By Harry ! Last Updated: July 01, 2021
I’ve put this helpful buying guide together to help you buy the best pump sprayer for yourself. Like you, I prefer making a large investment in something that will last longer.
I know that buying a pump sprayer based on individual need is not always easy. So I’ve done the bulk of the work for you. All you need to do is browse.
I’ve gone out of my way to pick the top six this year on the market for you. I’ve selected them based on how much area they cover, common area coverage and ease of use.
Quick Picks:
Best Pick | Budget | Overall |
|---|---|---|
Chapin 61500 Backpack   | Chapin 20002 2 Gallon Lawn   | Field King Professional 190328   |
Why Buy a Pump Sprayer?
Pump sprayers are an easy way to keep the needed solutions and chemicals to a minimum. They’re the best solution for preventing damage. They are easy to operate and to clean after using.
Pretty much all that’s needed to clean them is warm water and dish soap. They need to be cleaned after every use to prevent clogs.
Depending on their size, they’re great for everything from small household tasks to maintaining farm crops. Some, such as transfers, are also designed to take out flood waters and sewage breakout results.
The key is to get something that will be the most likely to give you the longevity that you need.
Recommended Top 6 Best Pump Sprayers - In Depth Reviews
Here Are The Pump Sprayers We Are Reviewing Today
- 1. Chapin 20002 Lawn: Best for Large Gardens
- 2. Chapin Backpack Pump Sprayer Review
- 3. Field King Professional Backpack Sprayer Review
- 4. M4 MY4SONS Battery Powered Sprayer Review
- 5. Scots Battery Powered Gardening Sprayer
- 6. Solo Hand Pressure Sprayer Review
1. Chapin 20002 Lawn: Best for Large Gardens
Since the Chapin 20002 is a two-gallon sprayer, it can cover about 2,000 square feet. That’s the size of a fairly large yard, which can grow a large garden. However, it can vary based on the product model so check your directions on that.
You can use it on a farm but if you store it out in the elements, it can damage the plastic. There have been some complaints that the plastic is very cheap and damages easily. However, the tank has received a lot of compliments for staying durable and not leaking too easily.
The Chapin 20002 is good for things like fertilizers and liquid plant food. However, vinegar alone is corrosive to the pump seals. Instead, if you mix a half gallon of vinegar with other substances such as Dawn soap and Epson salts, it’s great for killing weeds.
Its best feature is the fact that it’s a two-gallon sprayer. That means it can cover a large garden and a small farm.
Final Verdict
The Chapin 20002 has received a lot of compliments for doing well with small jobs both in- and outdoors. However, the plastic of the hose, nozzle and pump has been known to fall apart very easily if it’s not well taken care of.
Pros
Cons
2. Chapin Backpack Pump Sprayer Review - (Editor’s Choice)
The Chapin International 61500 is four gallons and has a four-inch opening so pouring and cleaning is not too difficult. As its name suggests, it is designed to be carried like a backpack so you don’t have to wear your hand out while spraying.
As a result, it’s designed with padded shoulder straps. It comes with separate skinny and wide nozzles, which are said to be easy to put on and take off.
There have been some complaints that the Chapin International 61500 is too heavy for some to carry. However, something like a golf cart has shown to be a practical alternative. There have also been complaints that it’s not good for larger areas, such as farm acres.
It is also not good for spraying at high heights because of the backpack weighing it down. There have also been several complaints that it requires a lot of pumping before use and that it doesn’t give off the pressure of the spray like it should.
Its best feature seems to be the wand. It has received a lot of compliments for being sturdy and not leaking.
Final Verdict
The Chapin International 61500 is generally easy to assemble and use. However caution is warranted with the weight.
Pros
Cons
3. Field King Professional Backpack Sprayer Review
The Field King is a four-gallon pump. It comes with four nozzles total and is compatible with tee jet nozzles. It is advertised to double as both a piston and a diaphragm backpack. However, caution is warranted when using organic fertilizers. Be sure that they’re soluble or otherwise, they could clog. You can test that with a simple paper filter.
Depending on how much it’s pumped, it’s said to spray up to 12 feet. You can use vinegar and salt as long as you wash it out very thoroughly afterward. It also works well with insecticides, including for bedbugs, and bleach.
