🔥 How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced? A Simple Guide for Business Owners

Fire extinguishers are one of the most essential—and most overlooked—life safety tools in any building. They sit quietly on the wall, ready for an emergency, but they only work when they’re properly maintained. Many business owners aren’t sure how often extinguishers need to be inspected or what the requirements actually are. This guide breaks it down in clear, practical terms so you can stay compliant and keep your building protected.

🧯 Why Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Matters

A fire extinguisher that hasn’t been serviced is a liability. Over time, extinguishers can lose pressure, become damaged, or fail internal checks—meaning they may not work when you need them most. Regular inspections ensure:

• The extinguisher is fully charged

• The pull pin and tamper seal are intact

• The hose and nozzle are unobstructed

• The cylinder is free of corrosion or damage

• The extinguisher is accessible and properly mounted

A few minutes of maintenance can prevent a major emergency from becoming a disaster.

📅 Required Service Intervals: What the Code Says

Fire extinguisher maintenance follows NFPA 10 standards. Here’s what every business owner needs to know:

1. Monthly Visual Inspections

A quick check performed by building staff or a fire protection professional. This includes:

• Confirming the extinguisher is in its designated location

• Checking the pressure gauge

• Ensuring the pin and seal are intact

• Looking for visible damage

These inspections are simple but critical for catching early issues.

2. Annual Maintenance by a Certified Technician

Once a year, extinguishers must be professionally inspected. This includes:

• Full mechanical inspection

• Internal condition check (as applicable)

• Verification of weight and pressure

• Inspection of hoses, handles, and safety components

• Tagging and documentation for compliance

This annual service ensures the extinguisher meets all safety and code requirements.

3. 6‑Year Maintenance (for most dry chemical extinguishers)

Every six years, the extinguisher must be emptied, internally inspected, and refilled. This step ensures the internal components haven’t degraded over time.

4. Hydrostatic Testing

Depending on the extinguisher type, hydrostatic testing is required every:

• 5 years for CO₂, water, and wet chemical units

• 12 years for dry chemical extinguishers

This test checks the cylinder’s structural integrity under pressure.

🛑 Signs Your Extinguisher Needs Service Immediately

Even if you’re not due for an inspection, call a professional if you notice:

• A broken or missing tamper seal

• A gauge reading outside the green zone

• Corrosion, dents, or rust

• A clogged or cracked hose

• A missing or illegible inspection tag

• Evidence of discharge (even partial)

Any of these issues can render the extinguisher unreliable.

🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Until Renewal Time

Many businesses wait until their annual inspection is due, only to discover multiple extinguishers need repair or replacement. Staying ahead of the schedule helps you:

• Avoid last‑minute compliance issues

• Prevent downtime

• Budget for replacements

• Keep your building continuously protected

🔥 Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers may seem simple, but they’re one of the most important safety devices in your building. Regular servicing isn’t just a code requirement—it’s a smart, proactive step to protect your people, your property, and your peace of mind.

If you’re unsure when your extinguishers were last serviced or need help staying compliant, our team is ready to assist.