Spring 2004

LESCONEWS

Vol. 42 No. 2

Care and maintenance of your B&G sprayer

The following article was prepared for the LESCONEWS by B&G Equipment Company of Jackson, Georgia.

	Figure 1 The brass nozzle should be cleaned with a toothbrush and a detergent; don't use a metal brush or sharp objects on the nozzle.
	Figure 2 The filter is located between the hose and the valve; loosen the fitting, remove the filter and clean with a toothbrush. This filter keeps dirt out of the valve and nozzle, replace if it is lost.
	Figure 3 A 3/8-inch, open-end wrench can be used to tighten the packing nut if the valve develops a leak.
	Figure 4 The check valve, at the base of the pump cylinder, can be removed and cleaned, and the base of the cylinder (around the holes) should be cleaned of residue. Tightly replace the check valve, and be certain it is secure.LESCO offers green sprayers.

The one-gallon B&G sprayer is the workhorse of professional pest control. Most service technicians use their sprayer every day for routine pest control service, or for special jobs that require precise application. The tip shut-off (no drip) feature ensures customer safety, and the rugged stainless steel and brass construction ensures long service. However, like other pieces of equipment, the sprayer has moving parts, valves, and washers that require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. Monthly care and maintenance of the sprayer will keep it trouble-free.

A six-point maintenance program can keep your sprayer ready for any pest control job. This program covers key components of the sprayer - from the spray tip to the tank. The maintenance only takes 10 minutes and requires just a 3/8-inch, open-end wrench, a long-handled plastic brush and an old toothbrush.

Start with an empty tank and the hose drained of liquid and try to work at a sink with good lighting. Start at the tip or nozzle and work back to the pump tube, and finish by cleaning the tank.

Basic maintenance
• Nozzle (see figure 1) - The brass nozzle determines the pattern (pin-stream or fan) of the liquid spray. The nozzle is made of thick 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 (80 degrees for the fine fan, 50 degrees for the coarse fan) of the spray, and the distribution of the liquid in the fan may become uneven.

The general appearance of the nozzle may not indicate that the openings have enlarged or are damaged. Replace the nozzle every two years to maintain an accurate spray pattern and flow rate.

• Hose - The hose will give long and trouble-free service, and it should be replaced only when damaged. Check connection points: hose to valve and hose to tank. These are common sites to show wear and to develop leaks. Leaks at fittings may require replacing the Teflon washer, but don't over-tighten this fitting and damage the washer. If there are cracks or swelling in the hose, replace it immediately.

• Filter/Strainer (see figure 2) - The small 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. A toothbrush can be used to clean the strainer.

• Valve (see figure 3) - 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 slight tightening of the packing nut (use a 3/8-inch wrench).

• Check Valve (see figure 4) - 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. Replacing the check valve (PV-266) will keep the pump working and maintain proper tank pressure. Cleaning the bottom of the pump cylinder with a small brush will 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 daily. Cleaning inside the stainless steel tank is an important part of a maintenance program, but this should be performed carefully and with the correct cleaning fluids and brushes.

Do not use bleach as a cleaning agent. It does not effectively remove pesticide residue, and it can create small holes in the tank. Clean with a warm, ammonia-based detergent solution and with a plastic brush (toilet-bowl brushes work well) to remove residue from the tank bottom and sides. 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 detergent solution by pressurizing the tank and spraying into the 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.

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