The pump spray uses a telescopic plunger to draw a solution out of the reservoir. This can be herbicide, pesticide, or a liquid fertilizer. The tank should be emptied on a regular basis to avoid spills and make sure that the solution is fresh and ready for use.
Often, a one-way valve is included in the pump system. This allows air to flow into the nozzle when you are not using the sprayer, but blocks air from flowing out of the nozzle when you are pumping.
To clean the nozzle, fill the reservoir of the pump sprayer with warm water and a few squirts of dish soap. Let the nozzle soak in the solution for approximately 10 minutes.
Once the nozzle is clean, rinse it with water and dry it. This will ensure that any residue from the dish soap is removed.
The one-way valve between the nozzle and the pump is also a device that allows air to flow into the nozzle when not being used. This valve is usually a rubber ball that rests inside a seal. The sides of the seal are angled so that the ball won't fall through the seal when you are not pumping.
