a spray nozzle adapter is used with a conventional spray nozzle having a nozzle plug for regulating the flow of fluid in response to a control lever . the spray nozzle adapter has an intake coupler having an axially extending cylindrical wall defining an intake orifice constructed to couple to the spray nozzle , a shaft coupled to the intake coupler and a valve assembly coupled to the nozzle plug and disposed in the fluid passage of the first shaft for controlling the flow of fluid from the spray nozzle in response to movement of the spray nozzle control lever . the valve assembly includes a valve and a lever coupled to the valve . the valve has a plug for controlling the flow of fluid from the outlet orifice . the lever is securely coupled to the nozzle plug of the spray nozzle to relay the movement of the nozzle plug to the valve . the spray nozzle adapter also has a cone - shaped deflector mounted to the intake coupler to substantially surround the shaft . the deflector is used to block the splashing of water and dirt and includes a plurality of rings axially interleaved and connected with elastic materials to allow the plurality of rings to retract thereby exposing the shaft .