The definitive "Smoke detector won't stop chirping" FAQ.

As the General Manger of a fire alarm company for many years, I've answered this phone call many times. And because it usually happens at 3am when you have guests, I've decided to put it all here in one place, on the web.

Chances are, only one of the suggestions below will cure your problem....but I'm guessing you'll be happy to have it all in one place...because everybody's detector marches to the beep of a different number. (Sorry, that was bad :)

1. What is the sound you are hearing? Is it a chip? A beep? Is it in full alarm? Is it actually a residential smoke alarm that is making the noise? It sounds crazy but short, high pitched sounds are notoriously difficult to pinpoint. Try muffling the device with a pillow to assure it is actually the culprit. It could also be a chirping carbon monoxide detector or some electronic gizmo.

Note: Older homes typically have battery-only operated devices, while newer homes typically have smoke alarms that are connected to AC circuits (AC powers your light fixtures too). The newer detectors are also likely to be interconnected so that all of them alarm if any one of them detects smoke.

2. Once you've found the chirping smoke detector, try to remove it from its base. This is often just a small twist. Look for an arrow to determine direction. If it is "hardwired" it will still be connected by some wires. You may have to squeeze one or both sides of the plastic connector at the back of the detector. Other, interconnected detectors may start chirping to let you know that a device was removed.

3. Dying batteries will often cause the dreaded smoke alarm chirp. Remove the battery. You may need a screwdriver to open the little door. There may be a strip of plastic or fabric that goes behind the battery to help you pull it out. As you remove it, there may be a spring-loaded plastic flag that pops out. This will need to be folded back in before you reinstall a fresh, new battery. Your detector may continue to chirp, even without a battery! Don't grab the silver bullets and stakes just yet, the capacitor just needs to discharge. You can help it along by pressing the test button. Ah, Dead! Now replace the battery, often a 9 volt, and reinstall.

4. Smoke sensing chambers can become fouled by dust and even tiny spiders! The canned air you use for cleaning your computer is recommend for cleaning many detectors, especially photoelectric type detectors with an optical sensor. Try blowing air into the holes of the detector. Some manufacturers also recommend vacuuming the device to remove contaminants. These procedures should be done with the detector disconnected so that you don't cause an alarm!

5. Reset the AC circuit breaker for hard-wired systems. Many smoke alarms beep when they are not receiving AC power.

6. One manufacturer requires you to insert a small pin or paper clip into a hole to latch the battery door. An open door causes (you guessed it) a chirp!

If all else fails, a chirping smoke detector will often still activate when called upon. Unless you are servicing the detector, never remove it. It could still save your life!

If you've discovered a unique cure for your beeping smoke detector, let me know and, together, we'll make this blog even better!