Common issues with fire extinguishers and how to prevent them

Fire extinguishers are highly useful in putting out small unexpected fires quickly. However, fire extinguisher maintenance is essential to ensure the fire extinguisher is operative and ready for use in an emergency. Without proper inspections, repair, and maintenance, your fire extinguisher may fail to fulfill its purpose during an emergency. If the fire extinguisher stays inoperative for a long time, it can have many problems such as blockages, leaks, worn-out hoses, etc.  

Following are the common problems that may cause fire extinguishers to fail and the solutions to prevent these issues:

Blockages 

If the fire extinguisher is not serviced regularly, it may have blockages over time. The fire hose blockage can prevent the fire suppressing liquid to flow properly when there is a fire emergency. Debris, bugs, liquid discharge from previous use, cold or freezing temperature can cause blockages in your fire extinguisher. 

 Damaged hoses 

Some fire extinguisher parts are very delicate and may get damaged if mishandled. Hoses, gaskets, springs, and O-rings are a few parts of the fire extinguishers that need to be well-maintained and serviced or replaced from time to time to ensure the fire extinguisher is functioning smoothly. 

Leaks 

If the fire extinguisher is inoperative for a long time, due to environmental factors, mishandling, or damaged fire extinguisher parts, leaks may occur. Leaks can reduce the fire extinguisher’s pressure that is needed for properly discharging the suppression liquid inside. It will make the fire extinguisher ineffective in case of an emergency. Therefore, it is essential to get fire extinguisher services for its inspection, maintenance, or replacement.

 Environmental factors 

The harsh environment can also adversely affect the functionality of a fire extinguisher. Low and high temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet rays, humidity, precipitation, and excessive moisture are among a few environmental factors that may damage the fire extinguishers. It is best to keep a fire extinguisher in a proper cabinet or a fire extinguisher cover to protect it from environmental factors.

 Old fire extinguishers 

If you have an old fire extinguisher from many years, it may need to be replaced as old technology fire extinguishers can become obsolete and unserviceable. As the fire extinguisher technology evolves, it is essential to upgrade your fire extinguisher to the newest model to ensure anyone can easily use it. 

Several factors can affect the functionality of a fire extinguisher and cause failure. So, make sure to regularly schedule fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance services to keep your fire extinguisher in top condition. If you notice any of the above issues with your fire extinguishers, get in touch with our team to schedule an inspection.