Here are some tips on safely disposing of your expired fire extinguisher.
Having a recent and fully functioning fire extinguisher in your home or business is essential. You should be safe if you have kept up with your yearly fire safety maintenance. Otherwise, something as simple as sediment buildup or a broken pin can significantly affect your fire extinguisher’s functionality. But what happens when your extinguisher expires? How should you dispose of it properly? Here are some tips on safely disposing of your expired fire extinguisher.
How to Determine if a Fire Extinguisher Has Expired
Portable fire extinguishers typically last 12 years. However, it is vital to understand the difference between rechargeable and disposable extinguishers. While rechargeable extinguishers can stay in good condition to be recharged and used for years, you must replace a disposable extinguisher once it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Whenever your rechargeable extinguisher receives service, your fire protection professional will tag the bottle to indicate the next inspection date. All you need to do is inspect the gauge monthly to ensure it is green and keep track of your service schedule.
When to Recharge Your Fire Extinguisher
A professional fire extinguisher technician must examine all fire extinguishers. Your technician from Judd Fire Protection will conduct hydrostatic testing to determine whether the device is still robust enough to safely contain the pressurized contents.
If the extinguisher passes the exam and there is no visible damage, your technician can recharge it and return it to you for years of practical use. Even if the extinguisher appears undamaged and the pressure gauge still exhibits the appropriate pressure, your 12-year-old extinguisher must undergo this process to ensure it works properly.
Tips for Disposing of Your Expired Fire Extinguisher
If your fire protection professional believes your extinguisher is unsafe or inoperable, you should dispose of your expired fire extinguisher. Because of the chemicals inside the device, you cannot simply dispose of it or recycle it with other household products. Instead, the disposal method depends on the condition of the extinguisher:
- If your extinguisher is still in charge, the experts at Judd Fire Protection can help dispose of it properly.
- If the fire protection device is empty, visit your local recycling facility to recycle the steel canister. Make sure to squeeze the lever and remove the extinguisher head to ensure no pressure remains in the cylinder.
Contact Judd Fire Protection at 410-871-3480 if you need assistance on how to dispose of your expired fire extinguisher.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, call Judd Fire Protection at 410-871-3480. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest