• The Actisol compact Unit is built for heavy, all-day use – it’s tough, proven, and more “bulletproof” for high-volume techs who need reliability day-after-day, job-after-job.

• The B&G Portable Aerosol Sprayer costs about half as much and fits lighter-duty work, especially if you’re not spraying or fogging all day, every day.

• Don’t “tune” droplet size by twisting the PAS air on/off knob; QSpray.com sees that mistake push product into air lines, clog components, and cause major damage.

• If you’re stuck between the two, match the sprayer to your workload first. Then get parts or replacement components from QSpray.com to keep running and avoid downtime. 

In the market for a pesticide fogger and don't know how to choose between the Actisol Compact Unit or the B&G Portable Aerosol Sprayer? Andrew Greess with Quality Equipment & Spray will give you the highlights and differences of each, hopefully giving you a better idea of what makes them different. 

The Actisol Compact Unit has been proving itself for years; it's a heavy duty machine that is good for high users. It is more expensive than the B&G unit, but worth the cost if you are going to use it all day, every day. 

The B&G PAS (Portable Aerosol Sprayer) is about half the cost and better for light users. One downside QSpray.com sees a lot with this unit is users adjusting the on/off switch for the air, assuming it will change droplet size and pressure. However, it ends up leading to product getting into the air lines and causing major damage to the unit. If you would like more information on either product or need any replacement parts for either units visit QSpray.com

Andrew Greess: Hi, I'm Andrew Greess with Quality Equipment & Spray. One of the questions I get asked quite frequently is, "What's the difference between the B&G PAS, Portable Aerosol System, and the Actisol Compact Unit?"

There are quite a few differences. I'd like to share some thoughts on that with you, as well as my personal preferences.

First of all, the Actisol has been around a lot longer. There's a lot more of these units in service. It has been put through the paces quite a bit more.

I would say this is probably a more bulletproof unit. If you're going to be a really heavy user of the machine, then it's worth considering the Actisol.

The downside is it costs quite a bit more. It can be twice as much as the Portable Aerosol System.

The Actisol also has better adjustment of the pressure. The Portable Aerosol System is a nice unit because it's, in some cases, half the price of the Actisol unit.

The downside to the Portable Aerosol System is a mistake QSpray.com sees a lot of people making. There's this off/on knob on the air side of the PAS spray wand. QSpray.com sees customers or clients sometimes trying to adjust the droplet size and the pressure by adjusting the air pressure.

That's a bad idea. That can severely damage this unit.

What I'd say would be, if you're going to be a light‑duty user, definitely go with the PAS. If you're going to be a heavy‑duty user, you want to go with the Actisol.

If price is an issue, the PAS is a good choice. If you're going to be using it all day, every day, and you just want the most bulletproof unit, I'd go with the Actisol unit.

Thanks for watching. Please take a look at premium spray gear at QSray.com.

• Jet agitators in sprayers work for most spray applications and cost less to install and maintain. Mechanical agitation adds $500-1,000 but handles heavy granular materials better.

• For spray tank agitators, most liquid materials need 8% of tank volume for agitation. Granular or non-soluble materials need 12%. A 3X booster cuts the required volume by a third.

• Never plumb agitation on the pump return – some manufacturers warn it creates back pressure. Use separate lines with a gate valve for easy adjustment.

• Fill the tank and check the agitation pattern before accepting a rig. Dead spots let material settle and can compromise your spray mix consistency.

Power sprayer tank agitation can be either jet or mechanical. It’s important to understand the two different types of spray tank agitators. Jet agitation utilizes a portion of the pump’s output to stir up the tank. Mechanical agitation utilizes paddles (usually of stainless steel) on a shaft that is turned by belts and pulleys connected with the engine.

Jet agitation is cheaper to install and service and is sufficient for most applications. Mechanical agitation, which can add $500 - $1000 to the cost of your rig, is best for mixing heavy granular, or non-soluble materials.

This entry will focus on jet agitation, or jet agitators in sprayers. The pros at QSpray.com will discuss mechanical agitation in a future blog.

