The electronics inside a home may need repair or replacement due to water flooding from hurricanes, flash floods, and groundwater. Floods can cause severe damage and require professional flood damage restoration services. Austin Fire and Flood lists tips to restore household electronics.
Be Safe and Take Precautions
Mixing water and electronic equipment poses a risk that could lead to personal injury. It's important to evaluate electrical safety before handling electronics after a flood. Do not enter a flood-damaged basement until the utility company or a fireman switches off the power.
Avoid Powering on Electronics
Flooding can affect the integrity and performance of electrical equipment. Minerals, iron, and impurities from Category 2 or 3 water can enter electronic devices and damage the internal wiring. The corrosive and conductive nature of saltwater makes ocean water and salt spray cause extensive damage.
The Central Texas Electric Co-op flood safety tips recommend not powering on electrical equipment while standing in or near water. Turning on wet electronics can cause further damage or make the device inoperable. Water depth and exposure duration can increase the severity of the damage.
Repair or Replace Electronics
Most electronic equipment inside a home cannot survive flood damage. Flood damage restoration experts can help homeowners recycle and safely dispose of non-operational equipment. These are the common home electronics that will require replacement:
- Televisions
- Computers
- Hair dryers
- Coffee makers
- Portable air conditioners
- Vacuum cleaners
After a flood, contaminated Category 2 and 3 water can accumulate inside appliances. Consult a flood damage restoration expert if you plan on repairing appliances. Flood damage experts can take the following steps to restore flood-damaged electronics.
Rinsing Electronics with Category 1 Water
Flood damage experts can collect the electronics inside the home and use Category 1 water from sink faucets to clean them. The expert will remove salt, sediment, and other particles by rinsing the damaged equipment. After a thorough rinse, the electronics need to drain any excess water.
Drying Out Electronics
The next step involves safely drying electronic devices. Taking quick action after a flood can aid in restoring small devices such as phones, tablets, and cameras. A restoration expert can use the methods listed below to remove water from electronics:
- Vacuum and compressed air: A professional wet and dry vacuum can effectively remove water from electronic devices. Afterward, compressed air or a blower can assist in blowing out the leftover water.
- Use alcohol: A small amount of alcohol can make water evaporate. Trained experts know how to cautiously apply alcohol without damaging the electronics.
- Drying agent: A drying agent, like silica gel, is one of the most effective ways to dry an electronic device. An expert will fill an air-tight bag with the drying agent and place the electronic device inside for 48 hours.
.png)
Flood Damage Restoration from Austin Fire and Flood
Austin Fire and Flood provide flood damage restoration to save electronics and belongings inside a home. These trained technicians respond quickly to make the home habitable and restore living conditions. The company has become the go-to restoration company in Allandale, Austin, TX, and the nearby areas.
Call Austin Fire and Flood today at (512) 912-6814 to book an appointment for flood damage restoration services.
