Roundup Sprayer Not Working? (5 Reasons and Do This First!)
Your sprayer failing to work is an issue that can occur even with the most trusted brand. Your roundup sprayer might experience common technical problems like clogged filters, blockages, and air build-up in the sprayer line and fail to work. However, straightforward solutions like cleaning it thoroughly will enhance its effectiveness.
Towards the start of gardening, I realized that my 1-gallon roundup sprayer was not working. With the help of an expert, we did some quick troubleshooting and discovered that it wasn’t building enough pressure due to the sprayer line blockage. After thoroughly cleaning the hose until I removed the build-up, my sprayer became effective.
There are many reasons why your Roundup sprayer is not working. This article takes you through some common problems that make your sprayer ineffective and straightforward ways to fix them.
5 Reasons Why Your Roundup Sprayer is Not Working
The main reason why your Roundup sprayer is not working is that it is not building pressure. Due to inadequate pressure, your sprayer is unable to release the liquid.
Thankfully, these are common problems that you can quickly fix after troubleshooting. Among the issues are:
- Dirty filters
- Blockage of the sprayer line
- Dirty nozzles
- Air build-up in the sprayer line
- Presence of leaks in the hose or the suction line.
Dirty Filters
A dirty filter will always interfere with the pressure system of your sprayer. When the sprayer’s filter is dirty, it is unlikely to release pressure and hence cannot build more up.
Filters act as strainers, and they slowly become clogged from the liquid formulas that one uses.
Blockage of the Sprayer Line
The sprayer line includes the nozzle and the hose. These parts, too, can become clogged from build-up.
A blocked sprayer line is unable to build up pressure. Therefore, your Roundup sprayer is likely to stop working.
Dirty Nozzles
Nozzles play a vital role in the spraying process. Once they clog due to build-up, they cannot release the liquid.
A clogged nozzle can significantly affect your Roundup sprayer’s spray pattern, resulting in an uneven application pattern.
Air Buildup In the Sprayer Line
The build-up in the sprayer line results in an airlock. When your Roundup sprayer has an airlock, it cannot release pressure. Therefore, more pressure is not built up.
Failing to tighten the lid and the connection clamps typically leads to air build-up in the sprayer line. A sprayer line that has air interferes with the releasing and pumping process.
Presence of Leaks in the Hose or the Suction Line
Leaks and cracks lead to air build-up and liquids escaping while using your Round up sprayer.
With a leak on the pathway, a sprayer won’t build pressure correctly, hence its ineffectiveness.
What Should You Do If Your Roundup Sprayer Is Not Working?
An effective sprayer has a tremendous significant effect on the performance of the treatment. Good habits like rinsing your Roundup sprayer after use enhance its effectiveness.
Let’s find out what solution you should take should your Roundup sprayer fail to work for different reasons.
Clean the Filters and Nozzles
Any liquid matter entering your sprayer’s pump system can cause build-up at specific points. If your nozzle is clogged, remove it and clean it out.
Ensure that all the build-up that is causing blockages is removed. This applies to the filters as well. If the filters and nozzles are clogged beyond cleaning, you should replace them altogether.
Repair the Leaks in the Hose and the Suction Line
Your Roundup sprayer is likely to pump with less pressure than usual or fail to pump if there are leaks in the hose.
Ensure to replace the damaged hose for the unit to run correctly.
Remove Excess Air in the Sprayer Line
As discussed above, Air build-up in the sprayer line causes excess pressure build-up.
To remove the air, hold your sprayer wand below the tank and spray off the air. This releases all the air present in the sprayer line.
Clean the Sprayer Line
In case of a blockage in the sprayer line, clean it thoroughly. Fill the tank with water, and spray the water out.
Alternatively, you can thoroughly flush the hose with water and soap until all the build-up is removed.
2 Key Takeaways
- After use, debris, air, and build-up from liquids remain in some parts of your Roundup sprayer. Make sure you clean your sprayer regularly to avoid possible build-up.
- Before using your Round up sprayer, ensure that it is tightly closed to prevent leaking and for maximum effectiveness.
Final Thought
If your Roundup sprayer is not working, there must be a technical problem behind it. You can quickly fix the problem once you rule out which part has issues. Some situations call for cleaning.
Additionally, you can always refer to your user manual and get further instructions on taking care of your Roundup sprayer.