Trouble Spots on Sealcoating Units and How to Monitor Them Proactively

Your sealcoating unit is the lifeblood of your business. It keeps projects moving, customers satisfied, and profits steady. But even the best-built systems experience wear over time. Understanding where that wear happens and how to spot it early can make all the difference between a smooth season and unexpected downtime.

At Seal-Rite, we’ve spent years building durable, reliable equipment that contractors can depend on. We also know that regular maintenance is what keeps that equipment performing at its best. In this article, we’ll walk through the most common wear points on sealcoating units, and what Seal-Rite does to make maintenance easier and faster.

Why Regular Inspections Matter

Every part of your sealcoating system works together. When one part starts to fail, it can quickly affect the rest of the machine. A small leak in a hose, a worn pump seal, or a clogged spray tip might seem minor at first, but left unchecked, these small issues can stop an entire job.

Regular inspections are your first line of defense. Spending just a few minutes checking key components before and after each job helps you catch problems early and extend the life of your investment. It also keeps your crew safe and your work consistent.

1. Hoses and Spray Lines

Hoses take on a lot of stress. They’re constantly under pressure, flexing, and carrying abrasive material. Over time, exposure to UV light, chemicals, and high temperatures can weaken the rubber and cause cracks or bulging.

What to Look For:

• Cracks or soft spots along the hose
• Leaks at fittings or couplers
• Loss of spray pressure
• Irregular or sputtering spray patterns

How to Prevent It:

Inspect hoses daily, especially at the connections. Flush them out at the end of each job to prevent material buildup. Store them in a shaded area when not in use and replace them as soon as you notice visible wear or pressure loss.

How Seal-Rite Helps:

Seal-Rite hoses are built with heavy-duty, chemical-resistant materials that hold up to long-term use. Each system is designed for easy hose access, making replacements quick and hassle-free.

2. Pumps and Valves

Your pump works nonstop to move sealcoat material through the system. The abrasive nature of the material, combined with heat and vibration, gradually wears down seals, gaskets, and valve seats.

What to Look For:

• Pressure drops or fluctuations during spraying
• Leaks around seals or fittings
• Strange noises or vibration
• Longer priming times

How to Prevent It:

Flush your pump at the end of every workday to clear material and prevent clogs. Lubricate moving parts according to your maintenance schedule and always keep spare seals and gaskets on hand.

How Seal-Rite Helps:

Seal-Rite uses dependable Roper and Banjo pumps known for their long service life and easy maintenance. Replacement parts are always in stock, so you can get back to work quickly if something wears out.

3. Spray Tips and Nozzles

Spray tips control how evenly and efficiently material is applied. Since they handle high pressure and abrasive slurry, the tip opening gradually widens, changing your spray pattern. Debris in the material can also cause clogs or damage.

What to Look For:

• Uneven or streaky spray patterns
• Dripping or overspray
• Decreased flow or pressure at the gun
• Build-up on the tip face

How to Prevent It:

Clean your tips after each job using water or an approved cleaning solution. Keep a few extra tips in different sizes on your rig. Replace tips as soon as you notice irregular spray results.

How Seal-Rite Helps:

Seal-Rite provides precision-engineered spray tips that deliver consistent flow and are easy to swap out in the field. Each component is built to resist wear and maintain a uniform spray pattern for the life of the tip.

4. Agitation Systems

The agitation system keeps your sealcoat mix uniform and prevents the solids from settling. With regular use, paddles, shafts, and bearings can wear down, especially if the tank isn’t cleaned frequently or lubrication is skipped.

What to Look For:

• Clumps or uneven mix consistency
• Slower or noisier agitation
• Difficulty starting or stopping the agitator
• Vibration or shaking during mixing

How to Prevent It:

Check your agitator before each job. Lubricate bearings and moving parts regularly. Clean your tank after every use to prevent hardened material from building up on the paddles. Avoid running the agitator dry, as this increases friction and wear.

How Seal-Rite Helps:

Seal-Rite’s power-agitated systems use rugged, gear-driven components designed for years of reliable service. The system includes easy-access lubrication points and heavy-duty bearings that require less maintenance. For smaller jobs, our hand-agitated models offer smooth and simple operation with minimal upkeep.

5. Tanks and Lids

Your tank faces a combination of exposure, chemical reactions, and pressure. Even small leaks or rust spots can compromise the system over time. Lids and gaskets also need attention to ensure a proper seal and prevent contamination.

What to Look For:

• Rust, dents, or visible corrosion
• Leaks around fittings or seams
• Loose or worn gaskets on the lid
• Trouble sealing the tank during operation

How to Prevent It:

Clean your tank regularly, especially after long periods of storage. Tighten fittings and replace gaskets as needed. Store your equipment under cover when possible, to protect it from the elements.

How Seal-Rite Helps:

Seal-Rite tanks are built from high-grade steel with protective coatings that resist corrosion and wear. Lids are designed for an airtight seal, keeping your material clean and consistent every time.

6. Electrical and Hydraulic Components

Electrical and hydraulic systems handle critical functions like pumping, spraying, and agitation. Over time, vibration, moisture, and debris can affect connections or cause hydraulic leaks.

What to Look For:

• Unresponsive switches or inconsistent performance
• Hydraulic fluid leaks
• Frayed wires or loose connections

How to Prevent It:

Inspect wiring and connectors weekly. Keep hydraulic fluid topped off and look for signs of leakage. Protect electrical components from water and clean dust buildup from control boxes.

How Seal-Rite Helps:

Seal-Rite equipment includes weather-protected wiring and robust hydraulic systems that are easy to service. Components are placed for convenient access so you can perform checks quickly before each job.

The Power of Preventive Maintenance

A few minutes of maintenance can save you from hours of downtime. Before every job, take time to walk through a quick inspection checklist:

• Check hoses and fittings for leaks
• Confirm proper pressure and flow
• Test the pump and agitation system
• Clean and inspect spray tips
• Make sure tank seals and lids are tight

By treating inspections as part of your daily routine, you’ll catch small issues before they turn into major repairs.

Seal-Rite Equipment Is Built to Last

Seal-Rite equipment is designed with longevity and serviceability in mind. Every component, from the pump to the spray tips, is chosen for durability and ease of maintenance. We also keep a complete inventory of parts and accessories ready to ship, so you never have to wait to get back on the job.

Contact Seal-Rite at 573-387-4491today or visit us online for more information about our sealcoating equipment!

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