Tips On Using Rain Bird Funny/Swing Pipe

[@kathymintexas1556]

13 years later and this video is still relevant. What a great solution to move a sprinkler head over a foot or two. Thank you!

[@Iscaper]

Thanks for watching!

[@Iscaper]

Be sure to get Rain Bird barbed adapters. I bought some cheaper after market barbed adapters and had the same trouble, the funny pipe kept blowing off. After looking at the barbs, the after market ones didn't have quite as aggressive barbs as the Rain Bird ones did. I had to get rid of the whole bag of after market barb adapters because I couldn't trust them.

[@wormy2780]

I usually lay a piece of cardboard on the grass and as I dig I put the dirt on it. when I go to fill the hole back in its very easy, the dirt doesn't end up on top of the grass, the lawn looks neater and the hole is filled up perfectly (not Under filled because it's in the grass still).

[@thetimberstd8307]

I use a plastic trash bag to do the same thing. Easier to pack around. Nice suggestion!

[@lonesomeonrymean9216]

Oh my gosh, I’m such an idiot. Thanks for the tip guys.

[@Iscaper]

Good question. The main reason I don't install at 3 o'clock & 9 o'clock is twofold. The first is ease of installation, the funny pipe adapter is easier to install if the tee is pointing up. The second reason is debris, it much easier to keep the fitting & funny pipe adapter clean if your installing on the top of the pipe instead of the side. The only time I would install on the side of the pipe is if the piping is very shallow & breaking the adapter by installing on the top is a possibility.

[@csaiz8847]

Thank you for sharing. Next time I come across a sprinkler head needing a riser or moved over a bit I will be using this. Thank you again.

[@Iscaper]

You'll love funny pipe. Thanks for watching.

[@Iscaper]

I'm not sure if you can get Rain Bird SPX-FLEX at the home box stores. I get mine at a Rain Bird supplier. I'll check at Home Depot the next time I go in.

[@Rkread54]

LIke the funny pipe. I have used the flexible "blue" tubes before and they work out pretty good, but having watched this I would probably do the funny pipe over the flex pipe. This is a lot more stable I believe and more durable. Thanks Kerry. Great help on all your videos.

[@Iscaper]

+RK Read Thanks, your feedback is appreciated.

[@Iscaper]

All of the Rain Bird nozzles I use are MPR.

[@lewisgottschalk2178]

I cannot get my 1/2" funny pipe on my 1/2" barbed elbow fittings without first I having to use a heat gun to soften the funny pipe. A problem I had for one of the fittings was a leak, which I wonder if this was caused by the heat deforming the funny pipe at the connection. Would the smaller 3/8" barbed adapters be better to use than the 1/2" size for 1/2" funny pipe?

[@Iscaper]

I would try Rain Bird funny pipe (SPXFLEX) and Rain Bird barb adapters (SBE-050). I've never had trouble using Rain Bird products. Here's a link: www.rainbird.com/products/spx-series-swing-pipe

[@tibbyriggs]

when I have trouble getting pipe on a barbed fitting, I bring a cup of very hot water, dip the pipe in the water for a few moments and then it goes on. I'm 70 years old and not as strong as I once was

[@unfocuseddad]

Thanks! The ones I've had were ill-fitting so I didn't recognize them on your hands. I accidentally broke the angled adapter thingie that's connected to the PVC pipe while trying to remove a buried sprinkler head. Now I have to dig down to get to the pipe to replace it. Tough job to do cleanly because there are tree roots all around the area. Anyway, thanks for the video!

[@johnkosheluk1041]

Hi kerry i learn a lot from watching your vidos i have a question i saw a prev video of u fixing that pvc and i was wondering y u did not put the pvct on with the side that the funney pipe b elbo facing at 3 o clock so when u use the f pipe u wont take the chance of it being broken becouse of it being at 12 o clock

[@MPMCFBC]

So well done! thanks for making it so easy to follow!

[@Iscaper]

Thanks for watching!

[@Iscaper]

Tree roots always make the repair a lot harder. Good luck.

[@ohprash]

In terms of how long the funny pipe will last compared to pvc in term of durability? There can be kinks and significant chance of funny pipe corrosion and damage compared to PVC? I am redoing my sprinkler and not sure if this is better option for long term

[@Iscaper]

I've been using Rain Bird funny pipe for years with no problems of it degrading.

