A fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver, but only if it’s ready to go. For this reason, routine maintenance is so important. A neglected extinguisher might not work when you need it most and puts lives and property at risk. In this guide, we’ll answer the question: why must fire extinguishers be routinely maintained?

How Fire Extinguishers Work

Fire extinguishers stop fires by either cooling the heat, cutting off the fuel, or removing the oxygen the fire needs to burn. They contain two main components: an extinguishing agent that puts out the fire and a propellant that pushes the agent out when you press the handle.

The extinguisher is made of strong steel to handle the high pressure inside. At the top, there’s a small container of compressed gas sealed by a valve. When you pull the safety pin and squeeze the handle, the valve opens. This releases the gas, which forces the extinguishing agent out of the nozzle with strong pressure.

Different types of fire extinguishers work in slightly different ways. Let’s break them down:

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers put out fires by cooling the fuel. When you press the handle, a high-pressure gas canister inside gets punctured and releases the gas into the tank. This pushes the water out with enough force to reach the fire from a safe distance.

Water extinguishers are best for Class A fires, which involve solid materials like paper, wood, or fabric. However, they should never be used on grease, electrical, metal, or flammable liquid fires because water makes those fires worse.

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers

Water mist extinguishers release deionized water in tiny mist particles. The mist creates a curtain that cools the fire and reduces oxygen levels. Since both heat and oxygen are needed for a fire to keep burning, this method puts it out effectively.

These extinguishers work well on electrical fires and fires involving delicate materials like books, fabrics, or servers. They leave little to no residue, making them a great option for sensitive equipment.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for grease or Class K fires. They contain chemicals like potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, or potassium citrate.

When sprayed, the chemicals create a fine mist that reacts with the burning oil or fat. This forms a soapy layer over the fire, which cools it down and cuts off oxygen. This process also prevents the fire from reigniting.

Powder Fire Extinguishers

Powder extinguishers release a fine powder made from chemicals like sodium bicarbonate and monoammonium phosphate. The powder coats the fire, separating the fuel from oxygen and stopping the flames.

These extinguishers work on many fire types, including electrical and Class B fires. Some also work on metal or Class D fires. However, the powder can be messy and may be dangerous to inhale, so you should use a mask. 

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam extinguishers work by cooling the fire and creating a barrier between the fuel and flames. When sprayed, they release a thick foam that spreads over the fire’s surface, cutting off oxygen and suffocating the flames.

These extinguishers are great for flammable liquid fires because the foam covers the liquid and prevents the fire from spreading and reigniting.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers work by removing oxygen from the fire. They release carbon dioxide gas, which pushes out oxygen and stops the fire. The gas is also very cold, so it helps cool the flames.

A CO2 extinguisher has a large black cone-shaped horn that expands and cools the gas before it reaches the fire. This prevents it from blowing air onto the flames, which could make the fire worse. CO2 extinguishers are great for electrical or Class C fires because they don’t leave residue. However, they are not effective on metal fires.

Why You Need Fire Extinguishers

Fires can happen when we least expect them. They’re dangerous, whether it's a small grease fire in the kitchen or an electrical issue at work. Having a fire extinguisher nearby can make all the difference. Here are the top reasons why you need fire extinguishers: 

Quick Response 

Imagine you're cooking dinner, and suddenly, a small flame flares up. With a fire extinguisher within reach, you can act fast and prevent that small flame from turning into a major fire. Quick action not only saves property but can also save lives. 

Fire Safety at Home and Work

Fire sprays and extinguishers are crucial at home, especially in areas like the kitchen and garage. They let you put out minor fires before they escalate. They’re also important in work areas with many fire hazards, like computers, documents, and printers. Plus, they empower employees to handle emergencies promptly and reduce risks. 

Protecting Your Property

Fires can cause significant damage like costly repairs or total property loss. Having a fire extinguisher on hand lets you put out fires in their early stages and minimize damage. It's a small investment that can prevent huge financial setbacks. 

Compliance With Safety Regulations

Many local laws and regulations require businesses to have fire extinguishers readily available. This isn't just about avoiding fines, though. It’s also about making work safe for everyone. Regular maintenance and proper placement are often mandated to meet safety standards. 

Environmental Benefits

Using a fire extinguisher to control a small fire can reduce the amount of harmful pollutants released into the environment. By preventing a fire from spreading, you limit smoke and other toxic emissions. You can also help prevent wildfires, which kill people and destroy properties. 

Peace of Mind

Knowing you're prepared for unexpected situations brings peace of mind. Whether you're at home or work, having fire extinguishers makes you ready to handle emergencies.

Why Must Fire Extinguishers Be Routinely Maintained?

Fire extinguishers are your safety superheroes. However, they become unreliable without routine maintenance. Here’s why keeping them in top shape is a must: 

1. Making Sure They Work When Needed

Fire extinguishers lose pressure over time, and the chemicals inside them degrade. Rust, dents, or corrosion can also make an extinguisher useless. Regular inspections help you catch damage early so you can fix or replace your fire extinguisher.

Fire can spread quickly if an extinguisher fails in an emergency. A simple maintenance check ensures it’s working when you need it most.

2. Keeping Them Ready

Things shift around in the workplace, and an extinguisher might not be where it should be. If it’s missing or inaccessible during an emergency, valuable time is lost. Plus, extinguishers can be blocked or tampered with. Routine checks make sure they’re in the right place. 

3. Complying With the Law

Fire codes require routine maintenance of extinguishers. These codes exist to protect people and property, and failing to maintain extinguishers could result in hefty fines and liabilities. 

Staying compliant keeps your business safe and in good standing with the authorities. Aside from legal trouble, non-compliance could put lives at risk. 

4. Extending Your Extinguisher’s Lifespan

Regular maintenance helps identify minor issues before they turn into big problems. Small leaks, rust, or worn-out parts can cause problems. Catching these issues early extends the life of your extinguisher.

5. Saving Money

A well-maintained extinguisher lasts longer, so you won’t have to replace it as often. This saves money in the long run. Plus, prematurely replacing an extinguisher is costly. In a large business with multiple units, those costs add up. Preventative maintenance is much cheaper than buying new ones every few years. 

6. Identifying Issues 

A fire extinguisher that’s not properly maintained gives you a false sense of security. It might look fine but fail when you need it. Regular inspections identify issues before they cause huge problems. In particular, routine maintenance can catch leaks and clogs that make your extinguisher useless. 

7. Protecting Employees and Customers

A functioning extinguisher can prevent fire-related injuries and property damage. Knowing that fire extinguishers are properly maintained also gives employees and customers confidence in their safety. It reassures them that the workplace is safe and prepared for fire emergencies.

Remember, fire safety means being proactive, not reactive. Keeping your extinguishers in top shape doesn’t take much but makes a huge difference when it matters most.

What Does Routine Maintenance Involve?

Fire extinguishers are lifesavers, but only if they’re working. Routine maintenance makes sure they’re ready for action. Here’s what proper upkeep involves:

Monthly Self-Checks

Quick monthly inspections help catch problems before they become serious. Here’s what to look at:

• Accessibility: Make sure nothing is blocking or limiting access to the extinguisher.
• Physical Condition: Check for dents, rust, cracks, or other damage.
• Pressure Gauge: Make sure the needle is in the green zone. The extinguisher may not work properly if it’s too high or too low. 
• Pin & Seal: The safety pin should be intact, and the tamper seal should not be broken.
• Hose & Nozzle: Inspect for kinks, cracks, or clogs.
• Label: The numbers and letters on the fire extinguisher must be easy to read. 

Annual Professional Inspections

Bring in a certified technician to conduct a more thorough inspection once a year. Here’s what they usually do: 

• Recharge & Repair: Refill the extinguisher (if needed) and fix issues you might have missed.
• Pressure Test: Perform a pressure test if required to check the extinguisher’s structural integrity.
• Update the Tag: They’ll update the maintenance tag with the inspection date and other details to confirm compliance.

