Loose hose. One of the common causes is not having the hose installed properly. Remove the hose from the tank. Most sprayers have a hose barb (2 plastic, white tabs) located at the end of the hose under the hose nut. Reinsert the dip tube into the tank making sure to align the hose barb with the cut outs (see picture below). Push the tabs down into the notches until they cannot go any further. Then hand tighten the hose nut onto the tank – being careful not to cross thread or overtighten. (NEED TO INSERT VIDEO) If your sprayer does not have a hose barb, you can just reinsert the dip tube into the tank and hand tighten the hose nut as described previously.
Inspect the pump gasket. Depressurize the sprayer and remove the pump from the tank. The pump gasket is located at the top of the pump right above the threads (see picture below). Remove the dirt or debris from the gasket and pump threads by wiping with a clean cloth. Then lubricate gasket with a light oil (i.e., 3-IN-ONE® Multi-Purpose Oil) to keep gasket from drying out. Replace pump in tank and hand tighten until it is snug. Do not overtighten as it can cause damage to the gasket. NOTE: If you notice the gasket is chipped, torn, swollen or misshaped, it will need to be replaced by ordering a pump service kit.*
Inspect the pump check valve. With the pump removed, locate the check valve at the bottom of the pump. Make sure there is no dirt or debris underneath the check valve. It can be easily removed, washed and put back into place. If you notice it is damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced by ordering a pump service kit.*
Inspect pump piston o-ring. Again, have the pump removed from the tank. You will be separating the pump piston from the pump barrel. First pull the pump handle up until it cannot go any further. Then use a flat screwdriver to push the tabs in on both sides of the pump cylinder and pry up. At the end of the plastic piston/rod, there will be a black o-ring. Periodically this o-ring needs to be lubricated with a heavy coating of petroleum jelly to ensure a nice tight seal in the pump barrel – delivering as much air as possible per stroke. If you find this o-ring seal to be worn, damaged, or swollen, it will need to be replaced by ordering a pump service kit.*
