Pure water may seem harmless, but if spilled on electronics, it can be detrimental. It causes short circuits, corrosion, and potentially permanent damage to the PCB even if exposed to high humidity. You need to act fast to restore your gadget. Although the success rate of electronic restoration services depends on the severity of the damage and speed of the repair, professional industrial electronics restoration services can successfully repair devices in most cases.
Can You Repair Water-Damaged Devices With Electronics Restoration Services?
Yes, you can repair water-damaged electronics and gadgets with prompt service. It depends on the extent of damage as well as the expertise of the repairer. Water-damaged devices can often be repaired successfully by restoration services, especially if the water is clean and intervention is prompt.
However, putting your electronic device, especially smartphones and laptops, inside a bag of rice is not going to help you; even Apple Inc. has debunked this myth.
Also, not all electronic devices exposed to water can be restored, especially if exposed to saltwater, as its conductivity (~5 S/m, a million times that of pure water) greatly increases corrosion risk, complicating repairs and lowering success rates, especially if the exposure is prolonged.
Can Smartphones And Laptops Be Repaired After Water Damage?
Around 66% of water-damaged smartphones (6 out of 9 devices) can be repaired if professionals follow drying protocols.
They just need immediate assistance (within 24-36 hours) from a professional to perform fire-damaged electronics repair, as water may cause a fire hazard due to overheating and short circuits.
Can Water-Damaged Home Appliances Be Repaired?
Home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and microwaves are not as vulnerable to water damage. There is a chance that water may cause motor or mechanical damage or cause the growth of molds in hidden compartments, but these appliances are not as water-sensitive as televisions.
Environmental assessments show that about 90% of water-damaged household appliances are not repaired. One major reason behind this is that consumers often prefer buying a new device over getting it repaired, as this study suggests.
However, if the damage and corrosion are addressed quickly, you can have devices fully repaired and working flawlessly for a long time.
Is Recovery Of Water-Damaged TVs Possible?
The chances of repair success drop by 40% if the devices remain untreated for more than 24 hours. However, restoring a water-damaged television is a bit tricky as it has water-sensitive components, so you may require professional assistance asap. LED and LCD screens are extremely vulnerable and often fail to revive.
Is Recovery Of Industrial Electronics Possible?
Yes, with prompt action, industrial electronics can be saved. A study on flood damage in industrial process facilities found repair labor ranges from 23.7 to 26.0 hours, indicating that recovery is possible but only if done thoroughly and carefully.
A recovery company completing industry equipment repairs in a few hours might do a slapdash job instead of a reliable one.
Industrial electronics, such as medical devices, factory machines, and servers, are extremely vulnerable.
Prolonged exposure to moisture causes circuit board delamination and safety hazards. A professional repair may help prevent moisture penetration into water-sensitive components.
That said, here are the key factors influencing the success rate of electronics restoration services:
Factors |
Impact on Repair Success |
Water Type | Saltwater or contaminated liquid accelerates corrosion. |
Duration of Water Exposure | If your device has been exposed to water for less than 30 minutes, recovery rates will be higher. |
Type of Electronics | Smartphones and laptops are more likely to be successfully repaired as compared to complex devices with sealed components. |
Severity of Water Damage | Extensive damage, such as submerged circuit boards or cracked screens due to falling into a water body, makes it difficult to repair. |
Many electronic devices, such as televisions, cameras, and gaming consoles, are more susceptible to water damage than other devices due to their complex internal components. Your television (LEDs) contains semiconductors and display components that can absorb moisture really quickly. It is advised to immediately contact your local electronic restoration services, such as Americon Restoration, to get quick help.
Can Advanced Industrial Electronics Restoration Services Reverse Corrosion In Electronics?
Yes, professional restoration services can reverse corrosion when treated quickly. The efficiency of the restoration may depend on the type of corrosion and the components affected.
Electrolytic Corrosion is caused by saltwater, which requires ultrasonic cleaning with deionized water to remove the conductive salts.
Galvanic Corrosion, on the other hand, requires professional soldering work by the industrial electronics restoration services for corrosion prevention.
3 Reasons Why Getting Industrial Electronics Restoration Services Is A Good Idea
Professionals have the tools and expertise to assess the extent of water damage and perform the repairing or restoring process. Here are a few reasons why seeking professional help is recommended:
Prevent Further Damage From Corrosion And Short Circuit
Water damage, even if you take necessary cleaning measures, can lead to numerous issues such as corrosion and short circuits. These problems can damage internal components, even if the device appears to be working completely fine.