Volume:

A spray tank jet agitator requires a spray pump that has output volume sufficient for your spray application PLUS the volume required to agitate the tank.

Rule of Thumb – Most liquid materials require 8% of tank volume for agitation. Most granular or non-soluble materials require 12%. For example, to agitate a 200-gallon tank that you will be mixing a liquid concentrate into, you need 8% times 200 gallons, or 16 gallons per minute (gpm), for agitation.

Agitation boosters reduce the volume required by creating jet action. Most commonly used boosters are 3X (5X are also available). What this means for your spray tank agitator is that instead of 16 gallons per minute, you’ll need 16 divided by 3 or 5.33 gpm.

You need to select a pump with output equal to the desired spray volume PLUS the required agitation volume. If you need to spray at 5 gpm, you need a pump that will provide at least 10.33 gpm (5 gallons for spray plus 5.33 for agitation in this example) when it comes to agitators in your sprayer. You actually want a pump that will do more than this because the rated output is for a new pump with no restrictions. Actual output from your spray tank jet agitator will almost always be lower.

Plumbing:

Some power spray equipment providers plumb the agitation on the pump return. QSpray.com strongly believes this is a bad idea. Some pump manufacturers (e.g., Hypro, Udor) specifically warn against this as it creates back pressure that can affect the pump's performance. 

Regardless, it is a bad idea because return lines cannot have shut off valves on them (Note – centrifugal pumps are the exception). Because you can’t shut off the line, if the pump requires service when the tank is full, you will have to dump the tank since you can’t shut off the line. 

For spray tank agitators, QSpray.com recommends separate lines with the return to the top of the tank and the jet agitator to the bottom. It is sometimes helpful to put a gate valve on the agitation line so that the agitation can be easily adjusted. This is also an easy way to adjust the pressure of your spray line. More agitation means less pressure on the spray line.

Agitation Jets:

Jet agitators in sprayers must be positioned to ensure that the entire tank is agitated and no dead spots exist for material to settle. Be sure to fill the tank of the spray tank agitator and observe the agitation pattern before accepting the rig from your supplier.

Qspray.com is overstocked on a number of bee suit and related products.

We are happy to offer wholesale pricing on larger purchases of these items.

Some of the bee related items we can offer at wholesale pricing are:

Hooded Bee Jackets

Vented Hooded Bee Suits

Hooded Bee Suits(Medium and 3XL only)

Bee Helmets & Veils

Bee Straps (to keep bees from flying up pant legs)

These are great products for resale.  At our wholesale prices, your profit margins will be attractive.

Please contact us with inquries regarding WHOLESALE BEE SUITS & JACKETS.

This is a quick start guide to pest control power spray rig and landscape/weed spray rig maintenance.  For best results read the owner’s manual for each component on your sprayer.  If there is any conflict between the manufacturer’s owner’s manual and the information below, defer to the manufacturer’s information.

1. regularly clean out tank.  Do not let chemical or other debris accumulate on tank bottom.

2. Regularly check and clean filter.  When the filter screen becomes clogged and can no longer be cleaned, replace it.   Eventually the rubber gasket will swell or otherwise become damaged and should be replaced. 

3. Hose reel. When the swivel starts to leak, rebuild or replace the swivel.  For electric reels, solenoid and/or circuit breaker will eventually need to be replaced.

4. Occasionally unwind all hose from reel.  Run the hose through a clean rag and roll it back on the reel neatly.  Do not wrap the hose too tightly as this could affect flow.  If any portion of the hose is damaged, cut it out before it leaks and creates a chemical spill.

5. Spray Gun. When gun starts to drip or leak, take the gun apart, dispose of rubber parts, clean remaining parts and install new gun repair kit.

6. Honda Engine. Follow manufacturer recommended maintenance guidelines.  Honda recommends the oil be changed after the first month or 20 hours. After that every 6 months or 100 hours. We recommend at least semi-annually replace spark plug,  air filter and oil change.