Field King doesn’t recommend any battery modifications for this model. However, they do now have a lithium-ion battery alternative. It also can’t handle anything corrosive or flammable.
Its best feature seems to be its differing nozzles because they allow for differing kinds of sprays.
The Final Verdict
The Field King can hold up to four gallons, comes with four kinds of nozzles so it has the advantage of at least four sprays and spraying wide areas. However, make sure the nut on the hose stays secure.
Pros
Cons
4. M4 MY4SONS Battery Powered Sprayer Review- (Editor’s Choice)
This is currently a top-rated four-gallon sprayer on the market. The M4’s battery allows for it to spray for up to eight hours and 200 gallons total. The battery comes with its own AC charger.
The nozzle is a stainless steel and adjustable. The handle is plastic. The battery’s longevity combined with the fact that it can be used for anything from pesticides to herbicides makes it ideal for farming.
It is also great for multi use. For example, if you’re outdoors and don’t have access to readily available water, it can easily act as a water storage unit on your back.
There have been several complaints about it leaking and sometimes of the design being faulty.
Longevity with at least a couple of hundred gallons seems to be the M4’s best feature. If you use it just a few times a year, it will probably last at least two years without a charge.
Final Verdict
The battery has been known to skew if it’s pushed around during the shipping. For leaks, you can ask the manufacturer for a free handgun. The customer service is said to be incredible. Judging by the reviews, the M4 appears to truly be one of the best in the market.
Pros
Cons
5. Scots Battery Powered Gardening Sprayer
The Scots 190567 is capable of spraying up to 12 tanks in one charge. The 21-inch poly wand connects to a Viton seal shut off, which is chemical resistant. The three-in-one nozzle spray is designed to give you the option of a cone, stream or fan spray.
It can spray up to five feet. Its tear drop shape is designed to make it more stable when it’s moved. It is primarily designed for gardening and farming needs as it mostly does pest control, watering, fertilization and weed monitoring.
There have been some complaints about the battery not charging and it not working after just a few uses.
It’s main feature seems to be its three-way spray ability.
Final Verdict
The Scots 190567 is definitely designed for smaller jobs. As a result, it’s not ideal for farms. Judging by the reviews, it’s more or less easy to handle. It does not need any extra tools. However, there have been some complaints about its lack of longevity and about it feeling weighty.
Pros
Cons
6. Solo Hand Pressure Sprayer Review
The Solo 418 is a 2-Liter so it’s best for small gardening jobs, auto cleaning and small house cleaning tasks. It is lightweight and easy to carry around. The tight Viton baskets and O-rings are designed to keep the chemicals in so that you don’t risk ruining your health.
Since it doesn’t have a pump, you need to stoke the tank around 30 times before spraying to build the pressure. It is said to spray upward very well as long as it’s cleaned afterward to prevent clogs.
The biggest complaint seems to be the lack of water pressure while spraying.
Its best feature seems to be its Viton baskets and O-rings. The reviews have confirmed that they are successful in minimizing poison being sprayed.
Final Verdict
The Solo 418 seems to be best if you live in a small house with a small yard and don’t need to spray too often. It seems to be best if you just need something to water your plants or to disinfect your counter-tops.
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Pump Sprayer
1. Consider Your Needs
Are you buying your pump sprayer for a farm, a small garden or a simple household task? Different pumps have different gallon sizes and are of different sizes overall.
First and foremost, you need to consider how much area you’re planning to cover. You want something with enough gallons, spraying power and/or battery power to cover all of your area at once.
That way, you don’t have to note where you stopped to go back and fill it up again. You also don’t want to risk killing your lawn, plants or worse, your crops by inadvertently spraying too much.
Some also can’t handle certain chemicals, such as the Field King not being able to handle corrosives or flammable. For that, it’s best if you get something made out of steel, aluminum and other strong composite materials.
You should be very cautious when using corrosives and flammables anyway for obvious reasons. Corrosives are usually a last resort for something like getting rid of things like stubborn calcium build-up. Most manufacturers strongly urge you not to mix chemicals but, for example, mixing vinegar with Dawn soap and Epsom salts seems to work in a Chaplin 20002.
