If you’re looking to maximise your sprinkler system’s performance, an articulated riser or swing arm is one of the most important tools to consider. Low in price and easy to install, there are far more benefits to articulated risers than you might be aware.
Need to boost your irrigation system’s functionality, or feel that your current sprinklers aren’t up to scratch? Pipe risers for sprinklers may be the perfect solution for you.
So, what are the key benefits of installing articulated risers?
An articulated riser (or swing arm) allows for movement and adjustment of a sprinkler, shifting it up or down in a matter of seconds. Installing articulated risers ensures you get maximum flexibility from your sprinkler system without trenching or running new pipe.
With proper and correct installation, you’re able to avoid water waste through poorly placed sprinkler heads and protect your sprinkler heads from costly damage. Articulated risers may only be a small component of your backyard irrigation system, but thinking ahead and adding this little gadget can save a lot of hard work later down the track.
And we’re just getting started on all the benefits an articulated riser or swing arm can bring – keep reading to find out more!
Table of Contents
What is a Sprinkler Riser?
An irrigation riser is the component that connects a sprinkler head to the lateral pipe below. Standard risers come in fixed lengths, so getting the correct riser is crucial to ensuring your sprinkler head sits at the right height.
Sprinkler heads need to sit above the ground, at an ideal height for uninterrupted water flow and even coverage. The placement of sprinklers is crucial to effective watering, and even pop-up sprinklers need to be nested at the right height to work correctly. With a standard riser, sprinkler heads’ location is fixed, and even small changes in sprinkler placement involve digging up the lateral line and replacing entire sections of pipe.
The other purpose of any riser is to protect the sprinkler from potential damage – in the case of a lawn mower collision or any other accident, risers are much cheaper and easier to replace than sprinkler heads or pipe fittings.
What Is an Articulated Riser?
Articulated risers are also known as swing arms and are used most often with pop-up lawn sprinklers. This sprinkler riser allows for built-in flexibility in your sprinkler installation, allowing for the sprinkler placement to be adjusted in a minimally invasive and hassle-free way.
Articulated risers or swing risers are divided into two basic types: flexible arm swing risers and rigid arm swing risers. The flexible arm swing riser is best for residential or light commercial applications. This variety is relatively cheap and easy to install but is not as durable as the rigid arm articulated risers, so may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications.
The rigid arm swing riser, on the other hand, is the standard riser for rotor heads, typically used in large parks and golf courses. Standard articulated risers aren’t strong enough to support rotor sprinklers’ mechanical motion, so these commercial irrigation set-ups require different risers.
Rigid arm swing risers are available in three varieties based on the number of joints: the double swing riser, triple swing riser, and quadruple swing riser. Additional joints add greater flexibility in the direction and angle when making adjustments.
The riser type you use for your sprinkler is an important decision and something that needs to be thought about thoroughly when designing an irrigation system. Over the years, the right choice of riser can save you a lot of money, time and effort. If you want to allow yourself built-in flexibility, an articulated riser is the best option for you.
One of the best articulated risers for sprinklers in Australia is the Hunter swing joint articulated riser, available in a range of sizes. With high UV-resistance, these articulated risers are a great value addition to your home or commercial irrigation system.
Pros and Cons of Articulated Risers
Although the benefits may outnumber the downsides, it is still important to discuss both when weighing up your options. Even if you’re already sold on the benefits of articulated risers, being aware of the possible disadvantages can prepare you to handle any issues you encounter.
Here are some of the pros and cons of articulated risers.
Pros Of Articulated Risers
- Easy and fast installation: Deep trenching for your lawn sprinklers isn’t necessary since articulated risers can be installed closer to the surface, about 100mm – 200mm.
- Easy adjustment: Allows for easy adjustment and total customisation of the pop-up sprinkler head, ensuring that the top of the sprinkler is level with the ground and below the grass height.
- Doesn’t require thread tape: The double-elbow end of the riser threads into the bottom of the pop-up sprinkler and the single-elbow end threads into a female threaded tee or elbow.
- Protects the sprinkler from damage: Precise sprinkler adjustment ensures that the sprinkler is never too low or too high, avoiding a trip hazard or costly damage from your lawn mower.
- Flexible sprinkler placement: Sprinkler height or placement can be adjusted to accommodate any nearby obstacles, including any changes in your landscaping that occur over the life of your irrigation system.
- Adaptable for retrofitting: Using an articulated riser gives you greater flexibility when retrofitting new sprinklers – for instance, allowing you to install a taller pop-up sprinkler if your pipes are buried in shallow trenches.
- Sprinkler height is easily adjusted: The sprinkler height can easily be raised or lowered and the sprinkler head moved without needing to dig up the lateral pipes – for instance, when the grass is top-dressed or if the soil sinks.
- Low labour investment: When following proper instructions, installing articulated risers doesn’t require specialised tools or a professional irrigation contractor (though you always have the option of hiring an expert).
Cons Of Articulated Risers
- More expensive option: When first installing your sprinkler system, articulated or swing risers are more costly to purchase than standard risers. Therefore, the upfront cost is higher and the expense can add up, especially if you have a large number of sprinkler heads.
