Frustrated because your Roundup sprayer stopped working? You’re not alone. Mine has quit in the middle of spraying more than once—right when the weeds are growing fast!
But don’t worry. Most of the time, the fix is easy. It might be a clogged nozzle or a loose seal. After dealing with this a few times here in the U.S., I’ve learned a few tricks.
Let me show you the simple steps I use to get my sprayer working again fast. These tips can save you time and money.
Table of Contents
Why Your Roundup Sprayer Might Not Work
If your Roundup sprayer isn’t working, don’t worry. It’s a common problem. I’ve had it happen many times. Sometimes it won’t spray at all. Other times, it sprays weak or uneven. Here are the main things to check.
It Won’t Spray
This is the most annoying issue. You press the trigger—and nothing.
- Battery vs. pump sprayers: The fix depends on the type. My battery sprayer once stopped because the battery ran out. My pump sprayer failed when I didn’t close the lid tight.
- Clogged nozzle or wand: Old Roundup can dry and block the sprayer. I once found a lump in the wand tip. A quick rinse fixed it.
- Low or dead battery (for electric sprayers): If you use a battery sprayer, check the charge. I make sure mine is full before I start big jobs.
- Air leak in hose or pump: Even a tiny crack or loose part can stop the spray. I once found a small split in the hose. It was hard to see, but it made the sprayer useless.
Sprayer Loses Pressure
Sometimes it sprays at first, then fades fast. That means it’s losing pressure.
- Bad pump seal or gasket: With my hand-pump sprayer, a worn gasket caused problems. I got a new one at the local hardware store. Easy fix.
- Wrong assembly: One time, I didn’t put my sprayer back together right after cleaning it. One small part was off—and it wouldn’t build pressure.
- Cracked hose: Look for cracks in the hose. Even small ones can let in air and mess things up.
Spray Pattern Is Weak or Uneven
Sometimes it sprays—but the mist is off. It may be too weak or not straight.
- Dirty or damaged nozzle: The nozzle can get clogged or bent. I’ve had to replace mine a few times to fix the spray.
- Old or weak Roundup mix: If you use old Roundup, it might not work well. I once tried a mix from last year—it sprayed like water and didn’t kill weeds.
- Clogged filter (if it has one): Some sprayers have a small filter inside. Check it. If it’s dirty, rinse it clean.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Your Roundup Sprayer
If your sprayer stops working, don’t worry. You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need a new sprayer either. Here’s how I fix mine—step by step.
Start With the Basics
Simple things matter. I’ve wasted time taking my sprayer apart when the fix was easy.
- Check the assembly: One time, I forgot to twist the wand tight. The sprayer didn’t work at all.
- Check the tank: Make sure it’s full. Make sure the lid is tight. For pump sprayers, I twist until I hear a click.
Clean the Nozzle and Wand
This is my first step when the sprayer acts up. Old spray mix can clog the tip fast.
- How to clean it: Take off the nozzle and rinse it in warm water. I sometimes use a little vinegar too.
- My tools: I use an old toothbrush to scrub. A twist tie helps clear out the tip.
- Hard water tip: If you use tap water, you might get buildup. I saw this more after rinsing with hard water and letting the sprayer sit.
Check for Leaks and Cracks
Leaks can be hard to see. One time, I heard a tiny hiss and saw a drip near the base.
- What to do: Bend the hose and check for cracks. Look for air bubbles.
- My fix: If the crack is small, I wrap it with tape. Then I seal it with silicone. It lasted all season.
Check the Pump or Battery
What to check depends on the type of sprayer.
- Pump sprayer: Push the plunger. If it feels loose, the seal might be worn out.
- Battery sprayer: Make sure the battery is full. I charge mine the night before I spray. If it won’t charge, you might need a new battery. You can buy one online.
When to Replace Parts (And What to Keep on Hand)
If cleaning and checking don’t help, it might be time to replace a part.
