A current tag can leave a cylinder test due
Santa Monica callers have asked whether cylinder testing can fall due while an annual service tag is still current. It can. Annual maintenance does not reset the hydrostatic test deadline, which follows the cylinder's manufacture date or last pressure test and the extinguisher type.
The Santa Monica Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division handles commercial fire inspections. For a question about an extinguisher date on an inspection notice, contact Fire Prevention at (310) 458-8915 before the inspection.
Check the extinguisher type and dates
Check the stamped dates. Under NFPA 10 and California Title 19, hydrostatic testing follows these intervals:
- Dry chemical extinguishers: every 12 years.
- CO2, water and wet chemical (Class K) extinguishers: every 5 years.
Stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers also require internal maintenance every 6 years; that teardown allows internal examination and does not replace the cylinder's hydrostatic pressure test.
If required work falls due before your next annual visit, arrange service before that deadline. For routine maintenance, see annual fire extinguisher certification in Santa Monica.
Test or replace: what recent quotes show
Hydrostatic testing checks the cylinder under pressure. Water is the test medium. Before applying controlled pressure, the technician examines the cylinder for damage or deterioration that would make it unsafe to test or return to service.
Some cylinders cannot be tested safely.
Recent Santa Monica quotes put annual service at $30-$40 per extinguisher, with a 12-year hydrostatic test quoted at $20 extra per unit where the cylinder qualified for a swap and passed visual inspection.
If a cylinder fails visual inspection or the pressure test, replacement is the next step; recent quotes for a certified new 5-pound extinguisher ran $75-$85 plus tax.
Santa Monica residents can take used extinguishers to the city's Household Hazardous Waste facility at City Yards, 2500 Michigan Avenue, on the second Wednesday of each month.
For discharged units, see Santa Monica fire extinguisher refill service; for other maintenance, see fire extinguisher service.
1 Pro Fire's California work is performed by Hedrick Fire Protection, licensed by the California State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for portable fire extinguisher service.
Prepare the details for a quote
Have the extinguisher type, quantity and date markings ready, along with your Santa Monica property address and any previous test information, so we can quote the work.
Mention parking and access restrictions. Include any inspection deadline.
To request a quote and an appointment for hydrostatic testing in Santa Monica, call (213) 568-0188 or email socal@1profire.com.
Santa Monica hydrostatic testing questions
Can an extinguisher that was used lightly just be refilled?
Only if it is rechargeable and passes the required service checks; refilling does not replace a hydrostatic test that is already due.
Does a green gauge mean the hydrostatic test is current?
No. The gauge indicates pressure. Cylinder date markings and test history determine whether hydrostatic testing is due.
Is Santa Monica still in your service area?
Yes, we serve Santa Monica.
See all Santa Monica fire protection services or visit the Santa Monica Fire Department for local fire authority information.
For properties elsewhere, see hydrostatic testing in Los Angeles County and hydrostatic testing in Orange County.