Avoid Common Mistakes, Ensure Peak Performance, and Protect Your Investment
When you receive a brand-new sprayer - whether it’s a knapsack, compression, or electric model - the best practice is simple: unbox carefully, read the manual, assemble properly, and test with water before your first real use. But let’s be honest, most of us skip a few steps.
If you’ve ever torn into a box, skipped the instructions, and gone straight to filling with chemicals, you're not alone. Many of our customers admit doing the same. However, rushing the setup can result in leaks, poor performance, or even long-term damage to your sprayer or accessories.
So, here’s a practical guide with key tips and reminders to make sure your sprayer works perfectly from the very first use.
Be gentle
It might be tempting to use a knife or box cutter, but be cautious. Many sprayers are packed tightly with coiled hoses or loose parts close to the surface of the packaging. A sharp blade could easily cut into a hose or scratch a component.
Pro Tip: If you do use a knife, only cut the tape at the box seams and lift flaps away from the contents.
Before you start building, make sure you have everything listed in the parts checklist (found at the beginning of the instruction manual). Some smaller parts like seals, nozzles, or fittings may be stored inside the sprayer tank, so be sure to check there.
Missing a part? This can happen as sprayers are quality checked before they leave the factory - but don’t worry, contact us right away and we’ll get it sorted quickly.
We know, it’s not the most exciting read. But your sprayer manual contains important information beyond just assembly:
How to assemble correctly
Recommended maintenance tips
Troubleshooting guidance
Pressure and flow rate specifications
Warranty and support info
Even if the sprayer seems easy to build, reading the manual could save you hours down the line, especially when it comes to cleaning or storing the unit.
For most manual sprayers, especially Mesto backpack and compression models, you won’t need tools for assembly. If tools are required (usually only with larger electric sprayers), the manual will clearly say so.
Using pliers or wrenches unnecessarily can damage connectors or over-tighten threads. Hand-tight is almost always sufficient.
The sprayer hose has likely been tightly coiled since production. This can cause stiffness or unwanted kinks, especially in colder weather. Before connecting, gently unroll the hose, lay it flat, or run warm water through it to help it relax and straighten.
This step:
Makes connections easier to secure
Reduces the risk of cross-threading
Improves handling during your first use
Before adding liquid, ensure all threaded connections, from hose to tank, trigger to lance, are hand-tightened and secure. Misaligned threads or loose connections are the most common causes of leaks during first-time use.
Tip: Straightening the hose first helps relieve tension that can accidentally pull on connectors during operation.
Never skip this step.
Use clean water only for your first test spray. It’s the safest way to:
Spot leaks or loose connections
Get a feel for the pressure, spray pattern, and ergonomics
Test accessories like nozzles, telescopic lances, or booms
Practice safe handling and trigger use
Why risk spraying expensive (or hazardous) chemicals if something isn’t quite right?
Using a new telescopic lance, multi-nozzle boom, or constant flow valve? Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself. Watch our setup videos, or give our team a call if you need advice. That short learning curve will pay off with better results and fewer headaches.
Following these simple but essential steps will ensure:
A smoother setup process
Fewer leaks or surprises
Longer lifespan of your sprayer and its components
Safer, more effective spraying from day one
We’re passionate about helping our customers get the best from their sprayers—because a well-set-up tool performs better, lasts longer, and helps you work smarter.
Contact us:
By phone
Via our Contact Us page
Through our helpful YouTube tutorials