7. Pump maintenance varies by pump type and manufacturer. Here are some tips for the most popular pumps.

12-Volt Pumps:

Shurflo.   The pump is repaired with a number of kits.  The pressure switch is the first part to go.  We recommend keeping a spare pressure switch and check valve kit behind the switch on hand.  Replace other kits as needed.

Pumptec.  The pump is serviced with 3 kits:  valves, plunger/seals and cam.  Replace as needed.

Gas-Powered Pumps:

AR Diaphragm Pumps.  With heavy use we recommend replacing the diaphragms annually.  Full maintenance involves tearing the pump down, cleaning all parts and replacing valves and diaphragms.  Tear down and rebuild pressure relief assembly as required.

Roller Pumps.   When liquid starts dripping from weap holes, tear down pump.  Clean all parts, replace seals and bearings.

Maruyama Piston Pumps.   These pumps seem to run a long time before needing service.  We carry 4 kits for the MSD41 pump: Rod/Seal Kit A, Valve Kit B, O-ring Kit C and Regulator Repair Kit.

The Usual Go-To Choices

Most pest control spray rigs & weed control sprayers use either a 3/8” or ½” spray hose.

The main benefit of a ½” hose is that it can put down a lot more chemical. The main benefit of a 3/8” hose is that it is lighter and less expensive. Lighter weight matters a lot, especially after 10 or 12 stops in the hot sun.

Alternative Hose Choices

We have a client that has us put a ¼” hose on their 12-volt electric power sprayers. They report that it works fine but we don’t have enough long-term data to accurately report on the long-term impact the smaller hose has on the pump. The smaller the ID of the hose, the more resistance or friction. The more friction, the harder the pump has to work. Also, longer power sprayer hoses have more friction than the same size shorter hose.

QSpray.com’s Suggestions

Most general pest control spray hose and post-emergent weed control applications can get away with a 3/8” hose. The main reason for this is the spray gun and tips most often used are a few gallons per minute (GPM) or less. This volume is easily handled by a 3/8” hose.

Larger jobs, such as large weed pre-emergent jobs or termite pre-treats require larger hoses in order to get the higher volume down faster.

Need Help?

Still not sure what you need? Just reach-out to us and explain your needs. At Qspray.com, we’re all pest control experts who have actually used the products we sell!

Comments?

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Most of us can relate to feeling the pressure, but what I want to talk about is how we can take the pressure off our spray equipment.

We find that a lot of times technicians like to turn up the pump sprayer pressure a bit too high! We understand why they may do this...it gets the job done a little faster. We at QSpray.com, however, can’t really recommend working with an over-pressurized pump sprayer. We see professional spray equipment come in for repairs all the time with the psi set significantly higher than it needs to be. The more pressure, the faster O-rings, gaskets, and other rubber parts wear out and need repair. The more pressure, the higher the likelihood of the product drifting from the targeted area. We aren’t spraying bugs off the house, we are creating barriers.

Higher Pressure Puts Stress on Sprayers

Another problem we often see is over-pressurizing spray equipment. If you give your backpack sprayer enough pumps and it still doesn’t work, pumping it more won’t magically fix the problem. The increased pump sprayer pressure will likely make it worse or make it a bigger problem to fix.

We recommend that technicians get in the habit of releasing pressure at the end of every stop. We’ve learned that at the end of the day isn’t frequent enough to remember all the time and can show you some great pictures of what happens when it freezes at night and the pump sprayer is still pressurized!

To learn more and other tips, check out our other Avoidable Problems videos. And stay tuned for our next video on Preventative Maintenance:

A Pest-Control Professional’s Take On Over-Pressurizing

Andrew Greess: We see lots of issues with pump sprayer pressure. The first thing I want to tell you is don't over pressurize something. We have a joke in our shop that every time we build a sprayer and we send it out with a customer, we set it 75-100 psi on a power sprayer because that's all you need.

We're not trying to knock the bugs off the house. We're just trying to create a barrier. Every sprayer that comes back in for service is at 200 psi. The joke is, there must be a pressure fairy that goes to everyone's garage at night and turns up the pressure. Now, what we know is the technicians turn up the sprayer pressure because they want to get done faster.