Another word of caution is that most manufacturers recommend that you don’t use your tanks for solution storage. Otherwise, they could corrode your tank’s materials and wear your tank thin to the point of it cracking and springing a leak. They also urge you not to keep it out in the sun for the same reason.
2. Garden Sprayers
If you’re looking for something for a simple garden job, you need to consider the season, how much coverage you will need and if there are any issues, such as pests. One advantage of having a sprayer is that you don’t have to worry about killing your garden.
There are three basic types of garden sprays:
A. Hose Sprayer
Like it’s name suggests, it connects to your garden hose. So one disadvantage of that is that it can only go as far as your hose can. However, it is the one that is easiest to use. All you need to do is add your solution and then your hose does the rest of the work for you.
B. Tank Sprayer
This is the most common type and so this is what most people think of when you say pump sprayer. They are usually pumped manually and carried by hand. So if you have arthritis in your hands, a tank sprayer may not be right for you.
They usually contain up to three gallons. For that, you usually load your solution and then mix water to the fill line. The air pressure then meets your substance as you pump. However, some need to be pumped manually as soon as you seal them. They are made out of plastic or steel. Those made from stainless steel are the ones that can handle corrosives and flammables.
C. Backpack Sprayer
Like the name suggests, these are carried on your back while you work the sprayer. They are designed to help distribute the weight more evenly that way. The main difference is that most can hold up to four gallons. Many are also battery-operated.
If you live in an area where the seasons change, you need to flow with the seasons. If you have a pest problem at any time, however, it’s recommended that you take care of that at the first sign. Always make sure that your solution is one that will kill the bugs and not your plants.
During the Early Spring: This is the best time to get rid of whatever has stayed in your yard, trees, bushes or plants during the winter. This helps to discourage insects and to prevent diseases, which helps to prevent expensive cut downs and replacements.
Spring: This is the best time to prevent weeds from springing up. You can spray most herbicides either directly on your weeds or to prevent them from growing. Make sure to follow you’re herbicide’s directions so you don’t overdo it.
Early Summer: This is the time to spray your plants and vegetables as needed. If you notice anything that’s diseased, for example, a black spot on your roses, remove them as soon as you notice them and before you spray.
Summer: Keep checking and spraying your plants and vegetables as needed. Be sure to eliminate what could be breeding spots for mosquitoes and others that are dangerous to you and your plants. It’s also a good idea to get the walls and under the loose leaves around you.
Late Summer: This is the time to spray for both under- and above ground insects. Continue to use your weed sprayer and checking for diseases.
Fall: This is the time to spray the foundation of your home to prevent pests from getting into your home. Be sure to get it it up to four inches of soil.
3. Types of Pumps
A. Centrifugal
Centrifugal are known for their good flow and low pressure rates. They suit everything from engineering to home gardening jobs. They are generally wide and durable.
B. Diaphragm
The synthetic diaphragms can handle corrosives and other heavy chemicals, such as bleach. They keep those separated from the parts that can’t. This makes them an essential for farming or manufacturing chemical needs.
C. Rollers
Rollers are like the Swiss Army knives of pumps. They’re low cost and they’re low maintenance. They’re easy to operate and can pump flow in various ways. They come in various operational abilities.
D. Transfers
Transfers are known for high flow abilities and being able to move bulky amounts of water. That’s what makes them ideal for removing standing flood water, for example. They are also ideal for removing small solids and for sewage-related jobs.
E. Pistons
By definition, pistons push the fluid down for it to flow. Their flow is usually a very high pressured one. The flow can be easily moved horizontally and vertically. As a result, they’re ideal for farming and construction projects.
F. Irrigation Injections
Irrigation injections are known for their sharp sprays due to their fertigation pumps controlling it. They usually have one or three phase systems for maximum irrigation results.
4. Winterizing
If you have an herbicide sprayer and live somewhere where it’s continuously cold or gets that way in the winter, you need to make sure that your sprayer pump. Here are the basic steps:
Drain the tank. Fill it with water, open the spray ends and let it flow until the clean water comes through. If you have a spray gun or boom, use it until you see clean water flowing through. Be sure to do it some place where it won’t affect anything.
Now blow out your hose lines to remove any leftover water in the system.
