How to use and look after a pump up sprayer
A good pump up sprayer can last for years. Most failures come from a few habits: leaving it under pressure, putting the wrong chemical in it, and skipping the rinse. This guide covers how to use one safely, how to look after it, and what to check when it won't spray.
Before you start
Check the sprayer suits the chemical. The seals inside decide what a sprayer can handle. A sprayer made for brake cleaner isn't made for acid or alkaline chemicals. Use our chemical guide if you aren't sure.
Read the chemical label. Mix to the dilution it gives and wear the protective gear it calls for.
How to use it
- Release any pressure before you open the tank. Most sprayers have a pressure release valve. Otherwise, loosen the pump slowly, pointing it away from you, and wear eye protection.
- Fill to the fill line, never to the top. The air space above the liquid is what holds the pressure.
- Screw the pump in firmly and check the seal is seated.
- Pump until it gets firm. Don't keep going past the point the maker recommends. Larger sprayers with a gauge show you when to stop. Some also have a safety valve that lets off extra pressure.
- Spray. Hold the nozzle a short distance from the surface and work in even passes. Twist the nozzle, if it adjusts, to change from a jet to a cone.
- Top up the pressure with a few pumps when the spray weakens.
- Release the pressure when you've finished, even if you'll use it again soon.
After each use
- Release the pressure.
- Use up any leftover chemical, or dispose of it as the label says.
- Rinse the tank, then spray some clean rinse liquid through the nozzle to clear the lines. Use clean water for water based products. For oils and solvents, follow the chemical label.
- Store the sprayer empty, unpressurised, out of the sun and away from frost.
- Keep one sprayer for each chemical family and label it, so different chemicals never mix.
Sprayer won't spray? Check these
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing comes out, but it's under pressure | Blocked nozzle or filter | Release the pressure, take the nozzle off and clean it. Never blow through it with your mouth |
| Won't build pressure | Worn or damaged pump seal, or the pump isn't screwed in tightly | Check the pump is seated, then fit a new seal kit |
| Loses pressure overnight | A seal or O ring is leaking | Fit a new seal kit for your model |
| Trigger or pump weeps | Seals swollen or worn | Check the chemical suits the sprayer, then replace the seals |
| Spray turns into a dribble | Low pressure or a partly blocked nozzle | Pump it up, then clean or replace the nozzle |
| Seals swollen, soft or sticky | The chemical doesn't suit the seal material | Switch to a sprayer made for that chemical. See VITON, EPDM or NBR seals explained |
Most of these are fixed with a new nozzle or a seal kit, which costs far less than a new sprayer. Always fit the parts made for your sprayer model. Not sure which ones? Send us a photo and we'll help.
Safety
- Never leave a sprayer under pressure in the sun or in a hot vehicle.
- Never open a sprayer that is still under pressure.
- Never mix chemicals in a sprayer.
- Don't use a damaged or cracked tank.
- Wear the protective gear the chemical label and safety data sheet call for.
Questions
How much should I pump a pressure sprayer?
Pump until it's firm and stop at the level the maker recommends. If your sprayer has a gauge, use it.
Why won't my spray bottle spray?
Usually it's a blocked nozzle or a worn seal. Release the pressure, clean the nozzle, then check the seals.
How often should I replace the seals?
When the sprayer starts to weep or loses pressure. Sprayers used daily with harsh chemicals need new seals more often.
Can I leave chemical in the sprayer overnight?
It's best to empty and rinse the sprayer after each job. Leftover chemical sitting in the tank is hard on the seals.
Is a 5 litre sprayer used the same way?
Yes. Bigger sprayers work the same way, though some have a pressure gauge and safety valves, and some can also be pressurised from a compressor.