[@Haas1112]

Thanks for this video. A friend of mine told me that she and her husband used funny pipe to easily move sprinklers but I needed to "see" it done. My husband and I have several sprinklers we need to move and a few to add so this should do the trick. Are there splitters or T's for funny pipe connections?

[@Iscaper]

Yes, the Rain Bird part is SB-TEE. Here's a link: www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/rain-bird-swing-pipe-tee-1-2-in-barb-sb-tee?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsqmEBhDiARIsANV8H3YElKV-N9ee64zL8mIeZBdBtJtXS0X55Df3RnFyeIRbC-1UVsdIC9gaAiw1EALw_wcB Careful not to add too many heads to the funny pipe because it will only deliver 5-6 gpm (gallons per minute).

[@Tupelo777]

Is the funny pipe 1/2"? Also how close or far away do you try to place sprinkler heads from sidewalks, edging, etc?

[@Iscaper]

Yes funny pipe is 1/2". I try to place sprinkler heads 1/2"-1" away from sidewalk edges so they don't get damaged with a lawn edger.

[@Tupelo777]

@@Iscaper Thank you so much for the reply. Great info. I'm almost ready to start digging.

[@rickfrancinemackinzie6942]

Just what I needed to see ... time saver all round. thanks!

[@progression_decibel]

I recently found out the hard way how deep my funny pipe to a sprinkler head was while removing some tree roots and accidentally severed the pipe with a hatchet. I have a Hunter i20 rotor sprinkler going to the broken funny pipe. Will I be in for a headache trying to follow the funny pipe for dozens of feet or do these pipes not go very far off the main PVC trunk for the zone? Also can I reuse the angled Barb fitting attached to the PVC line or no? Was gonna goto the store and get new funny pipe another angle barb and replacement rotor (it was on its way out too). Thanks!!

[@Iscaper]

I've seen runs of funny pipe up to 20 feet. You can buy a coupling (Rain Bird SBCU) to repair cuts in the pipe.

[@progression_decibel]

@@Iscaper Thank you, that sounds like a more manageable solution than digging up 20 potential feet of ground lol. Was in Home Depot and bought a Rain Bird 1/2” straight barbed coupler and a piece of funny pipe… I was going to cut off the existing pipe after the severed point and connect the Barb and new funny pipe piece for the small run to the rotor… would that work as well or should I get that actual coupler you mentioned? If I look that part number up it references an entire drip kit?

[@Iscaper]

@@progression_decibel Sorry, looks like they've changed the part number. Two couplings and a piece of funny pipe should work. Here's a link: www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/rain-bird-swing-pipe-coupling-1-2-in-barb-sb-cplng?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw84anBhCtARIsAISI-xfkHiDQhb1ErhVKRj8YMSp1BELH-GRDXVahu5bbL_jfCtBzCbyoc2oaAosGEALw_wcB

[@progression_decibel]

@@Iscaper looks like I may need to return some items? - I forgot to mention earlier the damaged pipe is black Poly (I think it's 1/2" or 3/4" I have to cut it out and measure yet) and the new pipe I got at Home Depot is rubber. Is it ok to join poly to rubber or should I return the rubber piece and go source out poly? Again for clarity, the damaged spot in the poly funny pipe is about 2ft away from the rotor sprinkler - I was going to dig up the rotor and piping up to that point, and reattach all new pipe and rotor, leaving the rest of the poly back to the lateral line intact. Thanks again for all your help.

[@Iscaper]

@@progression_decibel Good plan.

[@richardc2803]

great video..my barbed funny pipe connector keeps slipping off the funny pipe when I turn on the sprinkler. Not sure what I can do about that. I'm going to the store to get more barbed connectors..perhaps I got a bad one that doesn't bite into the funny pipe right?

[@MRrwmac]

Kerry, The funny pipe and barbed fittings seem versatile and easy enough to install. But what if, for some weird reason, the pressure got really high? Wouldn’t that possibly pop the hose off the barn? I only ask because I may install a sprinkler system myself and wouldn’t want any problems to arise below ground. Thank you again for all the great videos!

[@Iscaper]

Never had trouble with Rain Bird funny pipe and barbs. I have had trouble with aftermarket barbs and high pressure. Buy Rain Bird funny pipe and barbs and be sure to push the funny pipe past the last barb when installing.

[@strumpeteer]

Are these barbs and funny pipe available at the local home box store? A kit perhaps? Thanks for a great video.

