Garden sprayers are a common tool used for a wide variety of lawn care treatments. They allow a pressurized stream of a mixture, such as grass seed and fertilizer, to cover a desired area. Garden sprayers are also useful for weed management, as they can apply herbicides and similar chemicals directly to even small clumps of weeds without killing other plants. If your garden sprayer is experiencing any common technical issues, simple solutions often will improve its effectiveness.
Things You'll Need
Petroleum Jelly
Owner’S Manual
O-Ring Remover (If Necessary)
Replacement Plunger Cup (If Necessary)
Replacement Shutoff Valve (If Necessary)
Socket Wrench
Replacement Hose O-Rings (If Necessary)
Replacement Check Valve (If Necessary)
Clean Rag
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Step 1
Lubricate your garden sprayer's plunger cup with petroleum jelly if it is harder to pump than normal or isn't properly pressurizing the tank. You may need to replace the plunger cup if lubrication doesn't solve the issue.
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Step 2
Tighten the cap nut found at the connection between the water tank and the hose if that seal begins to leak. Use a socket wrench to tighten the cap nut. If the hose continues to leak, it may be the sign of a faulty O-ring. Contact your garden sprayer's manufacturer and ask about the proper O-ring replacement. Disconnect the hose from the tank. Take off the rubber O-ring with an O-ring remover and put the replacement hose O-ring in its place.
Step 3
Check the hose for blockages or pressure points when you encounter issues with water flow. Straighten the hose while the garden spray is off. Turn the sprayer on and test the water flow from the nozzle. Water flow issues can also be caused by a loose nozzle pressure adjuster or, if your sprayer is battery-powered, low battery power. Turn the nozzle pressure adjuster clockwise to tighten and replace your sprayer's batteries.
Step 4
Clean the check valve, or mono valve, of your garden sprayer if the spray solution backflows into the pump cylinder. Remove the check valve and wipe the sides and bottom with a clean rag. Backflow may also indicate a broken check valve; replace if necessary.
Step 5
Clean your garden sprayer's shutoff valve if you experience leaks from the on/off switch or your sprayer continues to dispel water after being turned off. Remove the shutoff valve and wipe surface with a clean rag. Leaks of this type may also be caused by a broken O-ring for metal valves, or a broken plastic valve. Remove any damaged O-rings or valves and replace.
Tip
Read through your model-specific owner’s manual for information about troubleshooting procedures. Follow these procedures to help pinpoint the technical issue that must be repaired.