2007-01-19 09:39:16 · 6 answers · asked by Wayne H 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Like other's have stated, not all fire extinguihsers are meant to be recharged. If it's a small unit and/or the head and vavle assembly is not made of metal, it's probably not a good idea to rechagre it.
However, if it is a metal head and it's 5lbs. or more, it's proabably worthwhile to consider a recharge. (Recharge on a 5Lb. ABC extinguisher is about $15, while a good new unit is going to be about $40.) Seems worthwhile to me. Now if the unit is older that 12 years, then it's going to need to be hydrotested. In that case, it may be better to consider a new one.
Look in your yellow pages under "Fire Extinguishers" and there will be a number of local companies that can handle the recharge for you, including all testing and certification. They will let you know if it's worthwhile, and if not, they can let you know what new ones would be worth considering.
Good Luck.
2007-01-22 03:31:35 · answer #1 · answered by todvango 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Luv is right, additionally, read the label. Many small fire extinguishers specifically state "do not recharge - discard after use." Having been a damage control petty officer in the Navy, one of my tasks was to inspect, weigh, and recharge fire extinguishers. Of the types used on board ship, all were rechargeable. I currently own a camper and installed three additional extinguishers. Each of these extinguishers specifically state, "do not recharge - discard after use."
2007-01-19 13:02:19 · answer #2 · answered by John Sr. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind?
Water: You could refill this yourself. Remove the nozzle assembly. Rinse with water. Refill two-thirds full with fresh water. Add a half capfull of bleach. Grease o-ring lightly with silicone grease (automotive store). Replace nozzle and fill it at a gas station to 120 PSI as it has a tire type Schrader fitting for this purpose.
ABC - Dry Chemical: 5 to 15 lbs, toss it and get a new one. 20 lbs or more, professional refilling. See your local Yellow pages.
CO2: Only the pro's can refill for about $20 for a 15 lb. Be prepared to cough up another $20 for hydrostatic testing if it has been too long since this was last done.
Foam: Replace if 10 to 15 lbs. Refill with Pro's if over.
Halon: Toss it, they won't refill old fashioned Halon. There's some alternative mix now.
2007-01-19 14:14:01 · answer #3 · answered by KirksWorld 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
luv is right. Call a pro and tell them what type and model you have. They can give you an estimate. Then check a local hardware store. It may be cheaper to buy instead of recharging.
2007-01-19 10:06:06 · answer #4 · answered by Hawkeye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the price of new fire extinguishers these days id would just buy a new one.
2007-01-19 10:22:06 · answer #5 · answered by snowman_80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have a professional fire ext place do it, its not worth taking a chance if it doesn't work. with the little ones its sometimes cheaper to buy a new one at Home Depot
2007-01-19 09:47:55 · answer #6 · answered by luv78779 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