Blu-Lock Swing-Joints for Your Sprinkler System Installation

Ever install a sprinkler head only to have it end up crooked or at the wrong height? Or maybe you've bumped one with the mower and snapped it off? Swing-joints are your solution, and with Blu-Lock fittings, they're easier than ever to build.

What's a Swing-Joint (and Why You Need One)

A swing-joint is a flexible connection between your irrigation pipe and sprinkler head. It replaces those rigid PVC risers that screw directly into your lateral line with pipe tape and thread into your sprinkler.

Think of a swing-joint as the adjustable neck that gives your sprinkler the perfect position and height while providing protection from damage.

Benefits of swing-joints:

• Perfect positioning – Easily make sprinkler head adjustments to height and angle
• Damage protection – If someone trips over a head or hits it with equipment, the swing-joint absorbs the impact
• Future flexibility – Need to make changes later? No problem!

Why Blu-Lock Fittings Make Swing-Joints a Breeze

Traditional swing-joints use spiral barb fittings with clamps, which often require heating the pipe with a torch just to get it over the fitting. Others use PVC with messy glue that needs time to cure.

Blu-Lock fittings are game-changers:

• Push-to-connect – Just push the pipe into the fitting and you're done
• No glue, no clamps – Clean installation without chemicals
• No torch needed – No more heating pipe to stretch it over barbs
• 50% faster installation – Get back to what matters sooner
• Instant pressure – No waiting for adhesives to dry
• Release and reuse – Made a mistake? Just disconnect and try again

What You'll Need

• Blu-Lock flexible pipe (1/2", 3/4", or 1" depending on your sprinkler inlet size)
• Blu-Lock fittings:
  • Elbows in your chosen size (typically 2)
  • Threaded Blu-lock adapter for your sprinkler head
  • Optional: Threaded Blu-Lock fittings if replacing an existing riser
• Pipe cutter or sharp utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Marker

Building Your Swing-Joint: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Size and Measure

First, check your sprinkler head's inlet size - it's typically 1/2", 3/4", or 1" - and select matching Blu-Lock pipe and fittings.

For a standard swing-joint, you'll need a piece of Blu-Lock pipe, about 6-8 inches long and 2-4 elbows:

1. Mark your measurements on the pipe
2. Make clean, straight cuts with your pipe cutter
3. Remove any burrs from the cut ends

Step 2: Connect Your First Elbow

If you're replacing an existing PVC riser:

1. Unscrew the old riser from your lateral line
2. Apply pipe tape to the threads of a threaded Blu-Lock adapter
3. Screw the adapter into your lateral line fitting
4. Push the Blu-Lock elbow onto the adapter until it clicks

If you're installing on Blu-Lock lateral lines:

1. Find where your lateral line comes up from the ground
2. Push the Blu-Lock elbow onto the pipe until it clicks
3. You'll feel the stainless steel teeth grip the pipe – that's the secure connection happening!

Step 3: Build the "Z" Pattern

1. Take your first piece of cut pipe and push it into the open end of the first elbow
2. Connect your second elbow to the other end of this pipe
3. Take your second piece of pipe and connect it to the second elbow
4. Attach your third elbow to the end of this pipe
5. Push your final piece of pipe into the third elbow

Step 4: Install a Sprinkler Head

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

Step 5: Test and Adjust

1. Run your system to check for leaks and make any sprinkler head adjustments
2. If anything needs tweaking, the beauty of Blu-Lock is you can rotate fittings after installation
3. Need a complete do-over? Use the removal feature to disconnect and start fresh

Pro Tips for Swing-Joint Success

• Pre-plan your layout – Think about sprinkler height and position before cutting
• Keep pipe lengths consistent – This helps with uniform sprinkler heights across your yard
• Leave a little slack – Extra flexibility helps protect against damage
• Mark your cut lines – Straight cuts mean better connections

Why Your Future Self Will Thank You

Let's be honest - swing-joints take longer to install than simply screwing a riser directly into your line. But they're worth every extra minute, and with Blu-Lock fittings, you'll still finish faster than with traditional barb fittings or PVC methods.

Here's why the small-time investment pays off:

• Sprinkler head not quite right? Adjust it in seconds
• Accidentally hit a head with the mower? It'll flex instead of breaking
• Want to upgrade to a different type of sprinkler? Easy swap!
• Need to adjust height as your lawn grows? Simple fixes without digging

With Blu-Lock's push-to-connect technology, you can be confident in your irrigation work even if this is your first DIY project. No special tools required, no chemicals to mess with, and no waiting around for glue to dry.

Go ahead – take control of your sprinkler system installation and impress yourself with professional-quality results!