The Importance of Annual Fire Extinguisher Service
- Luke Song
- Sep 23, 2025
- 2 min read
When was the last time your fire extinguisher was serviced? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. While around 70% of U.S. households own a fire extinguisher, the percentage of households that get their fire extinguishers regularly serviced is much lower. This is an imminent safety risk, as a fire extinguisher cannot be reliable without its last service. Over time, fire extinguishers can lose pressure or leak, making them unusable. Because of this, fire extinguisher services should be an annual occurrence.
A fire extinguisher service is also often referred to as a fire extinguisher inspection. During this process, technicians go through many steps to ensure the extinguisher is up to date. The process first begins with a visual inspection. During this step, the technician will go through an examination of the extinguisher, checking for things such as damaged tamper seals, dents on the cylinder, as well as the extinguisher’s placement.
Next comes the pressure check, when technicians inspect the pressure level. For stored pressure extinguishers, the gauge should be in the green zone. If the needle is in the green zone, then the extinguisher is properly charged. However, if the needle is in the red zone, the extinguisher may require professional service. All extinguishers are then weighed to ensure there is no leak.
Once the pressure is verified, the components are inspected one by one. The hose and nozzle are checked for blockages, as a blockage may potentially lead to the extinguisher failing to discharge properly during an emergency. Even a small obstruction can prevent the flow of the extinguishing agent. The headcap and handles are tested to make sure they are secure and fitted. The tamper seal is replaced to indicate the extinguisher has not yet been discharged. Finally, they update the label with the date of the inspection.
For the last step of the process, technicians will provide a maintenance tag and the proper documentation. They will also provide advice on extinguishers that need to be replaced or refilled. Having this documentation is sometimes a legal requirement, demonstrating you are complying with fire safety regulations.
Although fire extinguisher services are typically required on an annual basis, it is also recommended that you perform quick monthly checkups yourself. These don’t replace professional inspection, but they can help catch any obvious issues. There are many monthly fire extinguisher inspection checklists that can be found online. These typically include verifying that the tamper seal is unbroken, and checking for physical damage such as leakage or a clogged nozzle.
Your fire extinguisher is one of the most important tools you have in ensuring your home is protected from a fire. However, like most safety devices, it is only useful if it is properly maintained. By performing monthly checkups, as well as an annual professional service, you can make sure your fire extinguisher will perform up to par!
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-Written by Anna Zhao
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