Priming a spot sprayer pump is often necessary when the pump is dry or has lost its prime, meaning there's air in the line preventing it from drawing liquid from the tank. Essentially, priming helps the pump establish a flow by ensuring it's filled with liquid rather than air.
Why Your Sprayer Pump Might Need Priming
A spot sprayer pump works by creating pressure to draw liquid from the tank and push it through the hose and nozzle. If there's air trapped in the inlet line or pump, it can't create the necessary suction to pull liquid. This is common after storage, maintenance, or if the tank runs empty.
Step-by-Step Guide to Priming Using a Garden Hose (Reference Method)
One effective method to assist a spot sprayer pump in priming, especially when it's having trouble drawing liquid on its own, involves using a garden hose to introduce water into the inlet line. This technique helps push air out and allow the pump to catch its prime.
Materials Needed
- Your spot sprayer system
- A garden hose connected to a water supply
- Water
Priming Procedure
Follow these steps to prime your spot sprayer pump using the garden hose method:
- Ensure your sprayer system is connected and ready for operation.
- Turn the sprayer pump on. The pump should be running.
- Take the end of a garden hose (with water ready).
- Hold the end of the garden hose firmly to the end of the sprayer's inlet hose, specifically where the filter normally attaches (or would attach). This is the hose that goes into the spray tank.
- Use your hand to create a sort of seal between the end of the garden hose and the end of the sprayer's inlet hose. The better the seal, the more effectively water will be directed into the line.
- Turn on the water from the garden hose. The gentle pressure from the garden hose water entering the inlet line helps displace any air trapped inside the pump and inlet hose.
- Continue this process until you observe the pump successfully drawing water from the spray tank. You may see bubbles initially as air is purged.
This method helps force water into the pump and inlet line, allowing the pump to establish suction and draw liquid from the tank.
Tips for Successful Priming
- Ensure the Tank Has Liquid: Always make sure your spray tank contains an adequate amount of the liquid you intend to spray before you begin the priming process.
- Check Connections: Verify that all hose connections, especially on the inlet side, are tight and secure. Loose connections can draw in air, preventing the pump from priming or maintaining prime.
