Fire extinguishers are the most reliable active fire protection devices that serve as the first line of defense against any type of emergency in a residential or commercial space. These are primarily used to extinguish or control small fires to protect the people and your property from damages. However, over time your fire extinguishers may deteriorate and develop various problems if they are left unused and poorly maintained. Therefore, regular fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure your home’s safety in the event of a fire.
Following are the top problems that require regular fire
extinguisher services to avoid costly damages:
- Fire extinguisher not working
When the fire extinguisher has not been used for a long time, it
may develop blockages, or the nozzle pin may become stuck, ultimately resulting
in an inoperable fire extinguisher. In that case, it may become ineffective
during a fire emergency. Thus, it is recommended to conduct semi-annual or
annual fire extinguisher maintenance by a certified professional in addition to
monthly visual inspections.
2. Fire extinguisher not recharged
If the fire extinguisher has been used once, it needs to be recharged. If it is only half full or you have used most of the extinguishing liquid during another fire emergency, it becomes difficult for the fire extinguisher to maintain sufficient pressure. Due to lack of pressure, the fire extinguisher may fail to work when needed.
3. Fire extinguisher gets dented
Although a fire extinguisher cylinder seems tough, it may not seem such a big deal if it falls from your hands and gets dented. However, it has many delicate parts, such as the nozzle and valve, which may get damaged during the fall. So, if you see any dents or loose parts on the extinguisher, make sure to contact fire extinguisher service professionals for expert repairs.
4. Blocked hoses
When the fire extinguisher has not been inspected and well-maintained regularly, the debris may accumulate and cause blockages. Moreover, extreme temperature changes, especially during the winters, may also affect the nozzle and make it more brittle and susceptible to damages.
5. Malfunction of the fire extinguisher
Sometimes, the fire extinguisher may also malfunction due to a leakage issue or faulty parts. It may result due to imbalanced pressure in the fire extinguisher or other underlying causes. Thus, if you see the pressure needle on the fire extinguisher fluctuate from its central position, it is best to hire professional fire extinguisher services for expert assistance.
If your fire extinguisher has not been inspected in the previous 6
months or more, make sure to schedule a certified fire extinguisher inspection
and maintenance service in NY.