[@Iscaper]

Thanks for watching.

[@dzjc01]

Great video! Question for you though. Where did you purchase your funny pipe from? I've been looking for funny pipe like you're using here, but all I can find is the hard plastic pipe, and it's really hard to work with.

[@Iscaper]

Most sprinkler supply stores carry funny (swing) pipe. Here's an online link: www.rainbird.com/products/spx-series-swing-pipe

[@dzjc01]

Thanks!

[@Dicofol1]

Can you reuse a funny pipe or a barb fitting ? Is the pipe easy to remove from the fitting or you must cut it off ?

[@Iscaper]

You can reuse funny pipe and barbs. Just cut a slit in the pipe where it goes over the barb to remove. Careful not to damage the ridges in the barb with your knife.

[@tilu3303]

Funny pipe looks really flexible, so i wonder how crush resistant it is from people over heavy equipment standing on it. Seems like it shouldnt be used to cover great horizontal distances, but I've never used it so I don't know.

[@Iscaper]

I've used funny pipe for years and never had a problem with it being crushed. You're more likely to have the sprinkler head or zone piping being damaged than the funny pipe. Funny pipe will only deliver around 6 gpm (gallons per minute) so runs of more than 20' should be avoided.

[@Tupelo777]

I read that a railbird 5000 was too big for use with the funny pipe(Jess Stryker). I hope this is debatable. Do you have an opinion on this?

[@Iscaper]

I've used the Rain Bird 5004 rotor for years. It's a great sprinkler head for bigger turf areas. 1/2" funny pipe will deliver 5-6gpm (gallons per minute) in flow. The nozzle tree for the 5004 has 12 nozzles from 1.0gpm - 8.0gpm. The only nozzle in the tree that wouldn't work with funny pipe is the 8.0gpm nozzle.

[@amoswilliams9309]

I have used half inch funny pipe with rainbird 5000 heads. All it takes is rainbird barbed x 3/4in mnpt flex pipe elbow. Pretty decent output.

[@Tupelo777]

The knowledge and confidence you have given me has been a godsend. One thing I must have overlooked in your tutorials is that the barbed fittings screw on to the funny pipe. Once I figured that out it was smooth sailing. That funny pipe was really hard to push on to the barbed end.

[@johnkosheluk1041]

Kerry how do you pervert sprinkler heads from leaning over after time of install

[@Iscaper]

I try to "pack" dirt around the head at the time of installation.

[@johnkosheluk1041]

Hi Kerry do u know if u can get check valves 4 the 3504 roters my dis sed know h have had jobs were I needed a check valve

[@Iscaper]

john Kosheluk What is it you want the check valve to do?

[@johnkosheluk1041]

Stop low head dreanige

[@Iscaper]

john Kosheluk You want to buy the heads with the SAM (Seal-A-Matic) feature. This should stop the drainage problem with the low heads on a zone. So a 3500 series with this feature would be a 3504-PC-SAM.

[@saborguerito]

Will the smaller diameter pipe affect the pressure and/or throw of the water?

[@Iscaper]

It affects the flow. You can get around 5 gpm (gallons per minute) through the pipe.

[@johnkosheluk1041]

Hi kerry i just purched a case of rb3504.and rb5004 rotors 4 250 i think i am going 2 b using those rotors as my primery rotors thanks 2 your advise i have a q u replayed 2 me about that water hamer problum i replayed 2 u i dont know if u got it but the valve is on z 4 out of 6 u sed that the thump could not b water hamer i could sure use your info on it please have a good day

[@Iscaper]

Hi John. I replied to your question about the water hammer on another comment page. I'm in Kenya working on a water system so my internet is spotty at best and nonexistent at other times, so I apologize for delayed responses. Is your problem valve bumping on and off? If so it could be the solenoid or possibly even the pump sucking air. But if it only happens on the zone 4 valve then I would look at that valve as the problem.

[@unfocuseddad]

What kind of gloves are those? Can I get a pair at Home Depot or Lowes?

[@wstt4]

How do you attach the funny pipe so easily to the connection? I find it impossible to get the pipe on, especially if it needs to be screwed into the PVC connection before attaching the funny pipe.

[@Iscaper]

Get the funny pipe started on the barb then lift up and down on the pipe as you're pushing it onto the barb.

[@sandramitchell5248]

Does funny pipe come in different sizes?

