Fire safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Water fire extinguishers are an easy and eco-friendly way to put out certain fires. But how exactly do they work? What types of fire are they used for? How do you use them? Let’s break everything down below. 

What Is a Water Fire Extinguisher?

As the term suggests, this fire extinguisher is mainly composed of water. It’s more eco-friendly than other types of fire extinguishers and doesn’t rely on chemicals. However, manufacturers sometimes put additives to help the extinguisher work better. Some water fire extinguishers also contain antifreeze to prevent them from freezing.

Plus, water fire extinguishers are easy to recognize, thanks to their bright red labels. They’re also more affordable than other types of fire extinguishers, which is a bonus for anyone on a tight budget. Since they use mainly water, they don’t usually leave toxic residue.

How Do Water Fire Extinguishers Work?

A water fire extinguisher reduces the fire’s temperature until the flames go out. It’s a simple but effective tool for fire control. It releases the content when you remove the tamper seal, pull out the safety pin, and squeeze the lever. 

Inside, a pointed rod punctures a canister filled with high-pressure gas. This gas is released into the tank and forces the water downward. The pressure then pushes the water out through the nozzle with enough force to reach a safe distance of four to six feet.

Water fire extinguishers also use a spray nozzle instead of the usual jet nozzle. This design helps spread the water over a larger surface area, letting it cover and extinguish the fire quickly. 

What Is a Water Fire Extinguisher Used For?

A water fire extinguisher puts out fires caused by solid materials, including paper, wood, cloth, plastic, and cardboard. Also known as Class A fires, they’re common in homes, offices, schools, and other places with everyday combustibles. In particular, water fire extinguishers lower the material’s temperature below its ignition point. This eventually puts out the fire. 

Spraying water on fire lets it absorb the heat and turns it into steam. This cools the flames and smothers the fire by reducing the oxygen around it. These break the fire triangle, which is composed of heat, fuel, and oxygen. The water also thoroughly soaks the burning material to completely cool it and make sure it won’t reignite. 

You’ll often find water fire extinguishers in places like offices, schools, hospitals, warehouses, and the like. However, you should note that you can only use them on Class A fires. 

How to Use Water Fire Extinguishers

Using a water fire extinguisher might look tricky, but the PASS fire extinguisher method makes it easy. Here’s how to use a water fire extinguisher step-by-step:

1. Pull the Pin

Start by pulling the safety pin on the extinguisher. The pin keeps the handle locked, so removing it makes the extinguisher ready to use. Some extinguishers may have tamper seals, so break them before pulling the pins.

2. Aim at the Base

Point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not the flames. The fire burns from the fuel at the bottom, so targeting that area puts it out faster. Hold the extinguisher firmly and aim low.

3. Squeeze the Handle

Gently squeeze the handle to release the water. Use steady, controlled pressure to keep the flow consistent. Avoid squeezing too hard or too fast because this can waste the content. 

4. Sweep From Side to Side

Move the nozzle from side to side to cover the fire. Start from a safe distance and move closer as the fire shrinks. Keep spraying until the fire is completely out and the area is cool.

Remember, your safety comes first. Only use fire extinguishers on manageable fires. A small flame can turn into a major fire in 30 seconds, so be careful. If the fire is spreading quickly or you feel unsafe, evacuate and call for help immediately. 

Can You Refill Water Fire Extinguishers?

Yes, water fire extinguishers can be refilled. It’s usually a smart move to refill them instead of replacing them. Refilling is usually cheaper and better for the environment because it reduces waste. During this process, professionals empty, clean, inspect, and refill the water fire extinguisher.  

Certified professionals should do the refill process to make sure the extinguisher will work. In particular, they’ll check the cylinder for cracks, dents, or corrosion that could cause problems later. They’ll also test the pressure to make sure it meets safety standards. The professionals will also add additives, such as antifreeze and chelating agents if needed. 

Refills are usually done after a water fire extinguisher is used, even if it’s not empty. This is because the pressure inside drops, making it less effective during a fire emergency. Some regulations also call for periodic servicing and refilling, even if the extinguisher hasn’t been used. 

Refilling your water fire extinguisher keeps it reliable. Just remember to let professionals handle the job for safety and compliance reasons.

When Should You Not Use a Water Fire Extinguisher?

Water fire extinguishers are not suited for every type of fire. Specifically, you should never use them on Class B, C, D, or K fires. Each of these fire types reacts differently to water, and using the wrong extinguisher can make the situation worse.

Class B Fires

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, like gasoline or propane. Water won’t mix with these substances, so it can push the fuel around and further spread the fire. In some cases, adding water can even cause a violent reaction, making the fire harder to control. Use a Class B fire extinguisher instead.

Class C Fires

You can’t use water fire extinguishers on electrical or Class C fires as well. Water conducts electricity, so using it on live electrical equipment can lead to electrocution or worsen the fire. Always use a Class C fire extinguisher specifically designed for electrical fires.

Class D Fires

Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium or sodium. These materials burn at extremely high temperatures and can violently react with water. Spraying water on these fires makes them much more dangerous. Use a Class D fire extinguisher instead.

Class K Fires

Grease fires or Class K fires become more dangerous when water is used. Water causes the oil to splatter, spreads flames to other surfaces, and increases the fire’s reach. Find out how to put out a grease fire here. 

What Classes of Fire Should a Water Extinguisher Be Used On?

Water fire extinguishers are specifically made to put out Class A fires. These fires involve everyday materials like wood, paper, cloth, and cardboard. Water fire extinguishers work well because they cool the burning material, remove heat, and stop the fire from spreading.

Class A fires need heat, oxygen, and fuel (like wood or paper) to burn. Water breaks this cycle by cooling the fuel below its ignition point. It also soaks into the material, so the flames won’t reignite.

Water Fire Extinguisher Alternatives

While water fire extinguishers help a lot, they can be expensive, heavy, and hard to store. They might also leave a mess that’s hard to clean up. 

A fire spray is an easy-to-use, lightweight, and affordable alternative to water fire extinguishers. Prepared Hero’s fire spray is also biodegradable and non-toxic. Unlike a fire extinguisher, you can safely use it around your family and pets. 

Here’s a table summarizing the differences between Prepared Hero’s fire spray and a regular water fire extinguisher:

Another alternative is a fire blanket, which depletes the fire’s oxygen supply. By doing this, it puts out small Class A fires in seconds. It also doesn’t leave a mess because it simply covers the fire.

Unlike water fire extinguishers, Prepared Hero’s fire blanket doesn’t expire. You can reuse it as many times as you want as long as it’s not damaged. Plus, you can use it to save someone on fire. 

Here’s a table summarizing the differences between Prepared Hero’s fire blanket and a regular water fire extinguisher:

Do you want reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable tools to put out small fires before they become raging infernos? Check out Prepared Hero’s fire prevention tools here, and get up to 51% off on certain items. Stay prepared, hero!