Water Damaged Consumer Electronics

Spilling water or any other liquid onto a laptop or a cell phone is one of the last things most owners of these items would like to do, but a lot of times this cannot really be avoided. Whether it is a cup of coffee, soda, or just plain water, most people think that if they spill this onto any electronic item that they own, the item is irreparable. Most assume that the item is completely dead and just needs to be replaced. This is not usually the case, even if the object becomes completely submerged in water.

If the device does not have electricity running to it at the time, even if it is completely submerged in water, it can usually be saved as long as you let it dry completely before you try to use it again. The only real thing that you have to worry about when you submerge something electronic in water while it is on is just how long it stays under the water. Over 20 seconds can usually cause irreparable damage, but as long as you can get the item out in less than this time, it should be able to be repaired.

As soon as the devices comes into contact with water or another liquid while it is turned on, you need to get rid of the power source immediately. If the device is connected to a wall outlet or a car plug, unplug it from the source of the power first and DO NOT reach into the liquid to obtain the item. React quickly, but try to hold onto common sense at the same time. After you do that, dry off the surface with a paper towel and put the item into a bowl of uncooked rice or something else that will draw out the moisture. Leave it in the bowl for a day or two to be sure it is completely dry.

If you have an item that has been submerged in flood water, you might need to consult a professional on this one. Mud, silt, and other particle debris may have gotten inside the system, so even if it dries out completely, more damage can happen if you try to use it. Flood water or not, do not turn the device on before it is completely dry. This is the worst mistake that you could make while it is still wet.



Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of quality
Water Damage Miami and
water damage restoration in atlanta companies.