Sprayer Cleaning and Maintenance - Keep Your Sprayer Working

Applies to: All FGI sprayers (CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT, Smith, HDX, Lesco, Universal). Following these basic maintenance steps prevents the most common sprayer failures and keeps your warranty valid.

What causes this: Most sprayer failures we see in customer service are caused by chemical residue. When chemicals are left to dry inside the pump, hose, or nozzle, they crystallize and clog small passages. This is the #1 reason pumps stop working, nozzles spray weakly, and warranties get voided.

How to fix it:

1. After every use, empty any leftover chemical from the tank into a labeled container or per the chemical manufacturer's disposal instructions.
2. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water. Fill with about 1 gallon of water and slosh it around to break up any residue.
3. Spray the clean water through the hose and nozzle for at least 30 seconds. This flushes the pump, hose, shut-off, and nozzle.
4. If you used a strong chemical (bleach, acid, oil-based), do a second rinse with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let it sit in the pump for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
5. Wipe down the outside of the sprayer with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the trigger, fill cap, and any threaded fittings.
6. Loosen the pump cap or release pressure (for compressed-air sprayers) before storing.
7. Store the sprayer in a dry place between 40 degrees F and 104 degrees F. Avoid leaving it in a hot truck or shed in summer, or in an unheated garage in freezing winter. Battery-powered sprayers should be stored with batteries fully charged.
8. At the start of each season, inspect the hose for cracks, the nozzle for clogs, and all O-rings and seals for swelling or damage. Replace anything that looks worn before you have a problem mid-job.

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