Now flush with a small amount of anti-freeze. (RV sprayer is healthier than engine sprayer). Flush until the colored liquid comes out. A little left in the tank is fine, just be sure to get the bulk of it out.
Now turn it off and put it in your storage space.
5. What to Do if Your Sprayer Gets Clogged
Most people throw away or recycle their tanks if they get clogged but you can actually try unclogging it first. Be sure to wear worker’s gloves for your safety.
First, take the hose and nozzle out of it.
Then unscrew the handle from the nozzle, unscrew the nozzle from the handle, then unscrew the adjustment nozzle.
Take a garden hose, preferably with a point, hold it to the adjustment nozzle and let the water lightly flow through it. Repeat with every part of the hose and nozzle. The handle is where the worst of the clog usually happens so you might want to turn the water pressure up a notch or two.
Now reattach the hose and nozzle and test it. If it’s giving more than just a spritz, you’re good to go again.
How to Set Up a Pump Sprayer
Note: This is a basic set up of a manual pump so it won’t apply to every single tank.
Step 1
Attach the hose to the nozzle.
Step 2
Screw the adjuster seal at the bottom of the handle.
Step 3
Insert the wand at the end of the hose into the small opening of the tank and then screw its adjuster seal on.
Step 4
Now you’re ready to screw your gripper in. Be sure to do so clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise when you’re ready to put your solution in. Squeeze the gripper up and down until the bulk of the air pressure doesn’t let you anymore.
Step 5
Now you’re ready to use it. The adjustment screw at the front of the nozzle can help you control your spray. Some have a clip on the other side of the tank which can turn it on like a hose.
Following al, of these steps is very important. It can mean the difference as to whether or not your tank falls apart and your lawn gets damaged. It is also the difference as to whether or not your tank will clog too easily.
Note: If your tank is a battery-operated one, be sure that your battery is fully charged before you use it. You don’t want your battery to drain completely on you on your first use. One advantage to a battery-operated tank is that you can skip the pumping steps and go directly to spraying.
Best Pump Sprayer Buyer’s Guide
Is Any One Type of Sprayer Better Than Another?
Not generally. You just need to get the right one for your needs. For example, if you are looking for something for daily use, a backpack sprayer is your better bet. If you’re only looking for something for occasional use, then a handheld is best for that. However, if you have arthritis or any other disease in your hands, a handheld sprayer might not be your best best.
Which One is Best for De-Icing?
A wheeled sprayer is definitely your best bet there. It is best for spraying large areas and not good for spraying just the odd spot. They can spray areas at least 40 feet long and contain up to 50 gallons. Those covering farm areas contain over 3,000 gallons. They also spray the most evenly.
The best thing about them, however, is that they are multi-use. For example, they can used for herbicides during the spring and summer.
Are Pump Sprayers Safe to Use for Painting?
Yes but there are a lot of precautions that you need to take. For example, water-based paints need to be heavily diluted with three times more water than paint and oils need to be mixed as a 50-50 solution. Both need to be sprayed with the lightest mist that your spray can give. With a water-based paint, you need to spray four coats to match one regular paint coat. With oil-based paint, you need to spray two coats.
How Long Does it Take to Charge a Battery for a Battery-Powered Sprayer?
It depends on the brand. But generally, it takes anywhere between one to 10 hours. It also depends on how often it’s used. For example, if an LG SS hasn’t been used in six or more months, it may need to be charged between eight and 10 hours. Once it’s charged, it should be able to spray about eight tanks.
Which Pump Sprayers are The Most Budget Friendly?
Unless you plan to take out a loan for your spray pump, you need to consider your budget. Depending on where you them, the handheld sprayers can start in the $20 range while farm ATV can run up to thousands of dollars. However, you also need to think about the longevity that you want. You don’t want to end up wasting your money on a simple plastic sprayer if you’re looking for something to last for a few decades.
How do I Clean My Pump Sprayer?
Start by emptying it of the leftover chemical. Soak the nozzle and sprayer in a bowl of warm water with a drop of dish soap. After 10 minutes, rinse and dry with a paper towel or clothe. Pour warm water with a few drops of dish soap or detergent into your tank and soak for 10 minutes. Reattach the nozzle and spray out the rest of the soapy water. Then pump clean water to prevent residue. Let it air dry.
