How often do home fire extinguishers need to be replaced?

Author: Jonathon Williamson  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

As a good rule of thumb, you should plan to replace your disposable fire extinguisher every 12 years. If you aren't sure how old your extinguisher is then you can check the pressure gauge on a monthly basis to ensure it's still functional.

Will a 20 year old fire extinguisher still work?

A 20-year-old fire extinguisher is generally considered outdated and may not be reliable. Fire extinguishers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. Here are some steps to determine if it's still usable:

How do I know if my fire extinguisher needs replacing?

Fire extinguisher: 4 Ways to know it needs a replacement
  1. When the nozzle or hose of an extinguisher is ripped, cracked, or blocked with dirt or debris.
  2. If the locking pin on the handle is unsealed or missing.
  3. The handle of the extinguisher is broken or wobbly.
  4. Or the hang tag or inspection sticker is missing.

How long are home 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.

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 often do Fire Extinguisher's need to be Serviced?

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 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.

How do I tell if my fire extinguisher is expired?

You can tell when a fire extinguisher expires by looking at the year and month punched on the tag. The extinguisher expires one year after the date indicated on the tag. The expiration date can be found at the bottom of the fire extinguisher tag.

How often should household fire extinguishers be replaced?

As a good rule of thumb, you should plan to replace your disposable fire extinguisher every 12 years. If you aren't sure how old your extinguisher is then you can check the pressure gauge on a monthly basis to ensure it's still functional.

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.

Do fire departments recharge fire extinguishers?

2. 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.

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

Inspections usually cost between $40 to $100 dollars depending on the immediacy and size of business. During inspections, making sure you have a code-compliant setup and working fire extinguishers is the biggest aim. Inspectors can guide you to recharge or replace your fire extinguishers.

Can you service a fire extinguisher yourself?

You are able to conduct fire extinguisher maintenance yourself on a monthly basis - you would check to see whether the apparatus is still in good condition and the pressure gauge is showing there is sufficient pressure.

What year are fire extinguishers obsolete?

Any extinguisher manufactured prior to 1955. Any extinguishers with 4B, 6B, 8B, 12B, and 16B fire ratings. Stored-pressure water extinguishers with fiberglass shells (pre-1976)

How long is a kidde fire extinguisher good for?

Can I recharge my Kidde fire extinguisher? Kidde recommends that after use (or at end-of-life after 10 years) fire extinguishers are disposed of safely and replaced with a new model.

Does Costco sell fire extinguishers?

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

How to get a home fire extinguisher checked?

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.

What does 1 person, 1 fire, and 1 extinguisher mean?

A : "One Fire - One Extinguisher", is a brand-new approach to fire safety in the UK. These extinguishers are called "WATER-MIST" and have been manufactured with the idea that there should be only one fire extinguisher to deal with all types of fire.

How to tell if a fire extinguisher is good?

Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle. Confirm the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position, and lift the extinguisher to ensure it is still full. Make sure the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.

Is a 40 year old fire extinguisher still good?

All fire extinguishers should last a minimum of five to 12 years. It's at these intervals that extinguishers are hydrostatically tested, depending on the type you have. Hydrostatic testing is when the cylinder is emptied, filled with colored water, and brought up to a high pressure for a brief time.

How do I check the status of my fire extinguisher?

6 Steps to Inspecting Your Fire Extinguisher
  1. Step 1: Ensure You Have Easy Access. ...
  2. Step 2: Check the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Tag. ...
  3. Step 3: Gauge the Pressure. ...
  4. Step 4: Confirm the Hose and Pin Are in Place. ...
  5. Step 5: Look for Physical Damage. ...
  6. Step 6: Update the Inspection Tag.

When should I replace my home fire extinguisher?

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.

Should you recharge a fire extinguisher or buy a new one?

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. They should also be recharged if they become damaged, or periodically throughout their lifespan.

Do home fire extinguishers have an expiration date?

Check the expiration date

Look for a manufacturer's label or a stamp on the body of the extinguisher that indicates the date of manufacture or an expiration date. Fire extinguishers typically have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer.

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

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.

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