How to Make a Sprayer Agitator

Things You'll Need

Two 1-inch pipe nipples at the measured length
One 1-by-6-inch nipple
One 1-by-3-inch nipple
1-inch pipe union
One 1-inch pipe tee
One 1-inch, 90-degree elbow
A can of pipe joint compound
Two adjustable pipe wrenches
Folding ruler
Hacksaw or wheel cutter
1-inch threading dies
1-inch diameter galvanized pipe
Tank shut-off throttling valve
Venturi injector-type agitator nozzle

Making a sprayer agitator is a basic plumbing task. An agitator keeps chemicals mixed in spray tanks and can be one of three types. Mechanical agitators are generally used when the primary chemical formulation is a wettable powder. These agitators are blades or paddles welded to a shaft that rotates near the bottom of the tank. Two of the agitator types function through hydraulic action by returning part of the spray from the pump back into the tank. A sparge tube, which is a pipe running across the tank bottom with holes drilled in it at specified intervals, produces hydraulic agitation. The third type of agitator produces hydraulic action through a venturi injector placed in the bottom of the spray tank. This is the selected agitator to make because the venturi injector is easy to install and does a good job in keeping spray mixed.

Disconnect the pipe between the sprayer pump and pressure regulator valve with the adjustable pipe wrenches. Measure the length of the removed pipe with a folding ruler. Replace this pipe with a tee connected to a nipple at each end. The nipples need to be long enough to span the distance between the pump and regulator valve.

Cut and thread a piece of 1-inch pipe that will reach from the top of the tee to a height that is level with the top opening in the end of the spray tank. Cut the pipe and a 1-inch die for threading with either a wheel cutter or hacksaw. Screw the pipe into the tee.

Screw a 1-inch, 90-degree elbow onto the installed vertical pipe with the fitting's open end pointed toward the spray tank. Remove the plug from the end of the spray tank and install a 1-by-6-inch nipple. Screw a tank shut-off throttling valve to the exposed end of the nipple.

Install a 1-by-3-inch nipple into the open end of the throttling valve. Attach a 1-inch union to the nipple. Cut and thread a piece of 1-inch pipe long enough to connect the union to the elbow. Install this piece of pipe.

Screw a venturi injector type agitator nozzle into the top hole on the inside of the spray tank.