Water Extinguishers

[firebuffE12]

I did a search and could not really get an answer of what i wanted and it made me think of some new questions. Since soap could damage some parts of a fire engine could it hurt any part of a fire extinguisher?? How much soap should be added to the 2 1/2 gallon extinguisher?? How can you keep a H2O extinguisher from freezing when stored in your POV during the winter. Temps usually dont get below 0. Thought of antifreeze but thought it was flammable?? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[IGotTheJumpSeat]

I'm certified by my state as a portable extinguisher tech. I've never heard of anyone wanting to put soap into a water extinguisher. The only problems I could forsee would be the possible drying out of the rubber o rings that are around the plunger, it would not have any impact on the siphen tube at all. the only other issue I could see would be while charging the cylinder with air if somehow the water/soap solution would "bubble up", causing over pressurization? the later of the two would be the one i'd worry about the most, but really I dont think it would be that big of an issue.

As far as keeping a water cylinder from freezing in the winter months just add calcium chloride to the water and it wont freeze up. The question I ask is why would you want a water extinguisher for your POV? I would recomend a 5 or 10# ABC that way you get the A rating as well as the B,C ratings. Whatever you do, dont get a 2.5# ABC there about as effective as throwing the extinguisher it's self at a fire.

I'll ask the guys at the shop to be sure, there the ones that actually tear them down, I just service them.

Those are just my 2 cents, hope i've been of some help, Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

[cdemarse]

Whatever you do, dont get a 2.5# ABC there about as effective as throwing the extinguisher it's self at a fire.

it worked for Brian in backdraft

[kennyv]

There is a thread titled "Foam in extinguishers". Do a search for such and click onto the site that Resq14 indicates. Any Q's kick it back to me and I'll get better directions. Best of luck and Stay Safe. Happy Holidays,

[firebuffE12]

There is a thread titled "Foam in extinguishers". Do a search for such and click onto the site that Resq14 indicates. Any Q's kick it back to me and I'll get better directions. Best of luck and Stay Safe. Happy Holidays,

Thanks. i didnt find that one earlier... i prolly missed it since i was looking through 9 pages of results.

The idea of making it a CAFS was a good one.... which is better to use dish soap or class a foam?

[BFDNJFF]

Soap?? I have put a cup full of Class A foam in water cans but never heard of soap.

[firebuffE12]

Soap?? I have put a cup full of Class A foam in water cans but never heard of soap.

supposedly it works like foam somehow too.. not too sure... thats why i was wondering which is better to use?

[BLSboy]

We use soap in our H2O extinguisher. It acts as a surfactant, and gets better "penetration" on putting the fire out. We just used it the other day on a porch fire. When we returned to quarters, i put about about a half cup or so in there. Works great. But if you are carrying in a POV, get an ABC, or dont even bother.

[ffexpCP]

the only other issue I could see would be while charging the cylinder with air if somehow the water/soap solution would "bubble up", causing over pressurization?

As far as keeping a water cylinder from freezing in the winter months just add calcium chloride to the water and it wont freeze up.

I don't see how it would over pressurize. Once you stop filling it no more air is getting inside.

Won’t the pseudo-salt corrode the works?

[firebuffE12]

Won’t the pseudo-salt corrode the works?

Thats what i thought.... Just went and looked at my APW currently stored inside so as not to freeze says. NEVER fill with calcium chloride.

So back to the drawing board as to how to keep it from freezing once again without buying the loaded stream charge??

[IGotTheJumpSeat]

Sorry Firebuff, I thought it was CC the guys at the shop use. I might have been wrong. Anyways i'll still ask them what they use when recharging customers water cannons. Like I said, I dont tear them down, just do the monthly/anual services on them at the customers location.

[firebuffE12]

Sorry Firebuff, I thought it was CC the guys at the shop use. I might have been wrong. Anyways i'll still ask them what they use when recharging customers water cannons. Like I said, I dont tear them down, just do the monthly/anual services on them at the customers location.

Thanks alot for your replys. I hope to find a way to be able to keep it in the winter.

[IGotTheJumpSeat]

Thanks alot for your replys. I hope to find a way to be able to keep it in the winter.

I know theres a way because I bring in water cannons for the guys at the shop to hydro all the time. I'll find out for ya monday and let ya know what the agent is they use for freezing weather waters.

[BFDNJFF]

Hmmm just a thaught ..........You are trying to keep it in your pov and afraid of it freezing , maybe you can add a couple of cups of that nontoxic antifreeze in it. I dont know if that would work but maybe someone would know.

[mtnfireguy]

Since soap could damage some parts of a fire engine could it hurt any part of a fire extinguisher?? How much soap should be added to the 2 1/2 gallon extinguisher??.

Have used soap, but not anywhere near a 1/2 cup... Have also used Class A foam.. in both cases just a small amount will allow the water to penetrate better.

How can you keep a H2O extinguisher from freezing when stored in your POV during the winter. .

As for freezing, have used the antifreeze you put in RV water systems.

Temps usually dont get below 0.

Water begins to freeze at 32 degrees, just for the record

[ffexpCP]

Water begins to freeze at 32 degrees, just for the record

Depends which side of the thermometer you’re looking at.

[mtnfireguy]

Depends which side of the thermometer you’re looking at.

LOL..... got a point there bro!!! and then there is that whole fahrenheit vs celsius thing!!

[firebuffE12]

Hmmm just a thaught ..........You are trying to keep it in your pov and afraid of it freezing , maybe you can add a couple of cups of that nontoxic antifreeze in it. I dont know if that would work but maybe someone would know.

Is that stuff flammable?? Just wondering. Ive never used it. Is the water safe to drink even with it in it??

[firebuffE12]

Depends which side of the thermometer you’re looking at.

I meant below 0 F. Just so you knew what i meant.

[needlejockey]

Is that stuff flammable?? Just wondering. Ive never used it. Is the water safe to drink even with it in it??

why would you drink it?