When installing a professional irrigation system, one detail that separates a long-lasting, reliable setup from one prone to breakage is the use of swing pipe (also called flex pipe or funny pipe). More than just a convenience, swing pipe offers protection, adjustability, and durability that rigid piping systems can’t match. In fact, some jurisdictions legally require swing pipe or swing joints in certain installations due to their practical benefits.
Let’s break down why swing pipe should be the standard for any serious irrigation project.
What Is a Swing Pipe Setup?
A swing pipe is a flexible, corrugated polyethylene pipe that connects the sprinkler head to the main lateral water line. Instead of attaching the sprinkler directly to rigid PVC, the swing pipe creates a movable joint that can absorb shocks and adjust for positioning.
Why Use Swing Pipe?
1. Impact Protection
Lawnmowers, foot traffic, and even vehicles are common causes of broken sprinkler heads. The swing pipe acts like a shock absorber, bending and flexing under pressure or impact rather than cracking. This greatly extends the life of your irrigation heads and minimizes maintenance costs.
2. Easier Head Positioning
Swing pipe gives installers the ability to precisely place the sprinkler head, even in challenging terrain like sloped ground, compacted soil, or around hardscapes such as sidewalks and patios. With a rigid setup, this kind of precision is difficult — and expensive — to achieve.
3. Flexibility in Tight or Awkward Areas
Not all landscapes are open fields. Many have tight spots, retaining walls, terraces, or garden beds that require creative head placement. Swing joints allow for easier access and maneuverability, especially during repairs or retrofitting.
4. Simpler Installation
According to irrigation supply experts like Drip Depot, swing pipe can actually reduce the number of tools needed during installation, make trenching less precise, and simplify height adjustments — saving both time and labor.
Legal Requirements: North Carolina Example
In some states, using swing pipe isn’t just best practice — it’s required by law. In North Carolina, for instance, the North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board outlines in its Best Management Practices that:
“Swing joints or flexible pipe (i.e., ‘funny pipe’) shall be used to connect sprinklers to laterals to allow for head adjustment and movement.”
— NCICLB Best Management Practices, p. 14 (source PDF)
This rule recognizes the industry consensus: rigid connections are more vulnerable and harder to maintain. By mandating swing joints, states like North Carolina are reducing unnecessary water waste and system failures caused by broken or misaligned heads.
Conclusion: Make It Standard Practice
Even where it’s not required by law, installing swing pipe is one of the smartest decisions you can make for a reliable, durable irrigation system. It’s a small investment that pays for itself in fewer repairs, easier adjustments, and longer equipment life.
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a homeowner planning an install, using swing pipe is not just a good idea — it’s the right way to build. And in many places, it’s the only legal way to do it.