Can you service a fire extinguisher yourself?

Author: Dr. Stella Romaguera  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Your fire extinguishers should only be recharged by a certified fire equipment dealer or fire protection company. Once a year, a certified fire equipment dealer, in accordance with the service manual identified on the product label, should perform maintenance on the fire extinguisher.

Can you recharge a fire extinguisher yourself?

Only a qualified fire protection company can recharge your fire extinguisher.

How do you service fire extinguishers?

Check the outside of each extinguisher for dust, oil or grease, and clean it as necessary. The USFA adds that some fire extinguishes may need to be shaken monthly or pressure tested every few years. Also, keep in mind that most fire extinguishers are good for 5 to 15 years, according to BobVila.com.

Is it cheaper to recharge a fire extinguisher or buy a new one?

Safety Compliance: Fire extinguishers are critical for safety in homes and workplaces. Recharging ensures that they are ready for use in case of a fire. Cost-Effectiveness: Recharging a fire extinguisher is often less expensive than purchasing a new one. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the extinguisher.

How much does it cost to service a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguisher inspections generally cost between $15 and $30 and range to $100, depending on the system and regulation requirements. The fire extinguisher service procedure can cost more as it covers the replacement and refill or recharge service costs of the fire extinguisher.

Yearly Fire Extinguisher Inspection

Do fire departments refill fire extinguishers for free?

Please, do not try to burn it. 4. Will the Fire Department refill my fire extinguisher? The Fire Department does not refill fire extinguishers.

How often should a fire extinguisher be serviced?

While maintenance and servicing need to be carried out once per year, you do need to conduct a visual inspection of your fire extinguisher once per month.

Is a 20 year old fire extinguisher still good?

When do fire extinguishers expire? Although they don't have a true "expiration date," traditional fire extinguishers generally have a 10-12 year life expectancy. Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years.

How much does it cost to recharge a 20 lb fire extinguisher?

How much is a fire extinguisher recharge? Recharging a fire extinguisher would cost around $20 to $50 dollars, depending on the size.

How can you tell if a fire extinguisher needs to be recharged?

One of the best things you can do is a visual inspection of your extinguisher to ensure the gauge is in the green area. If it's in the red, it indicates the extinguisher is in need of a recharge or it has been overcharged.

Will the fire department check my fire extinguisher?

Some local fire stations offer fire extinguisher inspections alongside other safety services. However, each fire department is different and some may not offer this service due to liability concerns. Check with your local fire department to see what fire safety services they offer.

How often do ABC fire extinguishers need to be serviced?

All extinguishers need to be serviced and tested every 6 years and also when: The fire extinguisher has been used. The pin has been pulled. The gauge is not in the green (or proper pressure area)

Can an expired fire extinguisher be refilled?

Recharging expired extinguishers is not recommended, as it can jeopardize your safety and the safety of others. Always prioritize regular inspections of your fire extinguishers to ensure they remain in proper working condition.

What to do if fire extinguisher pressure is low?

If the internal pressure of the fire extinguisher is less than 1.0 MPa (refill), it means that the pressure inside is not enough to effectively spray the fire extinguishing agent. At this time, we need to take the fire extinguisher to the fire equipment store or the local fire brigade to refill it.

Does Costco sell fire extinguishers?

First Alert Heavy Duty Professional Grade Fire Extinguisher, 5 lbs | Costco.

Is it worth recharging a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers need to be recharged after each use – even if they aren't empty – to ensure that there will be enough pressure and suppressant liquid to properly extinguish another fire.

How to recharge a fire extinguisher at home?

Unfortunately, it is not possible for you to refill this on your own. You could take it to a local fire equipment / service shop and they should be able to service it and refill it. I'm not sure how much that would cost in comparison to just buying a new extinguisher.

How long does a 20 lb fire extinguisher last?

A 10-pound to 20-pound dry chemical fire extinguisher will last anywhere from 10 to 25 seconds. Again, this depends on the model and the weight you are using. Fire extinguishers are only designed to fight small fires.

Can you recharge a 30 year old fire extinguisher?

Rechargeable fire extinguishers can be charged until they need to be replaced, which, by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, is 12 years. There are additional scenarios where fire extinguisher recharge services are necessary.

What to do with a 40 year old fire extinguisher?

Here's what to do with an old, damaged, or expired extinguisher: If the fire extinguisher is partially or fully charged, call your fire department to ask if they accept drop-offs. If not, take the canister to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

How do I tell if my fire extinguisher is still good?

The first thing to look for is the condition of the fire extinguisher itself. Next, check the service label to see if it has been serviced at the correct intervals. In most cases this will be annually. Damage, rust and corrosion are indicators that the unit has expired and should be replaced.

How to maintenance a fire extinguisher?

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
  1. Carrying out a visual inspection.
  2. Checking the extinguisher has not been used or tampered with.
  3. Taking a pressure gauge reading.
  4. Removing the discharge hose to check for blockages or corrosion.
  5. Weigh and clean the extinguisher.
  6. Ensure wall mountings are secure.

How much does it cost to get a fire extinguisher inspected?

Making sure the systems are working and can work at a moment's notice are often checked by more experienced inspectors. Inspections usually cost between $40 to $100 dollars depending on the immediacy and size of business.

Are silver fire extinguishers legal?

Yes, chrome extinguishers, also known as stainless steel or polished aluminium extinguishers, are made using the same quality standards as red ones and are legal. They have the same functionality and are as effective when tackling a fire.

What is the average cost of recharging a fire extinguisher?

Average Costs for Fire Extinguisher Recharging

On average, you can anticipate a recharge to cost between $25 to $50. However, this range can fluctuate based on the size and type of extinguisher.

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