[@Iscaper]

I've only seen it in 1/2".

[@sandramitchell5248]

@@Iscaper Thank you!

[@Proc3000]

Man thanks for the video, you just made my life MUCH easier since my existing pipe is only 3 inches below as well. My system is 30 years old (original to my house I bought and the corners are odd where there are 180's in the middle and I'd rather have 90's in the corners for better coverage. Your video just showed me I don't have to dig 7 inch trenches to get where I want. Just at the head. And I don't have to re-pipe. Now I can use better rotor sprinklers instead of spray heads.

[@waynedameron630]

Super job-just the video I was looking for!

[@Iscaper]

Thanks for watching.

[@ZishPOE]

Kerry, I'm planning on doing a low-budget DIY sprinkler system using PVC and funny pipe and I've found your channel to be incredibly informative and helpful. Keep up the great job, awesome videos! Do you use teflon tape on your funny pipe elbow connections?

[@Iscaper]

Thanks and good luck. I usually don't use teflon paste or tape on the funny pipe fittings.

[@ZishPOE]

I'm installing my system to run off my backyard hose bib, but I found when I used funny pipe to branch off the PVC to my heads, there was not sufficient water flow to pop the heads up. I took off the funny pipe and installed the heads directly onto the PVC with risers, and they worked that way. I think my outside water flow is too low (it's at 50 PSI) to use funny pipe. Have you ever encountered a situation where funny pipe resulted in sprinkler heads not getting enough flow to pop up? (I'm using a hose-to-PVC main line with Rain Bird 32SA heads, and I have 2 different lines with 3 heads on each.) Appreciate any thoughts.

[@Iscaper]

Remember that you can only use the amount of flow available for the heads. Funny pipe will only deliver around 5 gpm (gallons per minute). Your pressure seems fine at 50 psi. If you're using three 32sa heads the total usage of the heads should not exceed 5 gpm. If you use 1.0 or 1.5 gpm nozzles then the heads should work on funny pipe. 2.0 gpm nozzles would over tax what the funny pipe can deliver. If you feed the heads with 3/4" PVC pipe then you could use bigger nozzles on the heads because the 3/4" pipe will deliver more flow (9-12 gpm). This is assuming your hose bib is 3/4" and connected to a 3/4" supply.

[@goldbond197666]

you ever use mpr nozzles?

[@timmyhendero3373]

Great video Just saved me a headache, going to try

[@maddogpopp]

no heating the funnypipe with torch?

[@Iscaper]

No, just push the funny pipe onto the barb adapter.

[@ricardomartinez1208]

the one thing i would recommend is to lay the pvc threaded piece on it's side so in case anyone puts any sort of weight on it, it won't snap or crack

[@Iscaper]

Good option also. I like the barb adapter on top because it easier to keep dirt out of the fitting when doing repairs.

[@TheLarryBrown]

1:45 Flexible pipe elbow #1 is about buried 1" or less and is creating a pressure point sticking right up towards foot/vehicle traffic. Assuming that's a concrete drive way, it's likely to get run over by a car. That's not deep enough for my taste.

[@Iscaper]

Thanks for the information.

[@Iscaper]

Brown Jersey gloves. Very cheap. I have bought them at Home Depot.

[@Iscaper]

Thanks, I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@wilcat375]

Like your style !

[@nicktorres9416]

It's best to cut/use the least amount of funny pipe for when a break occurs anywhere else on the line and any dirt or debris gets caught in the line it will surely clogged and need to be flushed

[@waynegranzin3824]

is there a reason that you use barbed instead of compression fittings? ive always heard compression fittings were more reliable...? ive set up a drip system for my front beds. i have to lay a quasi-curve under a narrow pathway and would like to avoid the hassle of pvc. will funny pipe with compression fittings hold up over time?

[@Iscaper]

I prefer the barbed fittings over compression fittings for funny pipe. For me it's faster and easier to shove the funny pipe onto a barb than into a compression fitting. I've never had funny pipe blow off a Rain Bird barb fitting. Watch out for after market barb fittings, I've had funny pipe blow off them. Also, I've had funny pipe and fittings installed for over 20 years with no problems so far.

[@Proc3000]

Probably gonna use the rain bird mini rotors since my yard is small.

[@garya2223]

What brand of funny pipe is that?

[@Iscaper]

Rain Bird.

