How to Connect Your Sprinkler Head
to the Underground Pipe

There are a few different ways to connect a sprinkler head to the underground piping. You can use Hunter Pre-Made Swing Joints, you can make your own Swing Joints using Swing Pipe Fittings and Swing Pipe, or you can use Cut-Off Nipples. All three methods will result in the sprinkler head being connected to the pipe, however, swing joints result in the ability to quickly raise or lower the head if needed in the future. Once you understand the benefits of swing joints, you will never use a cut-off nipple again!

Hunter Pre-made Swing Joints: If you've experienced trouble installing sprinklers to correct finish grade because you can't find the right riser length...if your pipes are buried in shallow trenches and you want to retrofit to taller pop-up sprinklers...if you're having difficulty raising sprinklers buried under inches of built-up thatch...if you want to be sure when a sprinkler has heavy equipment rolling over the top it can easily be properly readjusted...then here's the perfect solution. Also, the Hunter Swing Joint is the simple way to adjust a hard-to-place sprinkler to its proper height and position in mere seconds. This versatile creation is available in two different versions - for new installations or for retrofits - and, with a simple twist of the wrist, either can install to virtually any position, making it the ideal option to add to sprays and rotors at any time. This is an innovative product you won't want to pass up!

One end of the swing joint screws into the bottom of the sprinkler head and the other end screws into the pipe fitting underground. The swing joint consists of a piece of flexible pipe with a swivel elbow on each end which allows the sprinkler head to be raised up or down and moved left or right to a perfect position and height. Therefore, it makes installing the sprinkler heads quick and easy, and in the perfect position. Moreover, it allows you to come back and quickly and easily raise or lower the head if the ground settles, you decide to add more mulch, or if a car or mower runs over it and moves it out of position. Since these Hunter Swing Joints are pre-made, installation of the  sprinkler heads is very quick and easy.

Swing Pipe Fittings and Pipe: This method of attaching the sprinkler head to the pipe results in a similar attachment as described above with Hunter Pre-Made Swing Joints, however, you need to manually put the swing joints together using the swing pipe and fittings. These swing joints do not have the swivel elbows on each end but do result in a lot of flexibility due to the flexible pipe used. The fittings are inserted into the ends of the flexible pipe.

 One end of the swing joint screws into the bottom of the sprinkler head and the other end screws into the pipe fitting underground. Allows the sprinkler head to be raised up or down and moved left or right to a perfect position and height. Therefore, it makes installing the sprinkler heads quick and easy, and in the perfect position. Moreover, it allows you to come back and quickly and easily raise or lower the head if the ground settles, you decide to add more mulch, or if a car or mower runs over it and moves it out of position.

PVC Swing Joints: This method of attaching the sprinkler head to the pipe results in a similar attachment as described above with Hunter Pre-Made Swing Joints, however, these PVC Swing Joints are only used on large rotors with a inlet of 3/4" or 1". Excellent for use under sprinkler heads anywhere high quality installation is required. Allows sprinkler height and angle to be adjusted, and protects under head piping against damage. O-ring seals provide leak-free joints, ideal for valve-in-head applications.

One end of the swing joint screws into the bottom of the sprinkler head and the other end screws into the pipe fitting underground. Allows the sprinkler head to be raised up or down and moved left or right to a perfect position and height. Therefore, it makes installing the sprinkler heads quick and easy, and in the perfect position. Moreover, it allows you to come back and quickly and easily raise or lower the head if the ground settles, you decide to add more mulch, or if a car or mower runs over it and moves it out of position. However, this is an expensive swing joint and is typically only used in commercial applications.

Cut-Off Nipples: This method is the oldest method of the three method described on this page. It requires you to connect the sprinkler head to the pipe using a non-flexible, straight piece of threaded nipple which you cut to the correct height. This Cut-Off Nipple is sometimes referred to as a riser. Made of durable poly plastic, these 6'' long nipples are handy because you can cut them off to the desired length. No need to purchase many different lengths. A great value because one nipple can provide 3 or more short ones. The flexible poly can act as a shock absorber if the head is jarred, preventing breaks in many cases. The drawback to using these cut-off nipples is that you have to measure and cut the nipple the right height and if you mess up you have to cut another one until you get it the right height. If you want to raise or lower the sprinkler head in the future, you will have to dig up the sprinkler head and remove the old nipple and cut another one the new height. However, these are less expensive than the swing joints.

To review irrigation and lawn sprinkler Swing Joints and Cut-Off Nipples
Click on a link below

Hunter Swing Joints	Swing Pipe Fittings	Swing Pipe
PVC Swing Joints	Cut-Off Nipples