Hydrostatic Testing

Hydrostatic testing is required to make sure the cylinder can withstand pressure. How often you need this depends on the extinguisher type. 

• Every five years: Wet chemical, water mist, carbon dioxide, water, and foam extinguishers.
• Every 12 years: Dry chemical extinguishers. However, some dry chemical extinguishers might need testing before the 12-year mark.

Extinguishers used in harsh environments (vehicles, extreme temperatures, or high-vibration areas) may need more frequent testing.

Cleaning and General Upkeep

Fire extinguishers should always be clean and free of dust, dirt, and grease. Remember, it’s harder to use a dirty extinguisher c in an emergency. Wipe them down regularly to keep them in good condition.

Proper Placement and Storage

Keep extinguishers in easily accessible locations. Make sure they’re properly marked. If you’re putting them in the workplace, distribute them throughout buildings according to fire hazards (e.g., Class K fire extinguishers near kitchens, Class C fire extinguishers near electrical rooms, and ABC fire extinguishers near general areas).

What Happens if a Fire Extinguisher Is Not Serviced?

Fire extinguishers are designed to be reliable in emergencies, but they don’t last forever. They can become useless without proper servicing. Here’s what can happen if they aren’t serviced: 

1. Failure to Discharge

A fire extinguisher may fail to discharge when it’s not serviced. The rubber seal between the cylinder and valve can wear out and lead to a leak. It might not also release the extinguishing agent if the valve stem is damaged. 

The pressurized chemicals inside can also lose effectiveness because there’s not enough pressure to put out a fire. Remember, a non-functional extinguisher is useless in an emergency and puts people and property at serious risk.

2. Leaks and Pressure Loss

Fire extinguishers rely on pressurized chemicals to work. If they develop leaks due to wear and tear, they lose pressure and become ineffective. 

Exposure to extreme temperatures can also speed up deterioration. Without servicing, leaks persist and make the extinguisher useless. Even if there’s some pressure left, it may not be strong enough to discharge properly. 

3. Unseen Damage

Not all damages are visible. Over time, internal components wear out, and the exterior can crack or rust. Structural weaknesses or internal corrosion can prevent the extinguisher from working. 

A damaged shell can also cause unexpected ruptures, which are dangerous. Routine servicing helps catch these problems before they turn into huge disasters.

4. Outdated Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers expire. As they age, they may no longer meet modern safety standards, and replacement parts might not be available. Some extinguishers also contain chemicals that degrade over time. Regular servicing lets you replace outdated extinguishers before they become liabilities.

5. Non-Compliance

Fire safety regulations specify how many extinguishers are required, how often they must be inspected, and when they should be replaced. They exist for a reason: to make sure your fire prevention tools are always in working condition.

Non-compliance leads to fines or forced closures by the fire department. Neglecting extinguisher maintenance could also put employees, customers, and properties at risk.

6. Increased Fire Damage

A broken fire extinguisher puts people and property at risk. Fires spread fast, and if yours doesn’t work, a tiny flame can turn into a disaster. Without it, you might have to run instead of putting the fire out, which means more danger. Regular checks keep extinguishers ready to handle small fires before they get out of control. 

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Maintained?

Fire extinguishers should be maintained monthly, annually, and every five to 12 years. 

Skipping routine maintenance could mean trouble in an emergency. Here’s a simple schedule to keep them in top shape so you’re always prepared for a fire:

Monthly

Make sure the extinguisher is in the right spot, not damaged, and has the correct pressure. Check the safety seals and tamper indicators as well.

Annually

A certified technician should inspect your fire extinguisher once a year. They’ll check for issues, replace parts if needed, and update the service tag.

Every Five Years

Wet chemical, water mist, carbon dioxide, water, and foam fire extinguishers need hydrostatic testing every five years. This test checks for leaks and weaknesses.

