Metering tips are color-coded orifices that can be installed in the suction tube on many Lafferty units. For water-driven systems, they reduce the amount of chemical being drawn into the water stream. For air-driven systems (Foggers/Mist Sprayers) they reduce the amount of chemical being drawn into the air stream.

Not typically. Dilution equipment includes metering tips, but foggers may not. Check the details for each unit.

First, check the chemical label or consult the chemical manufacturer to determine the dilution ratio at which it should be applied.

• Some chemicals will list the dilution ratio directly (16:1 means 16 parts water per 1 part chemical). Some products may list ounces per gallon (7 ounces of chemical per 1 gallon of water). Some products may list other volumetric measurements (2 tablespoons per 1 gallon of water). All of these are dilution instructions.
• Convert the provided dilution instructions to a ratio. TIP: There are 128 fluid ounces in 1 gallon.

Refer to printed instructions (page 2) or the Installation & Operation Instructions (I&O) on our website product detail pages. There you will find a metering tip chart based on the flow rate of that specific unit. Select the tip that is closest to the desired dilution ratio.

IMPORTANT: The ratios in the chart are based on nominal water pressure within the operating range.
Dilution strength will be affected if the water pressure is significantly higher or lower than noted.

The unit-specific metering tip chart includes a formula with instructions for manual calculations.

To avoid manual calculations…
If you know your actual water pressure, the Metering Tip Calculator can provide the dilution ratio for each tip at various water pressures based on the flow rate of the unit. The Metering Tip Calculator is also helpful because it presents dilutions in other common formats, such as ounces per gallon. See video below.

You’ll have to do a bit of trial and error to find the perfect tip. Start with the metering tip chart dilution ratios in the instructions, which are specified at 40 PSI water pressure.

Adjust the tip size larger or smaller based on results. If the chemical isn’t foaming well in a foamer, try a larger tip. If sanitizer test strips reveal that the chemical output is too weak/strong, adjust accordingly and use a larger or smaller tip. Once you choose and install tip you should rarely, if ever, need to change it.

We offer a Water Pressure/Flow Test Kit to facilitate unit setup and provide validation of water pressure. Mixing Stations for filling spray bottles, mop buckets, sinks, etc. include a water pressure gauge as a standard feature. Contact us if you would like to order gauges on any other water-driven system.

You don’t! This chart only indicates how fast chemical concentrate will be consumed and helps visually identify each tip. Dilution ratios depend on the water flow rate through the venturi injector (this is unit specific), water pressure, and viscosity of the chemical.

KEY POINT: Do not confuse oz/min (flow rate) with oz/gal (dilution).

The oz/min flow rates in the chart represent the average number of ounces of water-thin chemical which will pass through the tip per minute. Tip colors are listed in ascending order, from smallest (Brown) to largest (Black). See chart below below.

To draw the maximum amount of chemical into the water stream, do not install any metering tip.

Dilution ratios will be weaker at higher water pressure, so consider reducing the incoming water pressure if it is significantly higher than what is noted in the unit-specific metering tip chart.

You may require a ratio that falls between two metering tips. Use the closest available tip or adjust your water pressure. For disinfectants and sanitizers, validate chemical effectiveness as recommended by the chemical manufacturer (test strips, titration, swab test, etc.)

Precise dilution ratios are less important for products like car wash soap or simple cleaning products. Cleaning results and/or foaming performance are the ultimate indicators of success. Adjust tip size until you find the “sweet spot” for optimal performance and chemical usage.

The full set of 20 tips is not useful for all units.

Some units are specialized for dilution ratios that cannot be achieved using metering tips. These plugs are installed in-line inside the suction tube.

High viscosity chemicals will be drawn at through the metering tip at a slower rate. Use a larger than calculated metering tip to compensate. A viscous chemical pickup assembly can reduce this effect if standard metering tips are insufficient based on trial and error.

Some chemicals may not foam well at the recommended dilution ratios. This is due to the makeup of the chemical, not the foaming equipment. Try using a larger than recommended metering tip to improve foam quality.

It’s okay! Please submit a contact form with as much detail as possible about your chemical and the unit you are using. Or give us a call at 1-800-999-2820.