If you’re responsible for fire safety in your business, rental property, or workplace, you’ve probably wondered:
“How long do fire extinguishers last before they need replacing?”
Or perhaps: “Is it worth servicing them, or should I just get new ones after a few years?”
These are great questions—and ones we’re asked often by clients in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
Let’s walk through exactly what the law says, how long extinguishers are expected to last, and whether it’s more cost-effective to service or replace them at the five-year mark.
First Things First: Annual Servicing Is a Legal Requirement
Before we talk about lifespan, it’s important to understand that all fire extinguishers must be serviced every year—no matter how old they are.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the person responsible for fire safety (that might be you, as a business owner or landlord) must ensure that all firefighting equipment is:
“…maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”
This means that fire extinguishers must receive a full inspection by a competent technician once a year—usually referred to as an annual service, following British Standard BS 5306-3.
This yearly check includes:
✅ Pressure checks
✅ Inspecting for damage, corrosion, or tampering
✅ Verifying location, visibility, and accessibility
✅ Replacing seals and safety pins where needed
✅ Updating service labels and your fire logbook
So, no matter the age of the extinguisher, annual servicing is non-negotiable.
Lifespan of Fire Extinguishers
Now let’s look at how long different types of extinguishers are expected to last in the UK—assuming they’re serviced properly every year.
- 🔴 Water, Foam, and Powder Extinguishers
➤ Require an extended service every 5 years
➤ Generally replaced at 10 years - ⚫ CO₂ Extinguishers
➤ Require a hydraulic pressure test at 10 years
➤ Often replaced rather than tested due to cost and practicality
While extinguishers don’t come with an expiry date stamped on the side, they do have a recommended service life, after which it’s generally safer and more cost-effective to replace them.
What Is an Extended Service?
Once a fire extinguisher reaches 5 years of age (for water, foam, or powder types), it requires an extended service. This goes beyond the standard annual check.
Extended servicing involves:
🔧 Completely discharging the extinguisher
🔧 Opening and inspecting the interior
🔧 Cleaning or replacing internal components
🔧 Refilling with the appropriate extinguishing agent
🔧 Re-pressurising and resealing
🔧 Updating the labelling and fire safety records
It’s a more involved and time-consuming process that ensures the extinguisher is still reliable and safe after five years of use and environmental exposure.
Replace or Service at 5 Years?
Here’s where many of our clients ask the big question:
“Should I pay for an extended service—or just replace the extinguisher?”
And the answer often comes down to cost and practicality.
💷 Extended servicing is thorough but can be more expensive than simply replacing a standard unit—especially for small businesses or landlords with a handful of extinguishers.
💡 In many cases, we recommend replacing the extinguisher at the 5-year mark instead of servicing it—particularly if:
- You’re operating in low-risk premises
- The extinguisher is a common water, foam, or powder type
- The cost of extended servicing approaches or exceeds the cost of a new one
- You want peace of mind with new, fully-warranted equipment
At ESI, we always give honest, practical advice on this—based on the age, type, and usage of your extinguishers. We’ll help you decide what makes the most sense financially and from a safety standpoint.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the lifespan of a fire extinguisher?
🔁 Up to 10 years, with proper annual servicing
🔧 An extended service is due at 5 years for most types
💼 Many businesses choose to replace extinguishers at 5 years instead of extending, due to cost and convenience
And remember, no matter how old your extinguisher is—if it isn’t being serviced annually, it’s not compliant.
Need help with servicing, replacement, or just want us to check what you’ve got?
📞 Contact ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections today. We provide reliable, expert extinguisher servicing and fire safety support across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire region.
