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Problems With Garden Sprayers

Garden sprayers are a very effective tool to apply liquid herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers to the landscape. They come in many sizes and styles and are made by several manufacturers. They typically are plastic tanks that house 1 to 2 gallons of liquid solution and have a pump and hose attached to a trigger-operated wand with a specialized nozzle at the tip. They are usually pumped manually to pressurize the canister, but battery operated pump systems are also available. Pressing the wand's trigger then causes a fine spray to be released from the nozzle with force that makes it easy to cover large areas of foliage or turf. Unfortunately, repeated use, weather elements, chemical and other debris can cause a variety of problems with these handy sprayers. Cleaning the sprayer after every use according to the manufacturer's instructions helps avoid many problems with garden sprayers.
  1. Lack of Pressure

    • If, after pumping the sprayer, the spray has little or no pressure, first make sure all connections and gaskets are tight. If that does not help, the plunger cup (base of the pump cylinder) may need lubrication. Use petroleum jelly to lubricate the cup and the seal around it. Check for damage and replace if necessary. Check the information on the manufacturer's website for possible parts replacement. In cold climates, it is a good idea to lubricate rubber parts before winter to avoid drying and cracking.

    Uneven Spray

    • If the nozzle and/or wand connections are clogged with debris, an uneven pattern may result. Unscrew the nozzle and clean out openings with a toothpick. This problem usually occurs at the nozzle, but if the pattern is still uneven after cleaning the nozzle, remove the wand from the flow control, unscrew the components and remove any debris. Flush with water and reassemble.

    The Nozzle Leaks

    • A worn o-ring or debris can cause leaks from the nozzle. Unscrew the nozzle from the wand and replace the o-ring or clean out debris.

    Nothing Comes Out of the Nozzle

    • Make sure the siphon tube is firmly attached to the hose. If not, reinsert it. Also check for clogs. Flushing the siphon tube with water usually unclogs it easily. Some units may have a filter between the wand and the flow control trigger. If yours does, the filter may require cleaning or replacement.

    Spray Does Not Shut Off or Leaks

    • If the spray does not shut off or it leaks, this may indicate a problem with the o-rings on the wand and the shutoff valve. Clean or replace as needed. If there is still a problem, a replacement shutoff valve and wand will be needed.