Sprayers – Which Seal Is Right for You?
When it comes to getting the best results from your garden sprayer, choosing the right ‘seal’ is just as important as choosing the right product. The seal inside your sprayer determines what types of liquids you can safely use, and using the wrong one can reduce performance, cause damage, or shorten your sprayer’s lifespan.
So, how do you know which seal is right for you? Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.
Why Do Sprayer Seals Matter?
Different gardening tasks require different treatments, from feeding plants to tackling weeds or cleaning outdoor spaces. These liquids vary in their chemical makeup, and not all seals can handle every type.
Choosing the right seal ensures:
- Better performance and consistent spray results
- Longer sprayer lifespan
- Safe and effective application of treatments
At Hozelock, our sprayers are designed with three main types of seals: Nitrile, EPDM, and Viton. Each is suited to different applications.
Nitrile Seals – The Everyday All-Rounder
Best for: Oil-based and neutral water-based treatments
Nitrile seals are a great choice for general garden use. If you’re feeding plants, protecting them from pests, or maintaining your outdoor spaces with standard treatments, this is likely the seal for you.
Ideal uses:
- Bug sprays and pesticides
- Plant feeds and fertilisers (neutral water-based)
- General garden treatments
Use confidently across:
- Beds and borders
- Shrubs and hedges
- Vegetable patches and allotments
- Fruit trees, orchards, and vineyards
- Paths and driveways
Avoid using with:
- Vinegar or natural homemade mixes
- Acidic cleaners
- Steam or hot water
Available in:
- Standard Sprayer: 5L, 7L, 10L
- Pulsar Plus: 5L, 7L, 12L
- Pulsar Select: 7L
- Pulsar Plus Comfort: 12L, 16L
EPDM Seals – Perfect for Natural & Eco Gardening
Best for: Vinegar-based and natural solutions
If you’re embracing a more eco-conscious approach to gardening, EPDM seals are designed with you in mind. They are highly resistant to acidic solutions and ideal for organic gardening methods.
Ideal uses:
- Vinegar-based weedkillers
- Homemade weed control solutions
- Organic and natural sprays
- Water-based fertilisers
- Compost teas
- Cleaning and disinfection solutions
Avoid using with:
- Oil-based chemicals
- Solvents
- Hydrocarbon-based products
Available in:
- Pulsar Multi: 7L
- Disinfection Pressure Sprayer: 7L
Viton Seals – Built for Heavy-Duty Jobs
Best for: Strong chemicals and professional use
Viton seals are designed for more demanding applications where stronger chemicals are needed. They offer excellent resistance to harsh substances, making them ideal for heavy-duty or professional tasks.
Ideal uses:
- Strong chemical herbicides
- Solvent-based pesticides
- Bleach and industrial cleaning solutions
- High-temperature applications
Perfect for:
- Intensive weed control
- Hard surface cleaning
- DIY and industrial use
Avoid using with:
- Vinegar or acetic acid
- Ketones
- Alkaline products
Available in:
- Pulsar Viton: 5L, 7L
Sprayer Accessories & Maintenance
To keep your sprayer performing at its best, regular maintenance and the right accessories make all the difference.
At Hozelock, we offer a full range of sprayer spares and accessories, including:
- Spray controls
- Lances and nozzles
- Replacement seals and maintenance parts
You can explore the full range on our spare’s website.
Still unsure? Here’s a quick guide:
| If you’re using… | Choose… |
| Standard garden feeds and bug sprays | Nitrile |
| Natural, vinegar-based or homemade solutions | EPDM |
| Strong chemicals or heavy-duty treatments | Viton |
Choosing the right seal might seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on how effectively and safely you can care for your garden.
By matching your sprayer seal to the task at hand, you’ll get the best results every time, while keeping your equipment in top condition for seasons to come.
Happy spraying!
