Hydrostatic Testing in Montebello

Is your extinguisher due for a hydro test?

Check the label first. Every extinguisher cylinder carries the date of its last hydrostatic test, and how long it can go before the next one depends on what's inside. Under NFPA 10 and California's Title 19 rules:

• Dry chemical (stored pressure): every 12 years, with a 6-year internal maintenance in between.
• CO2: every 5 years.
• Water: every 5 years.
• Wet chemical (Class K, used for cooking oils and fats): every 5 years.

Not sure which type you have? The label tells you. Overdue cylinders usually turn up at the annual inspection, when a certified technician goes over each unit and records the service on its tag.

What happens during the test

A hydrostatic test shows whether the cylinder can still hold pressure safely. Corrosion inside the shell doesn't always show from the outside. The technician discharges the extinguisher, takes it apart and checks the shell inside and out for rust, dents and damaged threads. Then the cylinder is filled with water and brought up to its test pressure while the technician watches for leaks, bulging or any other sign that the metal has weakened.

A cylinder that passes is dried, refilled, recharged and labeled with the new test date. One that fails is taken out of service. It can't be repaired.

Before your Montebello fire inspection

The Montebello Fire Department does state-mandated annual inspections throughout the year. Its Community Risk Reduction Division handles fire and life safety inspections and new business license inspections. The hydro date is printed right on each cylinder. If you're opening a new business in Montebello or your annual visit is coming up, have your extinguishers checked first so an expired test date doesn't end up on the inspection report.

To book a city inspection, call the department at (323) 887-4507 or email fireinspection@montebelloca.gov. Confirm any site-specific requirements with the department's fire marshal.

Who can test your cylinders

California requires extinguisher service to be done by a firm and technician licensed by the State Fire Marshal. Our California work is performed by Hedrick Fire Protection, which holds C-16 (fire protection) and C-10 (electrical) contractor licenses and is State Fire Marshal licensed under Title 19 for portable extinguisher service and for inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.

Most of the calls we get from Montebello are about fire extinguishers. Hydro testing usually goes with other extinguisher work, such as annual extinguisher certification in Montebello, extinguisher refills and recharges and extinguisher training for your staff. For everything else we do in the city, see our Montebello fire protection services. Nearby, we also do hydrostatic testing across Los Angeles County and hydrostatic testing in Orange County.

For more information about hydrostatic testing in Montebello, call us at (213) 568-0188 or email us at socal@1profire.com

Hydrostatic testing questions

How often does an extinguisher need a hydrostatic test?

It depends on the type. Dry chemical units are tested every 12 years, and CO2, water and wet chemical (Class K) units every 5 years.

What does an annual extinguisher inspection cost?

A recent Montebello quote was $35 per extinguisher for the annual inspection. Recharges and 6-year or 12-year cylinder service cost extra.

What does it cost if an extinguisher needs to be recharged?

Recharging is priced on top of the inspection. A cylinder that goes through a hydro test is always recharged before it goes back on the wall, so ask for both in the same quote.

Is it cheaper to bring extinguishers in instead of having a technician visit?

Ask us when you call. It depends on how many units you have and what each one needs.

Who is allowed to hydro test extinguishers in California?

A firm and technician licensed by the State Fire Marshal under Title 19.