[@martinvelarde3714]

Thank you great video.

[@jgrub]

VERY informative! Thanks!

[@strumpeteer]

Thanks for the reply. I just checked HomeDepot over the weekend and they have funny pipe assembly kits (6" pipe, with elbows on each end) by Toro and Rainbird for 2 bucks a piece. Of the two, the Rainbird has a better quality pipe.

[@phjohnso]

How come you don't use hose clams on the funny pipe, I always have, am I wasting my time money, and energy???

[@Iscaper]

+Phjohnso jonestown Funny pipe doesn't need clamps, you just shove the funny pipe on the barb adapter and you're done. I have had trouble with the funny pipe blowing off aftermarket barb adapters, so be sure to buy Rain Bird barb adapters.

[@titusgarrett69]

try military grade cable ties instead if you want the extra hold (easy and quick), but the barb should hold just fine

[@jvcyt298]

out with the old, in with the new, funny pipe is awesome, no joke.

[@jimdavidson5208]

If you remove all the 90 degree fittings you will have a lot more water volume and pressure. Try using a straight barb with your fun pipe.

[@Iscaper]

The funny pipe will deliver around 5gpm to the sprinkler head and this particular rotor will only use 1.5gpm, so I have plenty of flow available to this sprinkler head.

[@farmerbob339]

Shouldn't the sprinkler go on the other side of the angled pipe? Seems a little far in . . . Not going to clap those connections? I'd go nutz just knowing that they were that way!!

[@wzystkocokham7333]

Thanks for the Great fix it for a DIY like me!

[@Iscaper]

Thanks for watching.

[@wzystkocokham7333]

Professionals (Like You) reflect a Positive Image for your skills and you willingly share knowledge knowing this pays dividends with referrals and the eternal "Where did you learn that?" From chaos to organization! TY Again!

[@Iscaper]

Wzystko Cokham I'm self taught, I learned a lot from trial and error.

[@wzystkocokham7333]

Yea...I built a Wall that way once!....LOL

[@saarc3]

video not working.

[@markmiller2901]

works fine for a single head, but it won't work well at all if you add a 2nd one.

[@Iscaper]

Good point. You can add another head if both heads use under 5-6gpm (gallons per minute).

[@snatale4571]

PVC 3" down! hello aerator!

[@Iscaper]

+S Natale Good point, hopefully the homeowners are careful if they aerate.

[@e50]

Is funny pipe also called "SPX-FLEX" ?

[@Iscaper]

Yes.

[@e50]

Thanks! Here in Germany when you type in "funny pipe" on amazon, nothing comes up. So, thanks again!

[@thetimberstd8307]

Swing pipe?

[@donhgr]

Who in the heck puts sprinkler pipe that shallow

[@Iscaper]

Probably some sprinkler contractor that wanted to save money on installation.

[@jacobknapp2710]

your T should have been glued facing the side not facing up.

[@josephcarpenter9857]

Unstable, crazy to fix when it breaks.... stupid !

[@Iscaper]

I disagree. Funny pipe is easy to install and easy to repair.

[@shawnwieber2564]

You want to use flex pipe if you got commercial mowers going over and they hit the sprinklers they won't break the pipe

[@valquiriasilva8721]

tudo bom dia de hoje vou na academia e a professora do que é pra você e o que 😧 o que é pra você e o meu pai e a professora de matemática que 😐 o dia que eu não sei 🤷🏻‍♀️ é uma pessoa 🧒 de que o que é pra você e sua filha é o meu marido pra mim por aqui tudo ótimo 👍🏻 e a professora de inglês e não tem problema nenhum não tem que 😐 o que 😨 não vou conseguir chegar em casa 🏠 e não tem que 😐 o dia todo dia de semana abençoado pra todos vocês tem um dia de trabalho de vocês estão na minha vida e que eu estou com saudade da de um médico 👨‍⚕️ de um 😐

[@valquiriasilva8721]

Hard to get to a

[@jimdavidson5208]

FREEZE ALERT!

[@jayc4715]

Tf is "funny pipe"?

[@RoseGold823]

The simplest way to use funny pipe is to not. Nothing funny about funny pipe as they say.

[@defiantlion231]

They are actually called swing pipe or common flex pipe. Not sure where funny originated from.

[@tiburciochargers2882]

You din't comect it

[@Iscaper]

I did at 2:37 and 3:04.