Swing Joints vs. Blu Lock Pipe

Swing joints and Blu-Lock pipes serve different functions in irrigation systems and can sometimes be used together. A swing joint is a durable pipe fitting or connection made of multiple elbows that are designed to simplify the connection of a sprinkler head to an irrigation line. These fittings absorb movement and prevent damage in irrigation pipelines due to accidental impacts. Blu-Lock pipe is an environmentally friendly, recyclable, flexible, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe used in sprinkler irrigation systems. These pipes are designed to be used with Blu Lock pipe fittings for easy installation.

In this post, we provide a detailed comparison between swing joints and Blu Lock pipe, including their functionality, installation process, usage, and everything you need to know about them.

What is a Swing Joint

A swing joint is a flexible pipe fitting that connects a lateral irrigation line to sprinklers, such as pop-ups or rotor sprinklers. This pipe is used to move and adjust sprinkler heads. Swing joints are made of 90-degree elbows simplify the connection of the swing joint to sprinklers. The purpose of these joints is to absorb ground movement and allow more precise sprinkler positioning. It replaces the rigid PVC riser that screws directly into the lateral line and threads into your sprinkler head.

Consider the swing joint an adjustable neck that allows your sprinkler to be positioned in the optimal position and height. The sprinkler is connected to the pipe through an intermediate component known as a swing joint rather than being attached directly to the pipeline.

What are they Used For

Swing joints are used to install sprinklers and spray bodies, and give you the freedom to adjust the components. These assemblies can also be used to protect components from damage caused by being run over or stepped on.

Swing joints provide convenience and adjustability to your irrigation systems. They are used to adjust the angle, position, and height of a sprinkler or spray head in relation to the surface it's buried in. These flexible joints allow for easy adjustment during installation and later if you need to add more mulch or sod to your garden. Swing joints are must-haves for underground sprinkler system installation.

Instead of needing to dig your entire pipeline section and raise or lower it to keep your sprinklers at the right depth, you can only dig around the heads and swing joint for adjustments. Swing joints are available in a variety of lengths, brands, and inlet sizes.

Furthermore, they also provide flexibility in the system if the sprinklers are walked on or driven over. The joint reduces the likelihood of stress or weight-related breakages in the spray head and pipe by offering some flexibility in the connection between the spray head and the lateral line. This saves you from having to make large and costly repairs to your irrigation system if a break occurs, as it will only be the head or swing joint that breaks, not your pipe.

Benefits of Using Swing Joints

Let's look at the advantages of using flexible swing assemblies.

Perfect Sprinkler Positioning

With a swing joint, you can easily adjust the height, alignment, and angle of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head should be at ground level or slightly above it, and the sprinkler should rise out of the ground. A swing joint can help you easily align the sprinkler when filling the trench. This also works with the sprinkler attached to the pipeline.

Damage Protection

The swing joint absorbs the impact if someone trips over a sprinkler head or hits it with any tool. If external factors, such as a large object rolling over the sprinkler, have altered its position, it can be easily adjusted with a swing joint. In this situation, the swing joint also protects the pipe from damage thanks to its "flexibility".

Flexibility to Replace Sprinkler

With swing joints, you only need to remove the sprinkler from the swing joint and then screw on the new replacement sprinkler.

Easy to Relocate a Sprinkler

Swing joints also give you greater flexibility to correct poor system planning. If the sprinkler throw turns out to be too short and needs to be placed a little further to the left or right, then swing joints can be used to fix and relocate the sprinkler easily.

How to Build Your Swing Joints

You can make your own swing joint using a funny pipe, swing pipe, or Blu-Lock pipe and fittings.

Choose Your Inlet Size and Measure

• Check the inlet size of your sprinkler head (usually 1/2"or 3/4") and choose matching Blu-Lock coil pipe and fittings.
• For a standard swing joint, you will need a piece of Blu-Lock pipe around 6-8 inches long and 2-4 elbows.
• Mark the pipe with your measurements.
• Make clean cuts on the pipe with a pipe cutter.
• Remove any burrs on the cut ends.

Connect Your First Elbow

If replacing an existing PVC riser:

• Unscrew the old riser from the lateral line.
• Wrap tape around the threads of a Blu-Lock adapter.
• Screw the adapter into the lateral line fitting.
• Push the Blu-Lock elbow into the adapter until it locks.

If installing a swing joint on Blu-Lock lateral lines:

• Find your lateral line.
• Push the Blu-Lock elbow onto the lateral pipe until it clicks into place.
• You will feel the steel teeth grip the pipe, indicating a secure connection.

