotor lateral connection
Pre-Assembled vs. DIY Assembly
Pre-Assembled Swing Joints: Save time during installation and ensure consistent assembly. Best for professional installers or large projects where speed matters.
DIY Assembly: More economical when building multiple swing joints. Allows you to customize the length of funny pipe for specific applications. Perfect for homeowners and those who enjoy the assembly process.
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FAQ
Do I need a swing joint or can I install heads directly on PVC?
You can install heads directly on PVC (called a "rigid riser"), but swing joints are highly recommended. Without swing joints, any impact or ground movement can crack the PVC and damage the head. Swing joints prevent 90% of common sprinkler head damage.
What's the difference between 1/2" and 3/4" swing joints?
Use 1/2" swing joints for spray heads (pop-ups) which typically use 1-3 GPM. Use 3/4" swing joints for rotor heads which can use 3-8+ GPM. The larger diameter ensures adequate flow for high-GPM rotors.
How long should I cut the funny pipe?
Typically 6-8 inches provides enough flexibility while keeping the head stable. Longer funny pipe (up to 12") gives more adjustment range but can allow too much head movement. Shorter (4-6") is stiffer but still better than a rigid connection.
Can I reuse funny pipe and fittings?
Funny pipe can be reused if it's not cracked or UV-damaged. Barbed fittings should not be reused - once the barbs compress the funny pipe, they won't seal properly on a second insertion. Always use new fittings for reliable connections.
Do I need to use clamps on barbed connections?
No. Properly sized funny pipe on barbed fittings creates a water-tight seal without clamps. The barbs grip the inside of the funny pipe securely. Clamps are unnecessary and can actually damage the funny pipe if over-tightened.
