Smoke alarm replacement in Exeter
Professional smoke alarm replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
0.25 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Old smoke alarm removed and replaced with new working unit. Fitted to existing position, tested to confirm it's working, ready to protect your home again.
Time for a New Alarm
Smoke alarms don't last forever - they should be replaced every 10 years. Old alarms might look fine but the sensors degrade. If yours is old or constantly chirping, time for a swap.
💡 Pro tip: Check the manufacture date on the back of your current alarm. If it's 2014 or earlier, it's past its best. Modern alarms with 10-year sealed batteries are brilliant - no battery changes for the life of the alarm.
Simple Swap Process
| ✅ Professional Replacement | ❌ Common DIY Issues |
|---|---|
| Old alarm removed cleanly | Base plate damaged in removal |
| New alarm positioned correctly | Not fitted to ceiling securely |
| Tested before leaving | Assumed new battery = working |
| Old holes filled if needed | Left holes visible |
Why replace rather than just change battery:
- Sensors degrade over 10 years
- Modern alarms are much better
- 10-year sealed battery types available now
- Interconnected wireless options exist
What You Get
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove | Old alarm taken down cleanly |
| Fix | New alarm fitted to ceiling securely |
| Test | New alarm tested, working confirmed |
📦 You're Left With
- Fresh working smoke alarm
- Tested and functioning
- Old alarm disposed of properly
- Instructions for new unit
Pricing Guide
| Number of Alarms | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single replacement | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| 2-3 replacements | 30-40 mins | £60 |
| Whole house (4-5) | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum. Makes sense to replace all old alarms in one visit.
Why Choose Us for Smoke alarm replacement in Exeter?
Old alarm removed cleanly
New alarm fitted and tested
Correct position maintained
Multiple alarms replaced together
What to Expect
Step 1: Remove Old Alarm
I take down your old smoke alarm carefully, check the base plate and fixings are still sound.
Step 2: Fit New Alarm
New alarm gets mounted - either using existing fixings if they're good, or fresh fixings if needed. Ceiling type determines fixing method.
Step 3: Test Thoroughly
Battery fitted (or sealed unit activated), alarm tested with the test button, I confirm it's actually working before leaving.
🔧 DIY Tips
Smoke alarm replacement is straightforward:
🔧 Tools needed
- Screwdriver (to release old alarm)
- Possibly drill (if new fixings needed)
- Stepladder
- New smoke alarm
🔄 Swapping process
- Twist old alarm off base plate (usually anti-clockwise)
- Unscrew base plate from ceiling
- Fit new base plate (might use same holes)
- Attach new alarm
- Test immediately
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not testing new alarm
- Forgetting to activate sealed battery units
- Damaging base plate removing old alarm
- Not checking new alarm is same type (optical/ionisation)
💡 Pro trick: When buying replacement alarms, get the same diameter if possible - means the new base plate covers the old screw holes. Common sizes are 100mm or 120mm diameter.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Multiple old alarms? If one's 10+ years old, they probably all are. Replace them together - I'm already there with tools and you'll have peace of mind throughout the house.
10-year sealed battery alarms: These are brilliant - the battery lasts the life of the alarm (10 years), then you replace the whole unit. No more midnight chirping about flat batteries.
Interconnected alarms: If you're replacing several alarms, consider upgrading to wireless interconnected ones. When one goes off, they all go off - much safer for bigger houses.
Exeter's old ceilings? Lath and plaster ceilings can be fragile. I'm careful removing old alarms and refitting to avoid damage. Sometimes old fixings need replacing if the plaster's crumbled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my smoke alarm needs replacing?
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years - they do wear out. Check the date on the back of your current alarm. Also replace if it's giving frequent false alarms or the test button doesn't work properly.
Can you fit the same type in the same position?
Usually yes - most smoke alarms use similar base plates. I'll remove your old one and fit the new one using the existing fixing points if they're still good. Clean, simple swap.
Do I need to buy the replacement alarm?
Either way works. You can buy the alarm you want (I'd recommend optical/photoelectric types), or I can pick one up. Just needs to be a standard ceiling-mounted alarm.
What about the old mounting holes?
If the new alarm uses the same base plate size, the holes are hidden. If it's different, I can fill the old holes for you - they'll need painting to match your ceiling.
How long does replacement take?
Usually 10-15 minutes per alarm. Remove old, fit new, test it works. Multiple alarms throughout your house? We'll do them all together.
Smoke alarm replacement Also Available In:
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Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your smoke alarm replacement job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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