How to Salvage Flooded Electronics

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

It is not safe to turn on flooded electronics before restoration

Water and electronics have always had a rocky relationship, and most people never ask why. Water contains minerals, salts and ions that can create false connections, resulting in electronic damage. These are the same circuits that house all your business records, and losing them would be a total disaster. Here are some of the things you could do to mitigate the effects of water damage on your devices in Leisure World, AZ.

Disconnect Flooded Electronics From Power

The first thing to do when water gets into your electronics is to get them off the mains. However, this seemingly simple task can be hazardous. It is advisable to switch off the electricity on the circuit breaker before trying to handle submerged electronics. Also, be careful when working with devices that have Lithium-ion batteries. They react catastrophically when exposed to water.
Other damages that water causes on electronics include:

• Short-circuiting
  
• Corrosion
  
• Broken LCD
  
• Ruined hard drives
  
  

When you manage to retrieve the device, please turn it off and remove the battery immediately. Drain all the liquid and disassemble it for the cleaning process.

Clean the Circuit Boards

Salvaging flooded electronics translates to thorough cleaning. Start by releasing connectors and removing any shields to gain better access to components. Use a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol to clean the boards while paying attention to all the little parts. This process will get rid of any debris and deposits from the offending liquid.
After cleaning, dry the boards with a dryer on cold setting or leave them under a desk lamp overnight. Reassemble the device carefully and remember to use a working battery. The device should turn on without issues if you did everything right. In case it doesn’t, take it to a professional restoration service for a second opinion.
Remember, it is not safe to turn on flooded electronics before restoration. You run the risk of electric shock and permanent loss of data. So, it’s better to follow this restoration procedure if you want to be on the safe side.