Recommendations for Electronic Restoration
It's common to see people holding wet smartphones in rice, hoping to revive them after being submerged or splashed with water. While this may work occasionally, it's not always the best approach to restore water-damaged electronics. Water damage can occur in many ways, from small splashes on the screen to complete submersion in water. If you've suffered flooding or water damage and are trying to restore your electronics, you’ve come to the right place! ServiceMaster of Colorado Springs is here to discuss tips and techniques to restore your water-damaged electronics to their former glory.
Water damage is one of the most common causes of electronic failure. It can happen to anyone at any time, causing valuable gadgets to stop working or malfunction. Most electronic devices are not waterproof, so it is essential to know how to handle them in case of accidental contact with water. Fortunately, restoring water-damaged electronics is often possible, provided you act quickly and take the proper steps.
Immediately Turn Off The Device
If your electronic device comes into contact with water, turn it off immediately. This is to prevent any electrical short circuits from occurring. Water and electricity don't mix well, and water can cause a short circuit in the device, which may damage it further.
Remove External Accessories & Batteries
Remove any external accessories and the battery if you can. This is to prevent any short circuits from occurring and to prevent corrosion from setting in. Corrosion can cause long-term damage to the device, so removing accessories and batteries is essential to reduce this risk.
Remove Any Corrosion Carefully
After turning off the power and removing the batteries, remove any corrosion carefully. The corrosion is most likely to have formed on the device's connectors, corroding any metal component it touches. The problem with corrosion is it damages the connections, rendering the device useless. To remove the corrosion, use an alcohol swab and gently clean the connectors. Don't use water or any liquid containing water, which could cause more harm than good.
Dry & Dehumidify the Device
Dry the device with a towel to remove as much water as possible. Be gentle and thorough when drying the device, being careful not to damage any wiring or circuitry inside. Do not use a hairdryer or heat gun or place the device in direct sunlight. These methods can cause further damage to the electronics and the device.
When your devices are exposed to water, moisture, and high humidity, there is an increased risk of corrosion, rust, and irrecoverable damage. Dehumidification helps to reduce the humidity levels, limiting the chances of extensive damage.
Use a Drying Agent
Use a drying agent such as rice, silica gel packets, or cat litter to absorb any remaining moisture in the device. Place the device in an airtight container with the drying agent and leave it for 24-48 hours. The drying agent will absorb the moisture, reducing the risk of corrosion and further damage to the device.
Test the Device
After 24-48 hours, remove the device from the container and test it. If the device turns on and works correctly, then congratulations! You have successfully restored your water-damaged electronics. However, if the device still doesn't work, it may be time to seek professional repair services.
Seek Professional Restoration
Water damage can sometimes render your gadgets beyond DIY repair. If the above tips don't work, seek professional electronics restoration. The good news is that ServiceMaster of Colorado Springs can restore electronics with hi-tech equipment, state-of-the-art techniques, and cutting-edge technologies. It's wise to seek professional assistance if the device is submerged in water for an extended period. Water can seep into hard-to-reach areas, causing irreparable damage. However, our technicians have the expertise and equipment to restore some severely damaged electronics.
The Professional Electronic Restoration Process
The first and most crucial step in electronic restoration is identifying the source of the problem. This involves thoroughly examining the device to determine the faults and issues causing the malfunction. Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to analyze the device's specifications and choose the best repair method. This process may involve replacing faulty parts, reprogramming the device, or cleaning the internal components.
Another method commonly used in electronic restoration is the desoldering and resoldering electrical components. This involves the removal of damaged parts such as capacitors, resistors, and IC chips from the circuit board and replacing them with new ones. The desoldering and resoldering process requires expertise and precision to prevent further damage to the device.
Electronic restoration also involves using advanced diagnostic equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes. These tools help to test and diagnose the device's circuitry to determine areas of malfunction. They can detect electrical problems such as voltage fluctuations, defective components, and circuit shorts. Diagnostic equipment makes the restoration process quicker and more accurate, reducing the chances of further damage to the device.
Prevent Further Water Damage & Preserve Data Proactively
Prevention is always better than restoration. To avoid water damage, consider investing in waterproof casings for your phone and other devices. Keep your electronics in a waterproof bag if you're going swimming or engaging in other water activities. Additionally, keep all drinks and liquids away from your electronics.
Flooding, leaks, or other forms of water damage happen unexpectedly. It can impact our homes, businesses, and electronics in the blink of an eye. This is why storing important data that might be valuable to you or your company is essential. Regular backups can save your data in case water damage destroys it later.
Water damage can happen to anyone, and taking the proper steps to restore your water-damaged electronics is essential. With these tips and techniques, you'll hopefully be able to restore your water-damaged electronics and return them to excellent working condition.
Have you suffered electronic water damage? Call (719) 356-3189 today!