Final Verdict
For me, the M4 stands out as the best pump sprayer. It is effective for both smaller and larger jobs, including farms. Its battery is long-lasting, it can handle herbicides and pesticides well and it has been known to last for up to 600 gallons.
If you need to use your pump only a few times, don’t be surprised if it still doesn’t need to be charged in two years’ time. The nozzle also does not need any manual pumping. It is also multi-use and has been successfully used as a carry-on water tank outdoors.
Their customer service also has a reputation for being top notch. If you call them complaining about a problem, they are pretty quick to get back and give a beneficial solution to your situation.
Make sure that your battery’s in place when you get it and to check for leaks after each use.
I have always considered buying a pump sprayer for my garden instead of renting one each time I want to spray. I didn’t know that there are many affordable options out there for me till I went through this article.
Wait a minute! You mean that there is a pump sprayer that can be used to pump almost 400 gallons of herbicides or pesticides with one fully charged battery. Honestly, I didn’t know this and now I will have to try it out myself. This is just amazing.
A very inspiring and slick blog. I really enjoyed reading your post. Very practical and honest. It offers a great advice that every pump sprayer enthusiast and fanatics would want to read. With such important details and tips I find it helpful. Thanks.
I like this detailed post! It’s well-arranged from the word go, nice descriptions helps to make a wise decision on the products. I’m also delighted to read the factors to consider section. I never know there are numerous factors. Keep up!
Reviewing the most common pump sprayers according to what they are best suited for is just something out of this world. I have always had a difficult time deciding the best pump sprayer for my home projects and now, all credit to your article, I know what to go for.
Setting up a pump sprayer for me has always been my most difficult and dreaded task. The step by step basic set up procedure is a plus for me and I will try it out the next time I want to use my pump sprayer.
I have always had many questions in regards to pump sprayers and I was not entirely sure who and how I will ask them. But now, thanks to your article, all my questions have been answered well to my satisfaction.
Useful information. I invested in Chapin 20002, 2 Gallon Lawn 1 year ago, actually it remains my top choice I appreciate its durability, performance and it never leaks too easily. I found it good for things like liquid plant food and fertilizers.
Got it at the right time buddy. The kind of professionalism found here is neither boring nor wanting. Quite a number of people would like to understand about pump sprayers. Fortunately most of them have no chance, but through this article you’ve got what it takes to make an informed decision.
Used this just yesterday to apply a lawn treatment spray. This might be the best sprayer I’ve ever used. It assembled in minutes, but what I’m really impressed with is how consistently it holds pressure once it’s been primed to spray. The nozzle gives great coverage too. I had my lawn (over an acre) sprayed in no time flat and less than 24 hours later, I can already see dying weeds. I used to pay to have my lawn professionally treated with little to no results in actual weed control. Lazy technicians and spotty treatment…what was I paying for? If it’s this easy, then I’m saving so much money by doing it myself and guaranteed that every single weed is eradicated!!
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The battery pump sprayer offers many conveniences for use. This means I do not have to pump it using my hands to pressurize the tank. It feels great that I came across this valuable knowledge in your article and I have to try it out.
The models discussed in this blog are quite adorable and flawless. Of course, I would have to try them on my farm and see how it turns out. Thanks for sharing them with us, I appreciate the knowledge I have gained so far.
I have been thinking of spraying the interior of my house for quite a long time now. However, I didn’t know the right pump sprayer to buy for this job until I came across this article. Now, I will have to try one of these hand pump sprayers.
Pump sprayers have never really been considered as a necessary accessory for a home. But after going through this article, I am quite sure that many people will have to change their mind on this particular subject. Thanks for sharing.
With all my experience in pressure washer pumps, I think the information and ideas in this article have been well researched. I know almost everyone nowadays prefers to get information that is accurate and based on facts and that is exactly what they are going to get from this article.
All your ideas are quite amazing and look easy to implement. I was particularly fascinated by the idea of how I can repair or upgrade my pump sprayer instead of replacing it. This has helped me save a lot and I appreciate.
This is an amazing list with just the right information I was looking for to upgrade my garden. I appreciate you sharing it with us and am very sure that it will be of great help to many people too.