Irrigation Products
Sprinkler Swing Joint Assemblies
A swing joint assembly is the flexible connection between a buried lateral line and a sprinkler head that lets you set the head to exactly the right height and angle — and absorbs impact instead of cracking the pipe.
Innovative Plastics swing joints arrive pre-assembled and ready to install out of the case. Each combines flexible LDPE swing pipe (funny pipe) with Celcon M90 funny-pipe fittings and a Marlex HDPE street ell, whose self-lubricating thread makes a leak-free connection that still articulates after burial.
Bending the 6" or 12" tubing lets a crew reach hard-to-place heads and set them flush to grade, while the flex absorbs mower and foot-traffic impact that would otherwise snap a rigid riser. Assemblies are offered in ½" and ¾" sizes and with one or three Marlex ells for extra articulation.
These assemblies use the same fittings sold individually in our irrigation fittings and risers & tubing lines, and are dimensionally compatible with Rain Bird SA-series swing joints. See our guide to building a swing joint to spec your own configuration.
Swing joints vs. fittings vs. risers & tubing
The irrigation line covers the sprinkler connection: swing joints flex the connection from the lateral line to the head, fittings turn and adapt the run, and risers & tubing set head height or build custom assemblies.
| Family | Primary purpose | Material | Size range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing Joints (this page) | Flexible connection from lateral line to sprinkler head; set height/angle, absorb impact | LDPE tubing, Celcon M90 fittings, Marlex HDPE ells | ½"–¾", 6" & 12" |
| Irrigation Fittings | Elbows, male adapters, and Marlex street ells for lateral lines and risers | PVC / Marlex HDPE | ½"–¾" |
| Risers & Tubing | Cut-to-height risers and flexible swing pipe for custom on-site assemblies | Polyethylene (LDPE) | ½" |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What does a sprinkler swing joint do?
- A swing joint connects a buried lateral line to a sprinkler head while letting you position the head at the exact height and angle you need. Its flexibility also absorbs impact from mowers and foot traffic, protecting the head and the underground pipe.
- Are these swing joints compatible with Rain Bird SA-series?
- Yes. Innovative Plastics swing joint assemblies are dimensionally compatible with the Rain Bird SA series (SA5 / SA65 / SA125050) and use standard ½" and ¾" funny-pipe connections.
- What is the difference between a one-ell and three-ell swing joint?
- A single Marlex street ell gives basic articulation; a three-ell assembly adds two more pivot points so the head can be positioned over a wider range and depth. Both come pre-assembled by the case.
Guides & resources
- How to Build a Swing Joint On Site A field guide to assembling a custom sprinkler swing joint from funny pipe, insert fittings, and a Marlex street ell to set any head to exact height and angle.
- Are Innovative Plastics Swing Joints Compatible with Rain Bird? Innovative Plastics swing joint assemblies and ½" swing pipe are dimensionally compatible with the Rain Bird SA series and SPX-FLEX / SWGP swing pipe.
- What Is Funny Pipe (Swing Pipe)? Funny pipe (swing pipe) is flexible LDPE tubing that connects a sprinkler head to the lateral line, bending around obstacles and absorbing impact without restricting flow.
- Swing Joint vs. Funny Pipe: What's the Difference? Swing joint vs. funny pipe explained — funny pipe is the flexible tubing, a swing joint is the finished assembly it builds. When to buy a pre-made swing joint and when to build your own from a coil.
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Need specs, samples, or a distributor?
Add sizes to a quote request, or contact our sales team for volume and distributor pricing.