If you run it too fast, there are some risks. The higher the pressure you run your pump sprayer at, you're going to create some problems. First of all, you're going to reduce the life of all the rubber stuff: the gaskets, the O-rings, and the hose. You're reducing the life because you're running at an excessively high pressure.

You increase the risk of drift. Because you're using higher pressure, you're going to have smaller droplets. You could have drift onto the neighbor's property, or the dog dish, or the kid's bicycle, who knows what — all as a result of the over-pressurized pump sprayer.

Then, also, clearly, if you're away from the pump sprayer, you're going to have a much bigger chemical spill at higher pressure than you would at lower pressure. There are some clear risks of over-pressurizing your power sprayer. We also see it with backpack sprayers and B&G sprayers.

What happens is a technician is using his or her backpack. They're pumping it up and it doesn't spray, so they keep pumping it. If you know it takes, for example, 10 pumps to get your backpack to pump up and you pump it 10 times, 11 times, and 12 times and it's not spraying, don't keep pumping it. You're going to break it.

Avoid Over-Pressurizing = Save on Repair Costs

We see it all the time where guys will keep pumping it, and pumping it, and pumping it. Instead of having a five-dollar repair, they've got a complete rebuild because they broke something, so don't over-pressurize your sprayer. You know your equipment. If it's not working the way you want it to, call someone. Call your boss and say, "What do I do?" You can prevent a lot of downtime and a lot of costs by avoiding the temptation to turn up the pump sprayer pressure.

The other thing is we really want you to release the pressure at the end of every stop whether it's your B&G, your backpack, or your power sprayer. We used to say release it at the end of the day, but people would forget and they'd put their equipment away under pressure. Now, think about it. It's 120 degrees outside. On your truck, it's probably 140. The pressure is going to get even bigger.

Again, we're reducing the life of hoses, gaskets, and O-rings, but we’re also keeping guns, filters, and everything else under pressure, reducing the life of everything you got. If your pump sprayer is under pressure at night and there's a freeze, you're going to destroy something, guaranteed. I've got some good photos of that.

We recommend releasing the pressure at the end of every stop. You can either give them a little extra squirt or put it back in the tank if it's a power sprayer. When you avoid working with an over-pressurized pump sprayer, you'll eliminate a lot of problems.

If you missed any of the videos in this series, catch up on them here:

Experience Pays: Top 10 Avoidable Spray Equipment Problems And Ways To Avoid Them

Choosing the Right Spray Equipment Engines, Backpacks, Pumps, and Trailers

Spray Fittings and Tanks - The Right Small Spray Equipment Components Matter Too

Oh The Hose Reel Problems We’ve Seen!

Cut Out Design Flaws and Down Time with Better Spray Equipment Design

Common Sense Missing in Some Backpack Sprayers

Avoid Problems By Consulting Experts in Their Field

Bad Design = More Work And Money in Repairs

Need Easy Access to Spray Equipment Filters

Bad Spray Equipment Design Leads to Tank and Pump Troubles

Why Filtration is Critical in Weed Control and Pest Control Sprayers

For more information on Andrew Greess, visit https://www.qspray.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Gearing up in proper PPE and mixing chemicals per label before slowly filling the tank keeps spills at bay and you safe.

• Pump that handle every five seconds for steady pressure; pull the trigger smooth to cover spots evenly with no skips.

• Rinse your tank with clean water after jobs, check filters often, and lubricate parts. This is the key to longer sprayer life.

A backpack pump sprayer is a great way to handle any pest, weed, or termite problem. These backpack sprayers use battery power, making them portable, convenient, and easy to use. They're designed for professionals who need reliable everyday equipment designed to withstand wear and tear while delivering accurate and consistent spraying performance.

Whether you’re using a cordless backpack sprayer or one with a cord, it is a straightforward process. Here's how to operate it and maintain it to ensure its effectiveness for years to come.

