How and When to Use Irrigation Funny Pipe, and Swing Joints
Jul 30th 2025
A funny pipe, also known as a swing pipe, is a key component in a quick DIY sprinkler installation project. This is the basic yet essential part of the irrigation system that connects the sprayers to pipelines. Funny pipe and swing joints bring pop-up sprinklers to the surface through an attachment to the underground sprinkler pipe, which absorbs the impact of mowers.
In this swing pipe guide, you'll learn all about swing pipes and swing joints, their applications, their benefits, and how they can make your sprinkler installation easier.
What is Irrigation Funny Pipe
In sprinkler irrigation, a "funny pipe," also known as a swing pipe, is a flexible, environmentally friendly tubing made of durable polyethylene material. If they are installed above ground, UV rays won't degrade them. This type of tubing is used to connect lateral lines to sprinkler heads or rotors.
Irrigation funny pipes provide flexibility to accommodate small misalignments and movements, which makes them ideal for connecting pop-up heads. This tubing is handy in confined spaces, in high-traffic areas, and around obstacles. The flexibility of funny pipes allows for easier adjustments during the installation process and repairs.
Hydro Rain Swing pipes can handle water loads of up to ten gallons per minute. These pipes cost a bit more than standard PVC pipes, but their flexibility and durability make the investment worthwhile.
Key Features and Benefits of Funny Pipe
There are several benefits of using a funny pipe in a sprinkler irrigation system. Let's look at the main benefits and key features of these pipes.
Flexible
Swing pipes are highly flexible compared to rigid tubing. Its flexibility allows you to adjust the sprinkler easily without cutting a pipe. You can navigate this flexible tubing around obstacles like uneven terrain, terraces, and hardscapes.
Durable
While flexible, the swing pipe is also more durable than other options available for sprinkler irrigation systems. It can withstand impacts from lawnmowers, foot traffic, and other vehicles. It is also strong enough not to be damaged by UV rays.
Ease of Sprinkler Installation
Its flexibility simplifies the process of connecting sprinklers to lateral lines, especially in confined areas. You can effectively run the pipe from an above-ground sprinkler head to PVC lines despite the terrain. This also allows you to make seamless adjustments to your sprinkler head placement.
Shock absorption
Swing pipes can absorb shock from foot traffic, pressure surges, and ground movement. So, they help reduce stress on sprinkler heads and damage to the head and other components.
Less Repairs
When the rigid PVC pipe is used to connect the sprinkler heads to the pipeline, pressure on the sprinkler can break the head, connection, and even damage the water line. To repair this, you need to dig up the entire water line and replace it. This results in a costly and time-consuming repair. With swing pipes, you can easily make adjustments and alignments. By absorbing impact and allowing for changes, these pipes can reduce the cost and frequency of repairs.
Cost Savings
The cost of a funny pipe is slightly higher than other options, but the durability and long-term savings from fewer repairs make it a worthwhile investment.
What is a Swing Joint
Swing joints are small pieces of swing pipe assemblies that connect sprinklers to the irrigation line. Swing joints combine a funny pipe and threaded fittings. They provide an easy way to install sprinklers to your desired height and angle. Like swing pipes, these connectors provide flexibility in connecting sprinklers to lateral lines, but with threaded fittings.
They are commonly used in sprinkler irrigation systems where movement or sprinkler adjustment is an issue. They are designed to absorb ground movement and stress in irrigation systems. The swing joint has threaded fittings on both ends, which enable the secure connection to the lateral line and the sprinkler head. These pipe fittings offer similar flexibility and protect the sprinklers and supply lines against damage from mowers or other equipment. They consist of elbows and nipples, which allow for seamless rotation, bending, and movement at the connection point.
When to Use an Irrigation Funny Pipe and Swing Joints
Connecting to Lateral Lines: Flexible swing pipes are used to connect pop-up sprinklers and rotors to lateral lines (often PVC or poly). Using a swing pipe with swing joints or barb fittings makes sprinkler installation easy and fast.
Areas with High Traffic: Use a swing pipe in areas where there is heavy foot traffic or equipment activity that could damage rigid pipe connections. Funny pipes will absorb impact and protect sprinklers from damage.
Confined Spaces: You can use a funny pipe in areas with limited space and barriers like utility boxes, water meters, or hardscaping. Use a funny pipe when sprinkler heads need to be installed near these obstacles that will make rigid pipe connections difficult.
Large Yard Areas and Uneven Terrain: Swing pipes are ideal to use in golf courses, playgrounds, uneven areas, and large lawns where humans and the use of heavy machinery are common. Bicycles, lawnmowers, and golf carts frequently pass through these areas. These flexible pipes can easily handle slopes and provide an adaptable connection compared to rigid pipes.
Installation Near Wall: Funny pipes work well when the sprinkler heads need to be installed near walls or any landscaping element. Its flexibility allows the sprinkler head to move freely without causing pressure on the pipeline.
How to Use an Irrigation Funny Pipe and Swing Joints for Sprinkler Installation
Here is a step-by-step process of installing sprinkler heads with a funny pipe and swing joints.
- The first and foremost step is to make sure you have a design and layout plan for your sprinkler system before digging.
- Gather all the necessary tools to install your funny pipe properly.
- Dig a trench according to your design. Ensure the trench is wide and deep enough to accommodate both the PVC pipe and the funny pipe.
- After digging, lay the lateral PVC pipe in the trench and connect it to the zone valves. This is the lateral line that will be connected to your funny pipe or swing pipe.
- Now, determine the location of each sprinkler head and measure the distance from the PVC pipe to the desired sprinkler head to know the required length of the funny pipe.
- Cut the funny pipe to the required length using a sharp poly tubing cutter.
- Insert the funny pipe into the PVC pipe using swing pipe fittings or barb fittings. These fittings have barbs that firmly grip the walls of the funny pipe, making a secure connection.
- Install the sprinkler head on the other end of the funny pipe using the appropriate fittings.
- Position the swing joint so that the sprinkler head can be adjusted to the right height and level with the ground.
- Backfill the trench and compact soil around the swing pipe and the sprinkler head. Level the sprinkler head with the finished grade.
- Measure the distance to the next sprinkler head and repeat the steps.
The Bottom Line
Swing pipes and swing joints can make your underground sprinkler system installation quick, easy, and effective. With funny pipes and swing joints, you will save money and time as you won't have to worry about frequent system repairs and replacements in the future. Use Hydro-Rain Blu Lock Tubing (funny pipe), swing joints, and Blu-Lock fittings for a successful installation. With the right tools, some basic instruction, and help from swing pipes and swing joints, you will have your own well-designed sprinkler system on your property. From there, you can enjoy the convenience of keeping your lawn well hydrated all season without having to leave your home to water it by hand. What's more, you'll add beauty and value to your home.
Explore the collection of DripWorks flexible funny pipe, Blu lock fittings, and swing assemblies to make your sprinkler installation and maintenance easier.