Wet Device? Here’s What to Do Before Giving Up

Dropped your device in water? Whether it was a sink, puddle, or a full-on plunge into the toilet, your first thought might be: "Is it ruined?" Liquid damage is one of the most common tech emergencies today. Yet, despite how catastrophic it feels, many devices can be saved—if you act fast and smart.

At Mac Place Canada, we specialize in device diagnostics, repair, and recovery, especially when it comes to water-damaged devices. This blog explains what really happens during liquid exposure, how to respond immediately, how to avoid common myths, when to seek professional help, and how to make the right decision between repair and replacement.

Understanding Liquid Damage: A Closer Look

Liquid exposure is deceptively dangerous because the damage isn’t always visible on the surface.

What Happens Internally?

• Short-circuiting: Water creates electrical pathways where none should exist, frying internal components and rendering the device unstable.

• Corrosion: Even pure water begins oxidizing metal components quickly. Salty or sugary liquids accelerate this tenfold.

• Battery and screen failures: Exposure can cause screens to flicker, touch responsiveness to degrade, and battery chemistry to destabilize.

• Data corruption: Moisture can interfere with memory chips or SSDs, causing partial or total data loss.

Devices Most at Risk

• Smartphones: Due to their constant use in humid or wet environments (kitchens, bathrooms, pools).

• Laptops & MacBooks: Spills are common on work desks; keyboards are often the first entry point.

• Tablets & Wearables: Often exposed during workouts, hikes, or outdoor activities.

Water-Resistant Isn’t Waterproof

Many users assume IP68 or similar ratings make their phones waterproof. Wrong. According to Apple, water resistance is not permanent and may diminish over time. Their policy explicitly states that liquid damage is not covered under warranty, even for newer iPhones with high resistance ratings. Learn more about Apple's water resistance and warranty policy here.

Common Liquid Damage Myths (and the Truth)

Myth 1: "Put It in Rice."

• Truth: Rice may absorb moisture slowly but doesn't remove water trapped in ports or beneath chips. Starch and dust can even worsen internal damage.

Myth 2: "If it turns on, it's fine."

• Truth: The device may seem functional now, but corrosion silently builds over days or weeks. Sudden failures are common later.

Myth 3: "Hairdryers fix it."

• Truth: Hot air forces water deeper and risks melting or displacing delicate components, especially in tightly packed logic boards.

Myth 4: "It dried overnight, so it’s safe."

• Truth: Drying the surface doesn’t mean internal moisture is gone. Hidden droplets under chips continue to cause harm.

Myth 5: "It wasn’t a lot of water, so it’s okay."

• Truth: Even a few drops can short components or get lodged in speaker grills and microphone ports.
  

First Response: What To Do Immediately

Step 1: Turn Off the Device

• Powering down stops current from flowing, reducing the risk of short circuits.

Step 2: Remove External Components

• Detach:

  • Cases

  • SIM cards

  • Memory cards

  • Chargers

  • Headphones

• For laptops, unplug and turn upside-down if possible.

Step 3: Gently Dry the Exterior

• Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth.

• Do NOT shake the device or press buttons aggressively.

Step 4: Positioning Matters

• For laptops, tent them with the keyboard facing downward.

• For phones and tablets, stand upright and tilt at a 45-degree angle if possible.

Step 5: Do NOT Plug It In or Try to Charge

• This is one of the worst mistakes. Electricity meets moisture = component failure or explosion.
  

What Not To Do

Avoid these common mistakes that could worsen the situation:

• No vacuum cleaners or hair dryers – the suction and heat damage the internal hardware.

• No fridge or microwave – both are myths and can destroy your device.

• No rubbing alcohol unless you're trained – improper use can spread the liquid and dissolve adhesives.

• No DIY disassembly – you could void warranties or damage ESD-sensitive chips.
  

When to Seek Professional Help

Signs You Need Expert Repair:

• Ghost touches or flickering screens

• Overheating, fast draining battery

• No sound or distorted audio

• Delayed touchscreen responsiveness

• Device powers on but doesn’t function normally

The Importance of Professional Diagnostics

At Mac Place, we use industry-grade tools to:

• Test the logic board

• Scan for corrosion with microscopes

• Isolate affected components (battery, display, connectors)

• Preserve any data if possible

You can contact us here for quick diagnostics.

Repair or Replace? Making the Smart Call

Repair Is Ideal If:

• The device still powers on

• You only see damage to the screen or ports

• It’s a recent, high-end model

• You want to preserve data

Replacement Is Better If:

• The motherboard is severely corroded

• Multiple parts are affected and repair cost is >50% of device value

• You’re already planning to upgrade

Check out our All Products if you're considering a replacement device.

How Mac Place Repairs Liquid-Damaged Devices

Our Process:

1. Complete Device Disassembly

2. Ultrasonic Cleaning in Isopropyl Solution

3. Board-Level Diagnostics with Thermal Cameras

4. Component Testing and Replacement

5. Device Reassembly and Full QA Testing

We also offer emergency repair walk-ins. Learn more about us and what makes Mac Place a trusted name in Canada.

Data Recovery for Water-Damaged Devices

Liquid can interfere with data chips or storage controllers. We use specialized methods to recover files from:

• MacBooks

• iPhones

• SSDs

• External drives

Recovery options include:

• Logic board bypass

• Chip-off NAND recovery

• Bit-level cloning of readable drives

If data matters, stop using your device and contact us immediately.

How to Prevent Future Water Damage

1. Use Certified Waterproof Cases: LifeProof, OtterBox, and Catalyst are reliable.

2. Avoid using devices in humid places: Steam from bathrooms = slow internal corrosion.

3. Add moisture alert stickers or moisture sensors: Especially useful for workspaces.

4. Get regular diagnostics: Book with Mac Place for device health checks.
   

Conclusion

Water damage is serious—but it doesn’t have to mean the end. With immediate action, myth-busting knowledge, and expert help, your wet device can often be saved. Whether it’s a phone, laptop, or wearable, Mac Place Canada offers the professional repair services and diagnostic tools you need to bring your device back to life.

Need help? Book a repair or talk to our experts.

FAQs

Q1: Will Apple fix my water-damaged iPhone?

No. Apple doesn’t cover liquid damage under warranty. They may offer out-of-warranty replacements, which are costly.

Q2: Should I dry my device using sunlight or fan?

No. Sunlight can warp plastic and damage batteries. Fans are safer but slow. Use proper ventilation.

Q3: Can I still recover photos from my soaked phone?

Yes, but act fast. Bring it in powered off. Data recovery is best done within 24–48 hours.

Q4: Can you repair corrosion inside MacBooks?

Yes. Our lab can perform ultrasonic cleaning and corrosion control to restore your logic board.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be treated as professional repair advice. Always consult a certified technician before attempting to fix electronic devices yourself. Mac Place Canada is not responsible for damage caused by user intervention.