Every 12 Years

Dry chemical extinguishers need hydrostatic testing every 12 years so they’re safe to use. However, some dry chemical extinguishers might need testing before the 12-year mark.

Following this schedule keeps fire extinguishers in working order and ensures they meet fire safety regulations. Regular maintenance isn’t just about compliance. It’s also about making sure they work when you need them. Remember, a quick check today could prevent a disaster tomorrow. 

How to Tell Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Replacement

Fire extinguishers don’t last forever, and an expired one won’t do much good in an emergency. Check yours regularly to make sure it’s still reliable. Here’s how you can tell if it’s time for a replacement: 

1. Check the Expiration Date 

Some fire extinguishers have a clear expiration date printed on the label. If you don’t see one, use the manufacturing date as a reference. Most fire extinguishers last between 10 to 12 years. If yours is older than that, it’s time to replace it.

2. Check the Pressure

Next, check the pressure gauge. The needle should be in the green zone, which means it has the right pressure to work effectively. If the needle is in the red (either too high or too low), your extinguisher won’t function properly. If this is the case, ask a professional to recharge or fix it. 

3. Look for Physical Damages

Physical damages make a fire extinguisher unsafe or ineffective. Inspect it for dents, rust, cracks, or leaks. Any of these issues could mean the extinguisher won’t work when you need it most.

Check the tamper seal as well. This small plastic or metal seal indicates the extinguisher hasn’t been used or tampered with. If the seal is broken or missing, the extinguisher has been previously discharged. If this happens, it’s best to get it checked or replaced.

4. Check the Maintenance Records

If your extinguisher has a maintenance tag, check when it was last inspected. Fire extinguishers should be professionally serviced once a year. If the tag shows it hasn’t been checked in years, it’s time for a professional inspection or replacement.

What to Do if Your Fire Extinguisher Is Expired or Malfunctioning

A fire extinguisher is an essential safety tool, but it won’t do much good if it’s expired. If yours is not working or past its expiration date, it’s time to take action. Here’s what to do if your extinguisher is not working or expired: 

Recycle or Dispose of It Properly

Don’t just toss it in the trash. Fire extinguishers contain pressurized chemicals, which can be hazardous if not disposed of correctly. Many fire departments or hazardous waste facilities accept expired extinguishers. Some home improvement stores also have recycling programs, so it’s worth calling ahead to check.

If you can’t find a local disposal option, contact your city’s waste management service for guidance. If the extinguisher is empty, some areas allow you to safely discharge it, remove the head, and recycle the canister as scrap metal. However, always confirm local regulations before doing so.

Recharge It

A professional can refill your extinguisher if it’s rechargeable. This is usually more affordable than buying a new one. It also helps reduce waste.

Look for a certified fire equipment service provider. Many can inspect, refill, and certify your extinguisher so it’s safe to use. Remember, your rechargeable extinguisher needs a recharge if it has been used (even partially). You can also check the manufacturer’s guidelines on when and where to get it serviced.

Replace It Right Away

Fires happen when you least expect them, and not having a working extinguisher is dangerous. Once your extinguisher has expired, don’t wait. Get a new one as soon as possible. Make sure you choose the right type for your home. 

A multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher is great for general use, while Class K extinguishers are best for kitchens. Consider keeping one in key areas like the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces. Store it in an easy-to-reach place and know how to use it along with everyone in your household.

Are There Alternatives to Fire Extinguishers That Don’t Expire?

While fire extinguishers help a lot, they can be expensive, heavy, and hard to store. They also expire, might contain toxic chemicals, and leave a mess that’s hard to clean up. Plus, you need to use specific extinguishers to put out different types of fire. 

A fire spray is an easy-to-use, lightweight, and affordable alternative to 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. You also don’t need training to use it. Simply aim, spray, and let the fire die. 

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

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

Unlike 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 its bigger version ( the Flame Shield) to save someone on fire. 

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

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