How Does a Pump Spray Work?

A pump spray is a type of bottle that uses a pump to force liquid out of the bottle in a fine mist. This can be helpful for things like sanitizing areas, spraying chemicals onto hard-to-reach surfaces, and even spraying beauty products such as hair mousse and perfume.
Unlike continuous spray bottles, which emit a fine mist, pump sprays release a more concentrated stream of liquid. They're also easier to use than continuous spray bottles, since they don't require repeated pumps.

The Pump
A pump is a simple device that forces fluid out of a bottle in one direction only. It does this by using a check valve.
These valves are simple to understand and can be found on many bottles, such as shampoo bottles or hair sprays. They are made from two pieces of plastic, a spring, and a small sphere.
The check valve between the pump and the reservoir is a ball. Depending on the design, it is held against a seal by either gravity or a small spring. The seal is designed to prevent the ball from slipping through and blocking the passageway between the pump and the reservoir.
Another important part of the pump system is the nozzle. The nozzle can be adjusted to allow for a variety of applications, such as squirting, aerosolizing, or dispensing a spray. Different nozzles allow for different flow rates, which are usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM).