Check Fire Extinguisher
Why It Matters
A working fire extinguisher can prevent a small kitchen fire from becoming a house fire.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the check fire extinguisher
Verify fire extinguisher pressure gauge is in the green zone and accessible. Safety note: Replace extinguisher if gauge shows red or if older than 12 years.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Community Tips
Fire extinguishers lose pressure over time even without use, so the pressure gauge should be checked monthly by simply glancing at the needle to ensure it sits in the green zone—a red or white needle indicates the unit needs replacement or professional recharging. Kidde and First Alert models ($25-50) include easy-to-read gauges that eliminate guesswork.
Never assume a fire extinguisher will work after a single use or minor discharge, as even partial activation compromises the internal seal and pressurization; any extinguisher that has been deployed, even slightly, must be professionally recharged or replaced immediately. Attempting to use a depressurized extinguisher during an actual fire creates dangerous delays.
A residential multi-purpose extinguisher typically costs $35-75 upfront, but professional inspection and recharging services run $15-30 per unit annually, making it significantly cheaper to budget for regular maintenance than to replace units prematurely due to pressure loss. The Amerex B500 ($60-85) holds its charge longer than budget models and qualifies for discounts on some homeowner insurance policies. ---