Smoke alarm testing in Exeter
Professional smoke alarm testing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
Under 1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
All smoke alarms properly tested and verified working. Written record provided - essential for landlords, reassuring for families.
When Did You Last Actually Test Them?
Be honest - when did you last properly test your smoke alarms? Not just press the button and hear the beep, but actually verify they'd wake you up if there was a fire?
Most people assume they're working until they're actually needed. That's a gamble with your family's safety.
💡 Pro tip: The test button only checks the speaker works. It doesn't confirm the actual smoke sensor is working. That's why proper testing matters - especially for landlords with legal responsibilities.
Proper Testing vs Button Pressing
| ✅ Professional Test | ❌ Just Pressing Button |
|---|---|
| Smoke sensor verified working | Only tests beeper |
| Alarm age and expiry checked | No idea if it's past its date |
| Position verified correct | Could be in wrong spot |
| Interconnected alarms tested | Don't know if they talk to each other |
| Written record provided | No proof of testing |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Locate | Find all alarms in the property |
| Test | Each alarm tested with test button and verified |
| Check | Age, position, and battery condition checked |
| Record | Written record of all alarms and their condition |
| Advise | Recommendations for any that need attention |
📦 You're Left With
- Confirmation all alarms working
- Written test record (for landlords)
- List of any alarms needing replacement
- Peace of mind your family's protected
Pricing Guide
| Property Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small flat (2-3 alarms) | 15 mins | £60 |
| House (4-6 alarms) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Large house (7+ alarms) | 45 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Includes testing, written record, and basic advice.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Landlord compliance - legal requirement to have working alarms
✅ Buying/selling property - confirm safety before completion
✅ Elderly relatives - peace of mind they're protected
✅ Annual safety check - just good sense to verify yearly
Why Choose Us for Smoke alarm testing in Exeter?
Every alarm tested properly
Written record provided
Non-working alarms identified
Landlord compliance checks
What to Expect
Step 1: Locate All Alarms
I'll check every floor and find all smoke/CO alarms in the property. You'd be surprised how many people forget about the one in the garage or loft.
Step 2: Test Each Alarm
Press test button, check it's loud enough, verify the alarm's not expired (they have 10-year lifespans), check battery if it has one.
Step 3: Document & Advise
Write down what I've found, which alarms are good, which need batteries, which need replacing. Give you a written record for your files.
🔧 DIY Tips
Basic testing you can do yourself monthly:
🔧 Monthly check
- Press and hold test button on each alarm
- Should beep loudly within a few seconds
- If it doesn't beep or sounds weak, needs attention
- Make a note of which alarms you've tested
📅 Annual check
- Look for the manufacturing date on the alarm
- If it's 10+ years old, replace it (sensors expire)
- Check they're in sensible positions (not right next to the bathroom)
- Verify you've got one on each floor minimum
⚠️ Warning signs
- Alarm beeping randomly (usually low battery)
- No beep when you press test button (dead)
- Yellow or discoloured casing (might be expired)
- Alarm chirps then stops (definitely needs replacing)
💡 Pro trick: Put a reminder in your phone for the first of every month to test alarms. Takes 2 minutes and might save your life.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Landlords: You're legally required to have working smoke alarms on every floor and CO alarms near gas appliances. Annual professional testing gives you documentation that you've met your legal obligations.
Interconnected alarms? Newer properties have mains-powered alarms that trigger together when one detects smoke. These need testing differently - I verify they actually communicate with each other.
Older Exeter properties? Period houses often have insufficient alarm coverage because they've been added piecemeal over years. I can advise on whether you need additional alarms for proper coverage.
Carbon monoxide: If you've got gas boiler, gas fire, or oil heating, you should have CO alarms. They're silent killers - test them like you test smoke alarms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't I just press the test button myself?
You can, but that only tests the beeper works - not the actual smoke sensor. Proper testing involves checking they'll actually detect smoke, verifying they're in good positions, checking they're not past their use-by date, and making sure interconnected alarms actually talk to each other.
How often should smoke alarms be tested?
Monthly button test yourself, full professional check annually if you're a landlord or just want peace of mind. Alarms themselves need replacing every 10 years even if they seem fine - the sensors degrade.
I'm a landlord - do I need this?
Legally you need working smoke alarms on every floor. Most landlords get them tested annually as part of safety compliance. I can provide written records for your files and tenant safety documents.
What if one's not working?
I'll tell you which ones are dead and why. Could be flat battery, expired alarm, or genuine fault. I can advise whether it needs a battery, replacement, or repositioning.
Do you test carbon monoxide alarms too?
Yeah, if you've got them. They work differently to smoke alarms but equally important to test. If you've got gas appliances, you should have CO alarms.
Smoke alarm testing Also Available In:
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