Do you recharge CO2, Class K and clean agent extinguishers?

Yes, in our shop. ABC dry chemical extinguishers are recharged on site; other types go to our shop, and we leave a loaner while they are away.

Does a recharge restart the six-year maintenance clock?

For dry chemical extinguishers, yes. When we recharge a dry chemical unit we do the full internal maintenance and fit a new collar, and the next 6-year date counts from that day.

Fire Extinguisher Services

Fire Extinguisher Recharge & Refill

Immediate On-Site Recharge & Refill Fire extinguishers require recharge after any use even partial discharge or as part of scheduled maintenance. Don't leave your business unprotected; our mobile service units provide immediate, on-site recharging for ABC dry chemical extinguishers, and we recharge CO2, water and other types in our shop. With same day service available, we ensure your equipment is refilled and ready without delay.

Get a Free Quote (877) 256-0161

A fire extinguisher must be recharged after any use, even a short burst, and whenever an inspection finds its gauge or weight out of range; it is also recharged at its 6-year internal maintenance and after a hydrostatic test. "Recharge" and "refill" mean the same service. SOS Fire Services (State Fire Marshal license E2390, CSLB C-16 #976500) recharges ABC dry chemical extinguishers on site from mobile service trucks across Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino counties, and other types in our shop. See all fire extinguisher services.

When Your Extinguisher Needs Recharging

If you have used an extinguisher, even for just a few seconds, it loses pressure and must be recharged immediately.

We provide mobile recharge services for many types of units, or we can swap your empty cylinder for a full one instantly to ensure you are never without protection.

After Any Use

Even partial discharge requires full recharge. A partially used extinguisher may fail when you need it most.

6-Year Maintenance

Stored-pressure dry chemical and dry powder extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test are emptied, examined inside and recharged every 6 years (California Title 19 §575.4).

12-Year Hydrostatic

After a hydrostatic test, due every 5 or 12 years depending on the extinguisher type, the extinguisher is recharged with fresh agent. See hydrostatic testing.

Low Pressure

Gauge shows pressure below normal range? The needle should be in the green zone. A needle outside the green zone, low or high, means the extinguisher needs service before it goes back on the wall.

Our Recharge Process

Every recharge follows a meticulous 7-step process to ensure your extinguisher performs when it matters most.

Depressurize and disassemble extinguisher
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Remaining pressure and agent are released safely and the valve is removed, so the cylinder can be examined.
Inspect internal components for corrosion or damage
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We check the cylinder, threads, valve, hose and nozzle, and whether a 6-year maintenance or hydrostatic test is due. If a hydrostatic test is due in the same calendar year, it is done now (Title 19 §575.1(a)).
Replace O-rings and seals as needed
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Powder left in the valve after a discharge is the usual reason a used extinguisher slowly loses pressure, so the valve is cleaned and worn seals are replaced.
Fill with fresh extinguishing agent
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Filled by weight with the agent the manufacturer specifies for that model.
Pressurize to manufacturer specifications
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Pressurized with the expellant gas the manufacturer specifies, to the pressure shown on the extinguisher's label, then leak-checked.
Test and verify proper operation
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Gauge, weight, hose and nozzle are checked again, and a new pull pin and tamper seal go on.
Attach a new State Fire Marshal service tag and verification-of-service collar
Read moreShow less about Attach a new State Fire Marshal service tag and verification-of-service collar
The collar fits around the cylinder neck under the valve and can't be removed without taking the valve off. Carbon dioxide and cartridge-operated extinguishers don't take a collar (Title 19 §596(c)(1)).

Recharge or Replace?

Most commercial extinguishers with a metal valve can be recharged and kept in service for years. Some can't, by law or because a new unit costs less.

Recharge or Replace?
Situation	What we do	Why
SituationRechargeable unit that was used, or whose gauge or weight is out of range	What we doRecharge it	WhyTitle 19 §575.1(a)
SituationHydrostatic test due this calendar year	What we doTest, then recharge, or replace it if a new unit costs less	WhyTitle 19 §575.1(a)
SituationDisposable unit (plastic valve, marked non-rechargeable)	What we doReplace it	WhyMay not be recharged; out of service within 12 years of manufacture (Title 19 §575.1(b))
SituationCylinder dented, corroded or failed its hydrostatic test	What we doReplace it	WhyThe cylinder is condemned. See hydrostatic testing.
SituationSmall unit where a recharge costs about as much as a new one	What we doWe quote both	WhyCost

We tell you on site which units to recharge and which to replace, and why. New units: fire extinguisher sales & installation.

What You Get After a Recharge

A new State Fire Marshal service tag on every unit we service.
A verification-of-service collar on units that take one.
An itemized invoice of the work done and parts replaced (Title 19 §575.1(f)).
A written offer to return the parts we replaced (Title 19 §575.1(g)).

See how to read a California fire extinguisher tag.

Who Can Recharge a Fire Extinguisher in California?

Recharging extinguishers for a fee takes a license from the California State Fire Marshal (Health and Safety Code §13163). The company holds the license (ours is E2390), and each technician holds a State Fire Marshal certificate of registration. The license class matters too: internal maintenance of carbon dioxide extinguishers and recovery of halogenated clean agents need license types beyond dry chemical work (Title 19 §595.5).

