--- title: 5 Reasons Why Your Fire Extinguisher Needs to be Serviced? description: According to the NFPA, as much as 30% of portable fire extinguishers in use are not in good working order. If you've been resistant to the idea of providing maintenance for the fire extinguishers on your premises, here are five reasons why they need to be serviced regularly. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/Fire%20Extinguishers%20Top%20View.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # 5 Reasons Why Your Fire Extinguisher Needs to be Serviced? Posted April 13, 2018 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security)   ![Fire Extinguishers Top View](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/Fire%20Extinguishers%20Top%20View.jpg?width=600&name=Fire%20Extinguishers%20Top%20View.jpg) According to the NFPA, as much as 30% of portable fire extinguishers in use are not in good working order. This means an extinguisher could fail you when you need it most. If you have been resistant to the idea of providing [maintenance for the fire extinguishers](https://blog.koorsen.com/2016/08/do-i-really-need-a-fire-extinguisher-inspection) on your premises, here are five reasons why they need to be serviced regularly. [![Fire Extinguisher Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/d28a8a4b-93cb-4b45-9fc3-d444f3fec313.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/d28a8a4b-93cb-4b45-9fc3-d444f3fec313) ## 1. Hard to See Damage Over time, damage or deterioration can occur in hard to see areas. For example, corrosion to the aluminum or steel extinguishers can occur on the inside weakening the integrity of the cylinder over time. ## 2. Potential Hose Blockage ![Fire Extinguisher Parts Nozzle Valve](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/FE%20Service%20Department%20Indy%20-%20Bob%20Havlin/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Parts%20Nozzle%20Valve.jpg?width=300&name=Fire%20Extinguisher%20Parts%20Nozzle%20Valve.jpg) Another difficult to see problem is potential blockage or damage to the hose. Insects or other debris can get stuck in the hose, impairing functionality. The O-rings on the hose can also deteriorate and compromise the extinguisher. ## 3. Potential Leaks Subtle leaks can occur that could render the extinguisher useless. Some extinguishers have pressure gauges so that you can check, but not all have them, so leaks may be hard to detect. ## 4. Wear to Vital Labels Even when not used, extinguishers still experience general wear and tear over time, especially if they are outdoors or in an active warehouse setting. One possible effect of this wear can be fading, illegible maintenance labels. These labels contain important instructions for proper use that would be needed by anyone who used it to actually fight a fire, as well as information needed by service technicians. ## 5. Some May Need Recharging ![Pressurizing Fire Extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/FE%20Service%20Department%20Indy%20-%20Bob%20Havlin/Pressurizing%20Fire%20Extinguisher.jpg?width=300&name=Pressurizing%20Fire%20Extinguisher.jpg) If any extinguishers were used, even partially, they will need to be recharged immediately after use to ensure they are ready to be used again in the future. ## How Often Should You Get Your Extinguisher Serviced? Extinguishers need to be inspected monthly, per [NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/)code. In addition, [annual maintenance](https://blog.koorsen.com/2015/06/fire-extinguisher-maintenance) is required on all portable fire extinguishers, 5-year hydrostatic test on carbon dioxide and water-based extinguishers, 6-year maintenance on stored-pressure extinguishers, and [12-year hydrostatic test](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-hydrostatic-testing-of-portable-abc-fire-extinguishers) on stored-pressure and cartridge operated extinguishers. If you ever notice any evidence of damage or tampering, or if you see that the pressure needle is no longer in the green, you should call your fire protection service immediately to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Ensure that your [fire extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) are ready when you need them the most. Koorsen’s team of experts is ready to help provide the highest quality products, training, and service for all of your fire extinguisher needs. Give us a call today to get started. [![Need Fire Extinguishers? Contact Us Now for Pricing!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/4802da5e-d34f-4d72-8f6e-0b5fee00609a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/4802da5e-d34f-4d72-8f6e-0b5fee00609a)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Fire Extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [How to Build a Fire Extinguisher Training Program for Employees](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-to-build-a-fire-extinguisher-training-program-for-employees) [The Lifecycle of a Fire Extinguisher: From Purchase to Disposal](https://blog.koorsen.com/the-lifecycle-of-a-fire-extinguisher-from-purchase-to-disposal) [How to Read a Fire Extinguisher Label Like a Pro](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-to-read-a-fire-extinguisher-label-like-a-pro) [The 7 Most Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)](https://blog.koorsen.com/the-7-most-common-fire-extinguisher-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them) [Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Vehicle Fleets and Heavy Equipment](https://blog.koorsen.com/fire-extinguisher-requirements-for-vehicle-fleets-and-heavy-equipment) [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673) ### SEARCH OUR BLOG This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Subscribe to Our Blog ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - [Commercial Security (111)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-security) - [Fire Protection (109)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-protection) - [Fire Extinguisher (77)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher) - [Fire Alarm Systems (75)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-alarm-systems) - [Fire Safety & Security (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security) - [Koorsen News (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-news) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems (67)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems) - [Fire Safety (61)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety) - [Access Control Systems (45)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/access-control-systems) - [Fire Suppression (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-suppression) - [Inspection/Testing (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/inspectiontesting) - [Small Business Security (39)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/small-business-security) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression (37)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kitchen-fire-suppression) - [Video Surveillance (30)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/video-surveillance) - [Fire Training (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-training) - [Restaurant Industry (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant-industry) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting (22)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-exit-lighting) - [Monitoring (20)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/monitoring) - [NFPA (19)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nfpa) - [Education Industry (18)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education-industry) - [Commercial Kitchen (17)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-kitchen) - [Training & Education (15)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/training-education) - [Fire Pumps (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-pumps) - [Healthcare Industry (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/healthcare-industry) - [Property Management Industry (10)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management-industry) - [Bi-Directional Amplifier (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/bi-directional-amplifier) - [Emergency Notification (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-notification) - [General (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/general) - [Nurse Call System (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nurse-call-system) - [Kasey Program (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kasey-program) - [Restaurant (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant) - [Education (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education) - [Property Management (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management) - [Construction Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction-industry) - [Koorsen Family Foundation (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-family-foundation) - [Press (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/press) - [Retail Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/retail-industry) - [Mobile Equipment (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/mobile-equipment) - [Vehicle Fire Suppression (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/vehicle-fire-suppression) - [Awards (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/awards) - [Dry Chem Suppression (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/dry-chem-suppression) - [Engineering (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/engineering) - [Hospitality Industry (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/hospitality-industry) - [Long Term Care (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/long-term-care) - [Podcast (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/podcast) - [Industrial (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/industrial) - [Infographics (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/infographics) - [KnoxBox (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/knoxbox) - [Backflow Preventer (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/backflow-preventer) - [Construction (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction) - [Distributed Antenna Systems (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/distributed-antenna-systems) - [Flame Detection (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/flame-detection) - [Government (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/government) - [Home Security (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/home-security) - [The Joint Commission (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/the-joint-commission) - [Underground Services (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/underground-services) see all ### ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - [Fire Extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) - [General Fire Products](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/general-fire-products/) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/emergency-exit-lighting/) - [Fire Alarm Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-alarm-systems/) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/kitchen-hood-fire-suppression/) - [Fire Suppression Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-suppression-systems/) - [Commercial Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/commercial-security/) - [Emergency Notification](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/emergency-notification/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Home Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/home-security/) - [Nurse Call Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/nurse-call-systems/) ### OTHER COMPANIES - [KOORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL](https://koorsenes.com/) - [KOORSEN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT](https://www.koorsenfm.com/) ### CONTACT KOORSEN [866-311-7753](tel:8663117753) [info@koorsen.com](mailto:info@koorsen.com) - [FAQS](https://www.koorsen.com/faq/) - [KOORSEN CAREERS](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) - [MEDIA RELATIONS](https://www.koorsen.com/media-relations/) - [TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE](https://www.koorsen.com/transparency-in-coverage/) © 2026 Koorsen Fire & Security | [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.koorsen.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security" }, "dateModified" : "2022-07-07T17:11:35.225Z", "datePublished" : "2018-04-13T17:51:12.000Z", "headline" : "5 Reasons Why Your Fire Extinguisher Needs to be Serviced?", "image" : [ "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/Fire%20Extinguishers%20Top%20View.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/5-reasons-why-your-fire-extinguisher-needs-to-be-serviced", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security - - -" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Indianapolis", "addressRegion" : "IN", "postalCode" : "46218", "streetAddress" : "2719 N Arlington Ave " }, "alternateName" : "Koorsen", "description" : "Since 1946, people have trusted Koorsen to protect and secure their businesses and homes.", "email" : "https://www.koorsen.com/", "image" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&name=koorsen-logo.png", "logo" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/5-reasons-why-your-fire-extinguisher-needs-to-be-serviced", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "According to the NFPA, as much as 30% of portable fire extinguishers in use are not in good working order. If you've been resistant to the idea of providing maintenance for the fire extinguishers on your premises, here are five reasons why they need to be serviced regularly." }, "naics" : "238220", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koorsen-Fire-Security/173081436052031", "https://twitter.com/koorsenfire", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/koorsen-fire-and-security", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0ncdcrEYAjDHIcGGgJ3KQ", "https://www.instagram.com/koorsenfire/?hl=en" ], "telephone" : "", "url" : "https://www.koorsen.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security" }, "dateModified" : "July 7, 2022, 5:11:35 PM", "datePublished" : "2018-04-13 17:51:12", "description" : "According to the NFPA, as much as 30% of portable fire extinguishers in use are not in good working order. If you've been resistant to the idea of providing maintenance for the fire extinguishers on your premises, here are five reasons why they need to be serviced regularly.", "headline" : "5 Reasons Why Your Fire Extinguisher Needs to be Serviced?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Extinguisher/Fire%20Extinguisher%20Images/Fire%20Extinguishers%20Top%20View.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/5-reasons-why-your-fire-extinguisher-needs-to-be-serviced", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters" } } ```