- Risk of damage when adjusting: Damage is usually avoidable, but is still a possibility, especially if it’s done incorrectly. Attempting to retrofit swing arm risers incorrectly can also damage the lateral pipe and lead to more costly repairs.
Can I Use Articulated Risers With My Sprinklers?
There are a few key questions to consider when it comes to compatibility of articulated risers.
Generally, articulated risers are used for pop-up sprinkler installations when using PVC or poly pipe.
Pop up sprinklers are installed below the lawn’s surface, staying out of sight when the sprinklers aren’t in operation. Pop up sprinklers are popular for aesthetic reasons, as well as avoiding trip hazards and potential collisions when mowing the grass.
Using swing arm risers with pop-up sprinklers lets you reap the full range of benefits and avoid pop-up sprinklers’ common pitfalls. Prone to damage if the sprinkler heads’ height is a poor fit, using a swing arm or articulated sprinkler riser solves these common pop up sprinkler problems.
Articulated risers can also be used with other kinds of sprinkler heads and irrigation emitters, including above-ground shrub style sprinklers and sprayers. This can be a great option allowing for adjustment of the emitter head as your landscaping arrangement changes.
Compatibility Of Articulated Risers: What Kind Of Riser Is Best For My Sprinkler Head?
Sprinkler heads are grouped into two types according to the method they use to distribute water: spray type sprinklers and rotor type sprinklers. You’ll need to get the right kind of articulated riser for your sprinkler system, ensuring the size and function is compatible.
There are few things to consider when choosing the right articulated riser:
- Physical size: the size of both the riser and sprinkler can vary, and you’ll need them to thread together securely. The correct size will depend on your irrigation system’s overall capacity and size of the irrigation pipe you’re using.
- Flow rate: you’ll need to calculate the water outlet’s flow rate, something you can do yourself (with a flow meter or the classic ‘bucket test’) or with a professional’s assistance.
- Depth of the trench: the height of the sprinkler and depth of your lateral pipe needs to suit the articulated riser you choose. The trench dug for your lateral pipeline must be at least an inch deeper than the height of the sprinkler head, so ensure you choose all your components before you get started with the trenching and installation.
How To Install Articulated Risers
The common ½” or 15 mm articulated riser consists of a 15mm x 150mm poly riser with thread on both ends. On one end, you attach a 15mm male/female poly threaded elbow, while on the other end, you connect two 15mm male/female poly threaded elbows, both to each other.
After planning and preparing the right equipment, correctly measuring everything and getting the right size, installing the swing arm comes next. The articulated riser can be connected to the lateral pipe with the T facing in the upward direction or with the T facing sideways.
The difference between the two options is that the former allows you to retrofit articulated risers to the existing pipe with ease. However, when installing articulated risers in a brand-new irrigation system, the T junction is most often installed horizontally, providing extra protection from lawn mower or foot damage.
After deciding how to position the T, connect the poly riser to the other end of the elbow, then attach the end with the elbow where the pop-up riser is screwed. Attach the assembled riser to the pipe and try adjusting the riser, making sure you’re getting the right range of movement for your scenario.
This can sound confusing at first, but ultimately, installing an articulated riser is a relatively stress-free process. Video tutorials can make the steps and positions of parts clearer, providing a great visual guide for DIY riser installation.
You also have the option to have your risers installed by an irrigation professional. Whether you’re setting up your sprinkler system for the first time or retrofitting articulated risers, consulting an expert can help to ensure it’s all done correctly.
How To Adjust Articulated Risers
The articulated riser can easily be adjusted by simply manoeuvring the joints into the desired position. If your articulated risers are installed under the lawn surface, there will be a little bit of digging involved, but as the riser is installed close to the surface, it’s nowhere near as inconvenient as digging up the entire lateral pipe.
Related Questions:
What Types of Sprinkler Risers Are There?
The most common types of sprinkler riser found in most irrigation supply stores are the simple pipe risers, such as the Hunter swing joint. Also known as pipe nipples, and flexible risers, simple pipe risers include poly cut-off risers which are made of soft material and cut to the correct length. Flexible risers are made of the same material as electrical cable protectors, with a length of vinyl tubing inside it.
Do Sprinkler Risers Need Teflon Tape?
It depends on the material of your sprinkler riser. Some sprinkler risers do need some standard Teflon tape. The Teflon tape seals the riser’s thread to prevent leaks around the inlet threads. It also provides a long- standing lubricant for when it needs to be removed for maintenance. When it comes to swing arm risers, both ends are already threaded, and Teflon tape or thread tape is unnecessary.
Disclaimer:
This article is published for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. Always ensure you have the right qualifications and certifications to carry out DIY work and never put your safety at risk. Hills Irrigation recommends consulting a professional for all electrical and plumbing work.
Vince is Managing Director of Hills Irrigation and is supported by Lisa in an administrative capacity. Andrew, Isaac and Megan look after the day to day needs of both online and shop customers. As Project Manager, Vince is also responsible for installation projects along with his team. It is his responsibility to work closely with clients to ensure that scope of work is understood and followed.
