Water Damage and Screen Repairs: How to Salvage a Wet Device?

 Spilling liquid on your phone, tablet, or laptop can be a nightmare. Water damage can quickly lead to malfunctioning devices and expensive repairs if not addressed promptly.

Acting fast after water exposure is crucial to potentially saving your device. This blog will cover how to save a wet device. With some knowledge and quick action, you can salvage your wet tech with screen repairs.

Immediate Steps After Exposure

If your device gets drenched, follow these tips right away:

•      Turn it off immediately and disconnect from any power source. Leaving it on can short-circuit the device.
•      Remove the battery if possible. This stops electric current from further damaging the internals.
•      Do not press any buttons or attempt to turn it back on. This can cause additional issues.
•      Avoid shaking or agitating the device. This can spread liquid internally.
•      Do not place the device near heat sources like radiators or hairdryers. Extreme heat can damage components.
•      Refrain from disassembling the device yourself unless you are technically qualified. You may inadvertently cause more harm.
•      Do not rub the screen dry, as this can lead to scratches and damage. Blot gently with a soft cloth.
•      You should not use cotton swabs or tissues to dry the ports. Fibres can get lodged inside. Use a toothpick or stiff bristle brush.
•      Avoid using vacuum cleaners to suck the liquid out. This can generate static electricity.
•      Do not submerge the device in any cleaning solutions. This can corrode internal parts.
•      You must not attempt to charge or turn on the device until completely dry. This poses a safety risk.

Follow these precautions immediately after water exposure. They give you the best chance of being able to safely repair and restore function. The next step is drying out the device swiftly and effectively.

Drying Methods

Drying out an exposed device quickly is crucial to prevent permanent water damage. Here are some effective drying techniques:

•      Use a desiccant like silica gel packets. These absorb moisture rapidly. Bury the device in a large bag of them for 24-48 hours. The silica beads turn colour when saturated. Thus, swap them out as needed. Electronic repair kits often contain desiccant packs.
•      Place the device in front of a fan blowing cool air at it. This accelerates evaporation. Point the fan away from the screen to avoid cracking. Keep at this for several hours, turning the device periodically.
•      Invest in a drying kit specifically designed for wet electronics. These use heat and air circulation to dry devices safely. Some kits include disassembling tools to open up phones or tablets and allow moisture trapped inside to escape. Professional data recovery services often use drying kits.
•      Use moisture-absorbing blotting paper under and over the device. Change the paper every few hours as it absorbs liquid. This draws water out of all crevices.
•      Do not use rice to dry your device. Rice absorbs very little moisture from inside electronics. The starch can leave a residue once lodged inside ports and crevices. Opt for more powerful desiccants.
•      Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage screens and overheat components. Indirect natural light is safer if used for several hours.
•     Do not dry in an oven or microwave. Extreme heat can melt plastics and harm electronics. 

Aim to dry for at least 48-72 hours before attempting to turn on. Residual moisture inside can short-circuit the device when powered on. When in doubt, take it to a repair technician for inspection before reconnecting a battery or charging.

Screen Repair Specifics

Screens are particularly vulnerable to water damage. Liquid can seep underneath the glass display, fogging the internal components and digitiser. Here are tips for salvaging a water-damaged screen:

•      Dry the screen as thoroughly as possible with the techniques mentioned earlier. Extended air drying is crucial.
•      Do not press or place weight on the screen until completely dry. Pressure can push moisture deeper inside and crack the glass.
•      Check carefully for signs of the display lighting up temporarily when powered on. This indicates components are still functional despite fogging or clouding underneath. There is hope.
•      For minor clouding beneath the glass, moisture can sometimes dissipate after a week or so without disassembly needed. Patience is key.
•      Carefully removing the screen and cleaning the LCD, digitiser, and connectors may be required to clear condensation underneath. This is intricate work best left to tech repair professionals. Mishandling delicate cables and components is easy.
•      For screens with physical cracks from water damage, the repair is complex. The glass, digitiser, LCD, and connectors may need replacement. Again, professional technicians have the micro-soldering skills and tools to do this properly.

Do not attempt makeshift screen repairs like hair dryer heat or pressure. Be gentle and patient with a foggy screen to allow moisture to evaporate before considering replacement. With careful handling, even significantly clouded screens can often be salvaged by a good repair tech.

Conclusion

Liquid damage to phones, laptops and other devices can quickly lead to corrosion and malfunction. By taking swift action, you can often recover a water-damaged device. Severe damage may require professional disassembly and replacement of screen components.

Avoid heat or pressure on the screen while drying. With some luck and the right techniques for screen repairs, you can rescue your tech after many spills and leaks. Better yet, take preventative steps like waterproofing cases to avoid damage in the first place.