 1. Start With a Professional-Grade Sprayer

Choosing the right pest control backpack sprayer is essential. You should always use high-quality, professional-grade power sprayers from trusted brands like Birchmeier or FlowZone so you can count on durable equipment that lasts.

2. Assemble the Sprayer If It's Not Put Together

You need to assemble your backpack sprayer if it isn’t already. Make sure all of the parts are there and that they're properly assembled before using your backpack pump sprayer. Instructions may vary depending on the manufacturer. Make sure to read them thoroughly before using the sprayer.

3. Prepare the Chemicals and Mix With Water if Required

Make sure that all of the necessary chemicals are prepared. Always check if any water is required to mix properly with your chosen product. Follow all directions provided on the chemical's label. Wear the appropriate safety gear when working with these products.

4. Pour the Chemical Mixture Into the Sprayer Slowly

With the herbicides or pesticides ready to use, open the backpack sprayer’s tank and begin to fill it. Pour the chemical slowly into the tank so that it doesn't create a sudden surge of pressure that could cause you to spill the mixture. Once you have poured it all to the desired level, close the tank and screw its lid on tightly.

5. Put the Backpack Sprayer on Your Back

Now you can put the backpack pump sprayer on your back. Position it so that it's sitting evenly and securely on your back in a way that allows you to walk comfortably. Tighten all the straps until they fit snugly to keep the sprayer in place.

6. Prime the Sprayer to Build Pressure

Now you're ready to start spraying with your cordless backpack sprayer or any other type of backpack sprayer. To get started, you need to prime the sprayer. This simply means that you need to build up pressure in the backpack sprayer. You can do this by pumping the sprayer handle up and down repeatedly. Do this every five seconds to maintain continuous pressure in the backpack pump sprayer tank. 

7. Spray the Chemical by Pulling the Trigger

Time to apply your chemical; simply pull the trigger to release it. Be sure to cover all of the areas that you want to treat.

Taking Care of Your Backpack Sprayer

To ensure your backpack sprayer remains in good condition, you must follow the manufacturer’s directions for care and upkeep. If you are unsure about how to take care of your backpack pump sprayer, follow these simple tips:

• Always check your filters in the handle and the lid
• Clean out the tank with clean water regularly
• Watch the pressure on your backpack sprayer to avoid overpressurizing it
• Ensure all parts are well lubricated 
• Practice preventative maintenance

Want to learn more about how to use a backpack sprayer and take care of it for maximum service life? Follow our blog and learn from the experienced experts at QSpray.com.

With winter comes additional risk for PMPs and the need for cold weather safety methods. Deep freeze conditions can cause considerable damage to power sprayers. Some of the most expensive power spray rig parts are most at risk of freeze damage. Water can freeze in lines, and the resultant expanding ice can damage pumps, spray guns, line strainers (filters), hand sprayers, etc. In addition to the added cost of equipment repairs, customer appointments will be missed while equipment thaws out or is repaired. How to prevent frozen pipes?

Cold weather safety tips: There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce the risk of freeze damage to your pest control equipment. Consider these power sprayer winterizing insights from QSpray.com experts.

Equipment Design

Work with your equipment provider to build in preventative measures. Some suggestions:

• Install a valve between the tank and filter to shut off the flow of water through the system.
• Install a drain at a low point in the system to allow water to drain out.
• Install a fill with a removable plug to allow the addition of anti-freeze to the pump.
• If you live in an area with sudden freezes, it may be wise to request that your equipment vendor use flexible hose instead of pipe, wherever possible.

Operations

One of the easiest ways to avoid frozen equipment is making sure your employees or technicians are aware of the risks involved and are properly trained to mitigate them!

• Train your technicians to be aware of and take sprayer winterizing steps to prevent freeze damage. Remind them that damaged equipment impacts their ability to provide great service to customers and hurts the company financially.
• Train your technicians to always release the pressure when they are done spraying. Systems under pressure will experience greater damage from freezing than would otherwise result. This is especially true for handheld compressed air sprayers and backpacks.
• Train technicians not to use frozen equipment until it thaws out. Using or running frozen equipment will make a small problem worse (i.e., more expensive, longer delays, etc.)
• From the department of the truly obvious: store vehicles in places where the equipment will not freeze.
• Wrap hoses with insulating material to reduce freeze risk.
• Covering equipment with insulating blankets at night is an important part of winterizing your sprayers.

