How to Thoroughly Inspect a Smoke Detector

Inspecting a smoke detector properly requires more that just depressing the units test button. Read this article to learn how to inspect smoke detectors thoroughly to insure their overall performance and functionality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flashlight, Smoke-in-a-can

1. First you definately want to make sure that there is at least one properly working smoke detector on every floor in your home. Manually test each of these by depressing the unit's test button. If the unit is working correctly, you will hear a short, loud beep.

2. Since it is more than possible that any smoke detector can pass a manual test and fail a smoke test, I recommend that you use a can of smoke, which can be purchased at many hardware stores, to test on each detector.

3. You also want to check around the smoke detectors for any signs of possible water leaks. If there are any leaks, they may cause the smoke detectors to short-circut and malfunction.

4. If you live in a mobile home, you should strongly consider installing a smoke detector in every single room.

5. For more do-it-yourself information check out the resource link below.

Tips & Warnings

• If any of your smoke detectors malfunction, replace their batteries immediately! Always insure that you replace each unit's batteries bi-annually, or twice a year. I recommend changing them whenever daylight-savings time takes place.

Resources

• Uncle Bob's DIY Bookstore. Click Here!