Push-in PVC joints for irrigation pipes

Having a home irrigation or sprinkler system can be a timesaver – until there’s a problem with a pipe. In the past, repairing or installing a PVC irrigation pipe required messy glue to make watertight connections. Thankfully, a new plumbing product has been introduced that makes this process much quicker, easier, and cleaner – the push-fit fitting.The main advantage of push-fit fittings is how they attach to the pipe. As the name implies, all you have to do is push the fitting on the end of the pipe. And with that, you have an instant connection. How is that possible? Inside the fitting are tiny barbs that grab and hold on to the surface of the pipe when it’s pushed on. 

Since the barbs go in one direction, they don’t allow the pipe to be pulled back out. Also, inside the fitting is a rubber O-ring that creates a watertight seal around the pipe.Another benefit of push-fit fittings is that unlike solvent fittings, they can be inserted on a pipe in wet conditions. This comes in handy if you’re repairing a leaky pipe or need to quickly cap a pipe. We should note that you still want to shut off the water supply when installing a push-fit fitting but you won’t have to spend time making sure the surface is 100% dry like you would if using glue.Finally, push-fit fittings can be used to join PVC, copper, and other types of plumbing pipes. So you can use them in many different circumstances and mixed materials.

Because of the one-way nature of push-fit fittings, once you push it on the pipe you won’t be able to pull it off. If for some reason you need to remove the fitting, you will need to cut off the end of the pipe. So you want to make sure you have everything measured correctly before inserting a push-fit fittingWhile convenient, push-fit fittings can also be more expensive than traditional glued fittings. 

This might not be an issue for a quick repair but something to keep in mind if you’re replacing a large section of an irrigation system and will need multiple fittings.Finally, it’s important to pay attention to the PSI and water temperature specifications of PVC push-fit fittings. Otherwise, you may end up with a fitting that’s not strong enough for the job, which will cause it to fail and leak.Push-fit fittings have become very popular for irrigation systems, especially with DIY homeowners. If you need to make a quick fix and don’t want to mess around with gooey solvents, then these types of fittings can be an excellent choice.