4 Steps to Recover Water-damaged Electronics

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded electronics can be saved

Steps To Save Your Flooded Electronics

Has your commercial building in Dunwoody, GA, had electronic damage? If your building is equipped with any type of electronic device, it's best to be informed about what steps you can take to save your flooded electronics.

1. Exercise Caution

The first step before dealing with any mix of electricity and water should be to ensure your own personal safety. Consider putting on rubber boots or gloves if entering an area where water and electricity might be mixing. If you're uncertain, it's always best to go with the safer option of contacting a water damage cleanup specialist.

2. Unplug
After first ensuring that you will be entirely safe while doing so, the next step is to disconnect the flooded electronics from any power sources. For computers or other electronics that are plugged into the wall, you can simply unplug them. However, it is first recommended to locate a breaker panel or circuit breaker and shut off everything from there.

3. If Applicable, Remove Battery
If the device has a battery installed, exercise extreme caution when removing the submerged device. The chemicals in batteries can be dangerous for a multitude of reasons, and a wet battery can also catch fire. If you see any smoke, bubbling, or evidence of melting parts, do not handle the battery: call a professional.

4. Drain the Device
If it was safe to remove the device from the water and unplug it, the next step is to get as much of the water out as possible. Contrary to popular belief, soaking your device in a rice bag does not help. While it may absorb the water, rice leaves behind all the chemical contaminants that may have leaked out of any components. Instead, disassemble the device and individually dry each component with a microfiber cloth. If it cannot be disassembled, you can also shake the device.
While it can seem hopeless, with the right steps and some professional help, flooded electronics can be saved.