What action should you take with your sprayer if you stop using/applying pesticide for more than an hour?

When stopping the application of pesticide for more than an hour, releasing the pressure from the sprayer is crucial. This step is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure the safety of the operator by preventing any accidental discharge of the pesticide if the sprayer is bumped or jarred. High pressure in the sprayer can also lead to leaks or potentially hazardous situations when handling the equipment.

Releasing the pressure allows for a safer and easier transition when you return to working with the sprayer, as it can make it simpler to open the tank without the risk of explosive or hazardous release. Pressure can build up even with just a short period of inactivity, so regularly releasing the pressure when taking breaks or pausing applications is a best practice in pesticide safety.

Changing the nozzle, adding more pesticide, or rinsing the tank does not address the immediate need to ensure safety and prevent any potential mishaps after being idle for a significant amount of time. These actions would be more related to specific maintenance or preparation tasks rather than addressing the immediate concern of pressure management.