Build the Swing Joint Pattern

• Take the first piece of cut Blu-Lock pipe and push it into the end of the first elbow.
• Attach the second elbow to the opposite end of this pipe.
• Take the second piece of cut pipe and connect it to the second elbow.
• Attach the third elbow to the end of this pipe.
• Push the last and final piece of pipe into the third elbow.

Install a Sprinkler Head

• Connect the Blu-Lock adapter to the end of the final pipe.
• Thread the sprinkler head onto the adapter.
• Adjust the assembly to position your sprinkler head at the right height and angle.

Test and Adjust

• Run the irrigation system to check for leaks and make any necessary adjustments to the sprinkler heads.
• If any adjustments are needed, the Blu-Lock fittings can be rotated after installation.

Blu Lock Pipe and Blu Lock Fittings

Blu-Lock is a brand of push-to-connect fittings and pipe that provide a fast and easy installation method for lawn and garden irrigation systems. Blue-lock fittings are removable and reusable, eliminating the need for glue or clamps during installation, which replaces traditional glued PVC or barbed fittings.

Blu-Lock Pipe is a recyclable and Environmentally Friendly HDPE pipe that offers a superior alternative to PVC. This pipe and fitting system are renowned for its quick and simple installation due to its push-to-connect design. You can use Blu-Lock to make swing joints easily.

Why Use Blu-Lock Pipe and Fittings for DIY Sprinkler System

Blu-Lock pipe and fittings are a game-changer in installing modern irrigation systems.

Push-to-Connect

Blu-Lock tubing and fittings allow you to get the installation job done quicker and with less hassle. Blu-Lock fittings provide a fast, push-on connection to the pipe, eliminating the need for glue, clamps, or tools. All you need to do is push the pipe into the Blu-Lock fitting, and the teeth and EPDM seals will make a sound seal.

Environmentally friendly and Recyclable

Blu-Lock fittings are compatible with high-quality polyethylene pipes, making them an ideal choice for installing an irrigation system that benefits both the garden and the environment. Polyethylene pipes (HDPE, MDPE, and LLDPE) are more environmentally friendly and recyclable. They require less energy to produce and don't release toxins into soil or water.

Reusable Components

Blu-Lock fittings can be easily disconnected and reused instead of cutting out and throwing away failed connections. This significantly lowers waste over the system's lifetime.

Clean Installation Without Solvents

The push-to-connect design of Blu Lock eliminates the need for primers or chemical solvents typically required for traditional glued systems. So, they keep harsh chemicals out of your landscape, allowing chemical-free clean installation.

Reduced Installation Waste

With Blu Lock fittings, sprinkler system installation is 50% faster. Less pipe waste and fewer visits to the hardware store result from fewer errors. As disconnecting and reconfiguring is simple, trial-and-error system learning does not result in a collection of unusable irrigation items.

Long-term Reliability

A stronger connection means fewer repairs and replacements over time, which reduces the environmental impact of producing and shipping irrigation system replacement parts.

Outdoor Usage

Blu-Lock is designed for outdoor, cold water, and direct burial applications. It is also intended for use with valve-out or non-constant pressure irrigation systems, where a valve controls the water pressure.

When to Choose Blu-Lock Fittings and Tubing

Blu-Lock fittings and tubing do well in several scenarios:

New installations: You can get your system up and running faster with fewer tools and less frustration.

System repairs: You can make quick fixes without digging up entire pipeline sections or waiting for components to cure.

System expansion projects: With Blu-Lock fittings and tubing, you can easily add new zones or relocate old sprinklers.

Learning projects: They are perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to experiment, learn, and adjust.

High-traffic areas: Swing assemblies with Blu-Lock fittings protect spray heads from damage.

The Bottom Line

Both Blu Lock pipe and swing joints can make installing, adjusting, and maintaining your irrigation systems a lot easier. They enable easier raising and lowering of sprinklers and allow for flexible positioning of heads. DripWorks offers a great selection of pre-assembled swing joints, funny pipe, Blu-Lock pipe, Blu-Lock fittings, and adapters to make your sprinkler system installation successful. Use the Hunter SJ Swing Joint Assembly for both in-line and end-of-line head installations. They feature standard swivel Marlex elbows on both ends, providing greater versatility and making DIY sprinkler installation easier. Use Hydro-Rain 1" Blu-Lock Tubing with Blu-Lock fittings to make the installation of the sprinkler system easy, fast, and mess-free.

From swing joints to adapter fittings, DripWorks offers top-quality irrigation products to make your lawn and garden lush, beautiful, healthy, and thriving. Shop our collection of Blu-lock irrigation fittings to connect your Blu-lock tubing.