Floods can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. And if your home is one of the unfortunate ones that experience water damage, you’re probably feeling a range of emotions: devastation, disbelief, anger. Among all of the chaos and destruction, however, it’s important not to forget about the electronics in your home – many of which may have been submerged in water. In this post, we’ll outline some tips for salvaging your valuable electronics after a flood. Stay safe and dry!
Water damage can occur in many ways
Water damage can occur in many ways and often leaves behind irreversible damage to your belongings if not treated quickly. Water damage is often categorized by the source of the water: clean water, grey water, or black water.
Clean water is from sources like broken pipes or leaky appliances. Gray water is contaminated with microorganisms like bacteria. Black water is sewage or floodwater and is the most dangerous type of water damage.
Water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, which can cause health problems. Call a professional if your home has been flooded or you suspect water damage. They have experience in flood restoration and can extract the water and start the cleaning process.
If you have any electronics that have been exposed to water, it’s important to take special care when attempting to salvage them. The first thing you should do is call an experienced electrician to check your switchboard and power points. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action and ensure that your devices are safe to use.
How to salvage electronics that have been exposed to water
It’s always heartbreaking to see water damage to electrically powered items. Water and electricity don’t mix, and even a little exposure to water can ruin electronics. If your home has been flooded or you’ve had a plumbing leak, there’s a good chance your electronics have been damaged. But before you start throwing out all of your wet gadgets, there are a few things you can do to salvage them:
Unplug all electronics and remove any removable parts. This includes taking out batteries, detaching cords and cables, and removing any external storage devices. If possible, put these items in a dry, safe place until you’re ready to start cleaning.
Wipe down the exterior of all electronics with a clean, dry cloth. Be sure to pay special attention to any cracks or crevices where water may have entered the device. Once you’ve wiped down the exterior, set the electronics aside and let them air dry for 24 hours.
Clean all removable parts with isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar. This includes items like batteries, memory cards, and USB drives. Once you’ve cleaned the removable parts, set them aside to air dry for 24 hours.
Reassemble the devices and plug them in once the electronics and their parts have air dried for 24 hours. If they turn on and appear to be working properly congratulations! You’ve successfully salvaged your electronics after a flood. If they don’t turn on or if they seem to be malfunctioning, you may need to take them to a professional for repair or replacement.
If there is significant damage, take the electronics to a professional repairer
If the damage is significant, it’s important to take the electronics to a professional repairer. Water damage and restoration services can often save electronics that have been damaged by water. These services use specialised equipment to remove water from the affected area and prevent mould and bacteria growth.
Electricians can also help with water damage repairs. They will inspect the electronics for any water damage and then make the necessary repairs. If you have significant water damage to your electronics, it’s important to take them to a professional repairer as soon as possible.
What NOT to do when water damages your devices
It can be difficult to think clearly and assess the situation. However, it’s important to remember that there are certain things you should NOT do if you want to salvage your device. Here are some DON’Ts of water damage.
Don’t panic. The first thing to do when you drop your device in water is to stay calm. It can be tempting to freak out, but it’s important to keep a level head so that you can take the necessary steps to save your device.
Don’t try to turn it on. Electricians from Sawtell Contracting NT stress “This is probably the most common instinct when something gets wet. You want to see if it still works, but resist the urge! If you turn on a wet device, you risk causing a short circuit that could irreparably damage it. Once you’ve turned off your device or removed the battery, resist the urge to turn it back on and see if it still works. It’s better to err on the side of caution and assume that any attempts to turn on the device will only exacerbate the damage”.
Don’t use a blow dryer. Again, this seems like it would make sense. You want to get the water out as quickly as possible, so why not use a hairdryer? The problem is that hair dryers blow hot air, which can damage sensitive electronic components inside your device. Plus, if there’s any water left in your device, using a hairdryer will just cause it to evaporate and potentially cause even more damage.
Do not use a standard household vacuum cleaner. Trying to suck the water out of your device with a vacuum cleaner may seem like a good idea, but it’s not. The problem is those vacuum cleaners are not designed for electronics and can actually do more harm than good by damaging sensitive internal components. The heat from the blow dryer will cause any residual moisture in the device to evaporate, which can lead to even more damage down the line.
Don’t wait too long. Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. The longer you wait, the greater the chances that your phone will be beyond repair. So don’t delay—take action as soon as possible to minimize the damage done by water.
Closing Thoughts
Although water damage can be a devastating event, it is possible to salvage many of your electronic items if you take the right steps. By following these simple tips, you can minimize the damage done and get your electronics up and running again as soon as possible. Have you ever experienced water damage to your electronics? If so, what was the outcome? Let us know in the comments below.