Purchase an electric battery heater/thermal wrap to keep your pump warm and cozy at night

• Build a pump heater by hanging a light bulb inside a cardboard box over your pump. Be sure there is no fire risk.
• Remove filter cup from the body to drain filter.
• Drain water from equipment before an expected freeze.
• Add anti-freeze to equipment being stored for the winter.
• If storing a pest control sprayer for the winter, consider removing the pump to perform annual maintenance.

Awareness and preparation are key to preventing freeze damage to your spray equipment. Remind technicians of their responsibilities to prevent damage to company equipment. Perform spot checks to ensure your policies are implemented. Track damage by technicians to identify repeat offenders and problems with equipment design.

• The Buzz Duster lets you apply dust and aerosols at heights up to 20 feet from the ground; no ladder setup, no climbing, no repositioning between spots.
• Faster stops mean more jobs per day. Cutting the ladder out of your workflow saves real time on every service call, especially second-story work.
• The kit ships complete: extension pole, heavy-duty pump, dust canister, aerosol applicator, scraper, carrying case, and filters included.
• Safety isn't just a talking point here. Ladder injuries are one of the most common risks in pest control. This tool removes that variable entirely.

Pest control professionals, do you know about the Buzz Duster? The Buzz Duster is the world's best long-reach duster. Unlike the Dustin-Mizer duster that’s meant for use by gardeners and in chicken coops, the Buzz Duster is specifically designed for you, the pest control professional.

This long-reach pest control duster allows you to apply pesticide dust and aerosols at heights up to 20 feet. You no longer need to carry around, set up, and climb up and down ladders to get those hard-to-reach spots. 

What do you get when you purchase the Buzz Duster? 

• Handy Carrying Case 
• Heavy Duty Extension Pole 
• Heavy-duty pump that screws onto the extension pole 
• Dust canister with applicator tip 
• Aerosol applicator 
• Scraper attachment 
• And, we include a filter to extend the life of your Buzz Duster

The Buzz Duster duster stick helps pest control professionals with safety, productivity, and profitability. It’s a dependable tool that adds precision, speed, and safety to your treatments, especially when working in challenging outdoor environments. Save time, prevent ladder-related injuries, and achieve consistent results every time. Improve operational efficiency with this professional-grade tool and reduce service time. This will further increase customer satisfaction for both residential and commercial contracts.

Don't wait! Get your Buzz Duster pesticide duster today from Qspray.com.

Video Transcript:

Buzz Duster is the world's best long-reach duster. It's designed specifically for pest control professionals to allow you to apply pesticide dust and aerosols at heights up to 20 feet.

So, what does that mean?

Number 1: Safety - No more climbing up and down ladders and no more reaching from a ladder trying to reach that spot. Now you can stand on the ground.

It also boosts your productivity. Your applications are faster. You don't have to carry the ladder from the truck to the house and then do your work up the ladder, only to come down the ladder. 

Move the ladder, go back up the ladder, and so on.

So, productivity increases, and, of course, profitability goes up because now your stops are faster and you can offer additional services. These second-story services that you might not have offered.

So safety, productivity, and profitability are all features that you will see with the Buzz Duster.

So what do you get in the box? First of all, you get this nice black carry case. Now we'll walk through each component individually.

First is the extension pole. This is a heavy-duty pole that expands from 56 inches to 154 inches and can lock down to just about any dimension in between those two numbers.

You get the heavy-duty pump that screws onto the extension pole. This is how you'll apply the dust. This is a heavy-duty pump that'll provide many years of service, and then the tools at the other end.

You receive the dust canister, which holds a substantial amount of your preferred pesticide dust, with an applicator tip.

You get the aerosol applicator, which has a long cord, so you simply stick your aerosol can in there, pull on the cord, and it'll apply the aerosol exactly where you want it to go.