- What I replace most: Nozzles, gaskets, and hoses. I get extras from local stores or online.
- Where to buy: Big stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot often have them. I also use Amazon—just search by model number.
- Pro tip: I keep a box of spare parts in my shed. Once, a spare gasket saved me when weeds were growing fast and I couldn’t wait for shipping.
What I Learned From Fixing My Sprayer
Fixing my sprayer has saved me time and money.
- Best fix: Cleaning the nozzle. It solved more problems than I thought. It costs nothing and takes five minutes.
- Biggest mistake: Once I spent an hour on the wand. The real problem? The lid was loose.
- Top quick fix: A cracked hose. I wrapped it with tape and sealed it with silicone. It worked all summer.
- What I do now: I clean the sprayer after every use. I rinse the tank, flush the wand, and let it dry. It takes five minutes—and saves a lot of trouble later.
How to Stop Sprayer Problems Before They Start
After fixing my sprayer a few times, I learned most problems can be avoided. A little care goes a long way. Here’s what I do to keep mine working like new.
Clean It Every Time
I used to leave leftover Roundup in the tank. I thought I’d use it again the next weekend. That was a mistake.
- My rinse routine: After each use, I fill the tank with clean water. I spray it out, then rinse the wand and nozzle. If I see buildup, I scrub it with a toothbrush and a little vinegar.
- Why it works: Since I started doing this, my sprayer clogs much less. It takes five minutes—and helps it last for years.
Store It the Right Way
Leaving your sprayer in the sun or rain can ruin it. One summer, mine cracked from heat.
- What I do now: I store it in the garage, away from the sun. In winter, I bring it inside so it doesn’t freeze.
- Quick tip: Never store it with Roundup inside. Old mix can clog parts and wreck the seals. I always rinse mine after spraying.
Use Fresh Roundup
One year I used mix left over from last season. It clogged the nozzle and didn’t kill the weeds.
What I do now: I mix only what I need. Fresh Roundup works better and flows smoother. It’s easy to buy more at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, or other U.S. stores.
When to Replace Your Sprayer
Sometimes, a sprayer is just too worn out. I replaced mine last spring after the pump seal broke for the third time.
Signs It’s Time for a New One
- It won’t hold pressure, no matter what you try
- You’ve replaced parts, but it still leaks
- The tank is cracked or brittle
What I Look for in a New Sprayer
I wanted one that was strong and easy to use. I picked a battery model with a wide top. It came with extra nozzles too.
Sprayers I Recommend
- Manual: Roundup 190314 Backpack Sprayer – tough, simple, and great for big yards
- Battery-Powered: Roundup 190327 No Leak Pump – strong spray and easy on your arms
In the U.S., you can find these at Home Depot, Amazon, or local farm stores.
Read More: Aqua Joe Sprinkler Not Oscillating?
Wrap-Up: Fix It Before You Toss It
Don’t throw out your Roundup sprayer the first time it acts up. Most problems are easy to fix once you know where to look.
Clogged nozzle? Loose lid? Cracked hose? I’ve been there—and fixed it.
A few small steps can save you time and money.
Got a sprayer fix I didn’t cover?
Leave a comment! I’d love to hear what worked for you—and it might help someone else too.
FAQs for Roundup Sprayer Not Working
Why won’t my Roundup sprayer work after the first use?
It’s likely clogged. Leftover spray can block the nozzle. Rinse all parts with warm water. Then try again.
What if the pump won’t build pressure?
Make sure the lid is tight. Check for cracks in the pump. If the seal looks worn out, replace it.
Why is the spray uneven?
The nozzle may be dirty or cracked. Clean it well. If that doesn’t help, replace the nozzle.
Can old Roundup clog the sprayer?
Yes. Thick or old mix can block the parts. Empty the tank. Rinse it well. Then use fresh Roundup.
Why is my sprayer leaking?
Leaks often come from loose or cracked parts. Check the tank, hose, and cap. Tighten or replace anything worn out.