Fire stations don't refill extinguishers for businesses; a licensed service company does.

Staying Protected While We Recharge

California's workplace safety rules require alternate equivalent protection while extinguishers are out of service for maintenance and recharging (Cal/OSHA Title 8 §6151(e)(5)). ABC dry chemical extinguishers are recharged on our truck and back on the wall the same visit. Other types are recharged in our shop, and we leave a loaner in their place while they are away.

Extinguisher Types We Recharge

ABC Dry Chemical

Most common commercial type. Multi-purpose protection.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

Electrical equipment and server rooms.

Class K Wet Chemical

Commercial kitchen and cooking fires.

Kitchen hood system discharged? See kitchen suppression repair & recharge.

Water

Class A fires - paper, wood, textiles.

Halotron / Clean Agent

Electronics and sensitive equipment.

Purple K

High-performance flammable liquid fires.

On-Site Service

Our mobile service trucks come to your location with all necessary equipment for most recharges. Minimal disruption to your business.

Same-day service available

No need to transport extinguishers

Loaner units while servicing

Drop-Off Service

Bring your extinguishers to our Northridge facility. Fast turnaround for single units or specialized recharges.

24-48 hour turnaround

All extinguisher types

Competitive pricing

What Affects the Cost of a Recharge

The agent: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, wet chemical or clean agent
The size of each extinguisher
How many units we service in one visit
Parts: valve parts, gauge, hose or nozzle
Whether a 6-year maintenance or hydrostatic test is due

Request an itemized quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fire extinguisher recharge the same as a refill?

Yes. "Recharge" is the word California's regulations use; "refill" is what most people search for. Both mean the extinguisher is opened, refilled with agent and pressurized again, and it gets a new service tag.

Can every fire extinguisher be recharged?

No. Disposable extinguishers with a plastic valve may not be recharged or hydrostatically tested. Under Title 19 §575.1(b) they are discharged and taken out of service no later than 12 years after manufacture.

Where can I get a fire extinguisher recharged in Los Angeles?

From a company licensed by the California State Fire Marshal (Health and Safety Code §13163); fire stations don't refill extinguishers for businesses. SOS Fire Services recharges ABC extinguishers at your business across Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino counties, and you can also bring extinguishers to our Northridge facility.

How long does a recharge take?

About 15–20 minutes per ABC dry chemical extinguisher, on our truck at your business. Units that have to go to our shop take longer, and we leave a loaner in their place.

What if my extinguisher is also due for a hydrostatic test?

California requires hydrostatic tests due in the same calendar year to be done at the time of the recharge (Title 19 §575.1(a)). We tell you whether testing or replacing the unit costs less.

Verified reviews

What Customers Say About This Service

Overall customer rating: 5.0/5 from 151 Google and Yelp reviews.

Zohar and his team are the best. And they guarantee their work. I 100% recommend the SOS team for any type of fire services.

Edgar M.Sep 5, 2024

Working with Zohar has been an absolute pleasure. He is always willing to answer our questions no matter how small and takes the time to explain the details of fire safety procedures and processes in an understandable way. He is also incredibly accommodating, always made sure that our needs are met--he never hesitated to fix any problem or concern that I… read more

Vyna H.Aug 1, 2023

Needed extinguishers serviced. One was replaced and the other one was certified. Service was prompt and they came very quickly. Thank you Maureen and Zohar!

Shawn W.May 26, 2022

Show 3 more reviews

I just move into a new location for my restaurant Zach's Cafe @ 6201 Van Nuys Blvd (opening in 1-2 weeks) Zohar and his team just put me up to code with GREAT service and a great price. I like to do things right and I highly recommend this company because there did it right!!!

Matt D.Apr 25, 2022

I own a retail store on Ventura Blvd, Encino. Fire extinguisher didn't pass inspection, this company was the ONLY one down the list that had a brand new setup for me in less then 24 hrs, in my shop, passing inspection. Super Responsive, even during early evening hours and highly recommended! Thank you for your help! Will be back for future safety needs.

M Francke PhotographyApr 4, 2022

Reasonable cost and great customer service by the techs and Maureen. Highly recommend.

Fat K.May 6, 2021

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Our work

Recent Fire Extinguisher Services Projects

Jobs we completed for this service. Every card names the city where the work was done.

Fire Extinguisher Services

Location: Granada Hills, Los Angeles
Completed: Jul 2026
Client: A multi-building commercial property

Annual Fire Extinguisher Service, 6-Year Maintenance & New Units in Granada Hills, CA

Annual service for 23 extinguishers across a commercial property: 15 inspected and re-tagged, 4 given their 6-year internal maintenance, and 4 new units added where coverage was missing.

See all our work →

Where We Provide This Service

We provide on-site service in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. Share your service address and equipment details so we can confirm the work and coordinate a visit. Emergency dispatch is arranged by phone.

Free Quote

Get Your Extinguishers Recharged

Used, low on pressure, or due for six-year maintenance? We recharge on site or swap in loaner units.

Fast on-site scheduling across LA, Orange, Ventura & San Bernardino counties
Mobile service: we come to you
State Fire Marshal licensed technicians