You get the scraper attachment for scraping wasps’ nests or whatever else off the house, on the second floor.

We also include a filter to extend the life of your Buzz Duster and prevent problems, and we even throw in some extra filters in there for you. So don't wait, get your Buzz Duster today.

You can get yours at buzzduster.com or contact your professional pest control distributor.

Thanks for watching.

Get your Buzz Duster

The ‘Six-Point B&G Sprayer Maintenance’ program will keep your B&G 1-gallon sprayer ready for any pest control job. This program covers the key components of the sprayer—from the nozzle to the tank—and takes about 15 minutes. It will also help you learn how to clean a B&G sprayer. Start with an empty tank, and the hose drained of liquid. It helps to work at a sink with good lighting. Start at the nozzle and work back to the pump tube, and finish by cleaning the tank.

Six-Point B&G Sprayer Maintenance

Nozzle 

The nozzle is made of high-grade brass and will survive being knocked around in the back of service trucks. However, with extended use, the openings for the fan sprays and the pin-stream will gradually enlarge. This increase will change the angle of the spray, and the distribution pattern of the liquid in the fan may become uneven.

Note: The general appearance of the nozzle may not indicate that the openings have enlarged or are damaged. Replacing the nozzle every year is a reasonable schedule and will maintain an accurate spray pattern and flow rate. This is a key part of B&G sprayer maintenance.

Hose 

The hose needs replacement only when damaged. Check the connection points: hose to valve, and hose to tank. These are common sites for wear and leaks. A leak at the host-to-tank connection may require replacing the Teflon washer. Don’t over-tighten this fitting, as the washer may be crushed and clog the hose.

Filter/Strainer 

The filter/strainer should be removed, cleaned, and replaced regularly. Regardless of the water source or insecticides used, small pieces of dirt and debris often get into the tank. The strainer keeps dirt from clogging the valve and blocking the spray.

The filter on the Next Generation valve is located at the hose and valve junction. It is a flat screen that filters the liquid before it enters the valve, and it is held in place by an O-ring. The mesh on this filter is the same as for the filter in the standard Extenda-ban valve and serves the same purpose—removing dirt from the incoming liquid. As part of regular B&G sprayer maintenance, you’ll want to remove the filter and clean it with a nylon brush.

Valve

The Extenda-Ban valve is designed for long service without leaking. A leak in the gaskets may result in a small amount of liquid on the handle or at the end of the valve. Small leaks can be corrected by slightly tightening (1/4 turn) the packing nut; use a 3/8 wrench.

Check Valve 

The check valve at the base of the pump cylinder admits air into the tank as the pump handle is depressed. It can become worn, and deposits around its edge (on the pump cylinder) can cause it to leak. Periodically replacing the check valve (PV-266) will keep proper pressure in the tank. For this B&G maintenance step, clean the bottom of the pump cylinder to remove deposits that build up around the edge of the check valve.

Cleaning the Tank

Pesticide residues can form on the inside of the tank, especially when the tank is not emptied every day. Cleaning inside the stainless steel tank is an important part of a care and maintenance program for your B&G sprayer, but it should be performed carefully and with the correct cleaning fluids. Keep in mind that learning how to clean a B&G sprayer correctly will ensure it lasts longer.

Do not use bleach as a cleaning agent. It is not effective in removing pesticide residue, and it can create small holes in the stainless steel tank. Cleaning should be done with a warm, detergent solution and with a plastic brush to remove residue from the tank bottom and sides. 

Do not use ammonia-based cleaning materials because this chemical will damage the brass parts. The siphon tube extends along the side and close to the bottom of the tank; be careful not to hit (and possibly bend) the siphon tube when using a brush to clean inside the tank.

The hose can be cleaned with a detergent solution by pressurizing the tank and spraying it into a sink for several minutes. Rinse the tank with clear water several times and flush the hose with clear water. If the sprayer is not going to be used for an extended period, remove the pump unit and store the tank upside down. With these B&G sprayer maintenance tips, you should enjoy years of service from your equipment.