Helps Detect Corrosion
Corrosion is a silent killer and can lead to the device dying after some time due to moisture presence inside. And if you try to heat up the device to remove moisture, it sometimes creates a “” where the moisture trapped inside becomes steam and thus expands enough to damage the IC. That’s why the professionals help by using their specialized tools to clean and ensure no contaminants remain behind.
(popcorn effect after moisture evaporated due to intense heat)
Source: Wikipedia
Consulting industrial electronics restoration services is the key, as water dissolves the minerals and contaminants, depositing them onto circuit boards and other internal components. These residues promote corrosion, especially if it is saltwater.
Smoke Damage Electronic Recovery
On the other hand, short circuits are not silent at all. Water damage in electronics can sometimes lead to smoke, due to overheating, and can cause a fire to erupt. An expert performs a proper fire-damaged electronics repair by disassembling the device and removing burnt components to prevent further damage.
Perform Data Recovery After Water Damage
Data recovery after water damage has a success rate above 95 to 100%, with still good restoration chances even when the damage is severe. A crucial factor for successful recovery is acting promptly in turning off the device and disconnecting it before consulting professional industrial electronics restoration services.
How Does Water Damage Cause Data Loss?
Moisture sometimes penetrates into sensitive areas, including chipsets, circuit boards, and connectors. This penetration leads to data loss in smartphones, laptops, and personal computers (PCs). You need an expert to perform data recovery after water damage or repair your device to resolve its functionality issues.
Cost-Effective And Safety Concerns
DIY advocates may tell you that repairing an electronic device at home is better. Whereas, some people suggest professional repairs are much better when it comes to cost-effectiveness and safety concerns. You can compare both methods to find what’s best for you.
Factor | DIY Repair | Professional Repair | Key Insight |
Cost | Lower (normally around $20 to $300) | Higher due to the inclusion of labor cost (usually around $150 to $500 for basic damages) | DIYs can be inexpensive, but risk costly mistakes. Professional repairs offer warranties. |
Time & Skills | Takes a longer time to learn and execute basic repairs | Faster service, offers expert-level repairs | Complex repairs (industrial electronics) need professional repairs with minimal downtime. |
Safety | Higher risk (for example, electrical and structural errors can occur) | Lower risks as experts adhere to repair protocols | Critical damages require expert assistance |
Americon Restoration Offers Priority Electronics Restoration Services:
Time is one of the most important factors that determine whether a water-damaged device can be restored or not.
At Americon, we offer 24/7 emergency restoration services so you can reach out to us and have our experts rush to restore your electronics damaged by water before their circuits deteriorate further, rendering them impossible to repair.
So don’t waste time, call 1-833-4373487 for timely and reliable water-damaged electronics restoration service in Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Smoke-Damaged Electronics Be Restored?
Yes, professional electronics repair services offer smoke damage electronic recovery as well.
You must contact an expert to help repair the electronics within 24-48 hours to mitigate soot and smoke damage, especially for industrial electronics, such as medical devices or industrial equipment.
How do you remove moisture from PCBs?
Remove moisture from a PCB by using a low-temperature oven (below 120°F or 49°C) or a heat gun on low setting for 1–2 hours. Be very careful not to damage the components, as excessive heat can do that. Also, avoid using rice, as it is ineffective and may leave dust or starch residue. Always disconnect power and confirm the PCB is completely dry before powering on.
How to tell if electronics are water-damaged?
Check for water damage in electronics by inspecting for corrosion, discoloration, or residue on circuit boards and connectors. Signs include malfunctioning components, screen distortion, or failure to power on. Use a moisture indicator strip if available, or consult a technician for internal inspection.
What liquid destroys electronics?
Liquids that destroy electronics include saltwater, acidic solutions, and sugary drinks. Saltwater causes corrosion by accelerating oxidation. Acids break down metal traces and components. Sugary liquids leave conductive residue that shorts circuits. Even clean water can damage circuits by bridging connections if the device is powered on.
Can water damage fix itself?
Water damage cannot fix itself. While some devices may temporarily function after drying, corrosion continues internally and often leads to delayed failure. Minerals and residue left behind can short-circuit or degrade components over time. Proper cleaning and inspection are required to prevent long-term damage. Americon Restoration offers thorough contents cleaning and restoration services in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Call us to get started while your device still has the chance of coming back.