Do firehouses refill fire extinguishers?

Author: Elizabeth Robel  |  Last update: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Will the Fire Department refill my fire extinguisher? The Fire Department does not refill fire extinguishers. We even have to send ours out to a vendor to have them refilled.

Will the fire department refill my fire extinguisher?

Do you refill or recharge fire extinguishers? No, the Fire Department does not provide this service.

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

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. For instance, with specialized technology like Halotron, it is pricier than your standard 10lb ABC extinguisher.

Does anyone refill fire extinguishers?

Highly trained fire extinguisher technicians will inspect safety devices to ensure it is safe to recharge. Then, they perform the refilling process for you at minimal time and cost.

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

In some cases, the cost of repairing or refilling an old fire extinguisher may reach the same amount as buying a new one, replacing is a better option. If your fire extinguisher's effectiveness is reduced, purchasing a new unit is worth it.

Do fire departments recharge fire extinguishers?

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.

Where can I refill my ABC fire extinguisher?

Step-by-Step ABC Fire Extinguisher Refilling Procedure
  1. Step 1: Examine the Extinguisher. ...
  2. Step 2: Discharge the Extinguisher. ...
  3. Step 3: Dismantle the Extinguisher. ...
  4. Step 4: Empty and Clean the Cylinder. ...
  5. Step 5: Inspect and Replace Components. ...
  6. Step 6: Refill the Extinguisher. ...
  7. Step 7: Reassemble and Test. ...
  8. Step 8: Label and Document.

Do fire stations take old fire extinguishers?

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.

Can empty fire extinguishers be refilled?

You may be wondering if fire extinguishers even can be refilled. In short, yes! It's possible to refill fire extinguishers if they're rechargeable. Find out below how to perform routine fire extinguisher maintenance and keep your property ready in the event of an emergency.

What to do if fire extinguisher runs out?

Disposal and replacement

If the fire extinguisher is no longer functional or cannot be repaired, it should be disposed of properly and replaced with a new one. It is important that the replacement extinguisher meets current standards and is suitable for the intended use.

Which fire extinguishers are refillable?

Refillability: Water and foam extinguishers can typically be refilled, as they are designed to be replenished with water or foam concentrate after deployment.

Does Costco sell fire extinguishers?

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

What is the average cost of recharging a fire extinguisher?

Recharging a fire extinguisher would cost around $20 to $50 dollars, depending on the size.

How often should I refill my fire extinguisher?

You must refill fire extinguishers immediately after each use. You must schedule routine refilling of extinguishers throughout their lifespan, regardless of if they have been used or unused. Such refilling typically takes place every six to twelve years from the manufacture date.

How do I know if my fire extinguisher is refillable?

You can check which kind you have by checking the gauge. Rechargeable ones will read either “charge” or in the green, “overcharge” or “recharge,” and disposable ones will read “full” or “empty.” If you have a disposable extinguisher, they're just that – disposable; they cannot be recharged.

Do fire stations recharge fire extinguishers?

Does the Fire Department recharge or maintain portable fire extinguishers? No. However the Fire Department administrative office serves as a drop-off point for citizens requiring the services of a fire extinguisher maintenance company.

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 you dispose of out of date fire extinguishers?

Other materials such as plastics and rubber are also recyclable meaning that almost 100% of extinguishers that have reached the end of their life can be recycled. Fire extinguishers cannot be put into your household recycling bin, but you can take them to larger household waste recycling centres for disposal.

How long does a 20 lb ABC fire extinguisher last?

Based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, here are the two fire extinguisher life expectancy guidelines every business owner or facility manager needs to know: Disposable fire extinguishers - Should be replaced every 12 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers - Should be recharged every 6 years.

Can I take my fire extinguisher to the fire station?

Take extinguisher to hazardous waste disposal facility.

If your local fire department is not accepting drop-offs, you can take the extinguisher to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

How to refill the fire extinguisher?

Things You Should Know
  1. Empty your extinguisher into a discharge bag, then remove the hose and valve from the tank and wipe them down with a soft cloth.
  2. Measure out your extinguisher chemical with a scale according to the extinguisher's capacity, then use a funnel to pour the chemical into the tank.
  3. Reinstall the valve.

How long are fire extinguishers good for?

How long do fire extinguishers last? The average lifespan of a powder, foam or water extinguisher is usually between 10 and 12 years. This is based on the extinguisher being in good condition with no corrosion or damage. After this time, the fire extinguisher should be replaced with a new one.

Does Walmart sell fire extinguishers?

Fire Extinguishers (Pressurized) Fire Extinguishers in Fire Extinguishers and Brackets - Walmart.com.

Is it illegal to use a fire extinguisher without a fire?

Did you think there was a fire and there wasn't? In both of these cases there would be no legal repercussions, unless you damaged something, which is possible using a dry chemical extinguisher around electrical equipment. If it was malicious however there could be charges.

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