Because a Dusty Extinguisher Won’t Save the Day

We’ve all seen them—fire extinguishers mounted on walls, sitting quietly in hallways, near exits, or under the kitchen counter at work. They’re easy to overlook because they look fine. But just because it’s there doesn’t mean it’s ready to jump into action when you need it most. A fire extinguisher that isn’t up to code (or worse, doesn’t work) is basically a red paperweight.

At Action Fire & Alarm, we help businesses stay ready—not just compliant—with fire extinguishers that are properly serviced, inspected, and functional. If you’re not sure whether your extinguisher would pass the test in an emergency, here are a few telltale signs it’s time to take action.

1. The Pressure Gauge Is Off

Check that little dial on the extinguisher—it should be in the green zone. If the needle is too far left (low pressure) or too far right (overcharged), the extinguisher might not function properly.

  • Green = good

  • Red = call your fire protection team ASAP

Low pressure could mean a slow leak, and overcharged units can be just as unreliable.

2. The Inspection Tag Is Missing or Outdated

Every commercial fire extinguisher should have a visible inspection tag attached. This tag tells you when the last service was performed and when the next one is due.

If the tag is:

  • Missing altogether

  • Over a year old

  • Illegible or damaged

…then it’s time to get it inspected professionally. Regular maintenance is not only smart—it’s required.

3. It Looks Rusty, Corroded, or Damaged

Exterior wear can signal deeper problems. Check for:

  • Rust or corrosion, especially around the nozzle and handle

  • Broken safety pins or tamper seals

  • Dents or other visible damage

Even small signs of wear can affect how well the extinguisher performs—and they can cause it to fail inspection.

4. The Hose or Nozzle Is Clogged or Cracked

This one’s easy to miss. If the hose is brittle, cracked, or clogged with debris, it could stop the extinguisher from discharging properly. A quick visual check every month can save you serious trouble later.

5. It’s Been Used… Even Just a Little

If the extinguisher’s been discharged (even briefly), it needs to be recharged or replaced. Some types can’t be reused at all. Either way, don’t assume “a little spray” means it’s still good to go.

Conclusion

Fire extinguishers are like seatbelts—you don’t think about them until you need them. But when you do need them, you better hope they work. If your extinguisher is showing any of these signs, don’t wait until inspection day (or worse, an actual fire) to find out it’s not up to par.

Stay protected with professional fire safety services. Explore our full Fire Extinguisher Services to see how we keep your equipment up to code. Need more coverage? Look into our Fire Alarms and Sprinkler Systems. Want a full system check? Visit our Contact Page to schedule an on-site service today.