The Phone Repair Shop

Dropped your phone in water? Don't panic! The next few minutes are critical. Follow this emergency guide to maximize your chances of saving your device and recovering your precious data.

Immediate Actions (First 60 Seconds)

Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Here's what to do immediately:

Step 1: Remove from Water Immediately

• Get your phone out of the water as quickly as possible
• Every second counts - water penetrates deeper over time
• Don't wait to finish what you're doing

Step 2: Power Off Completely

• If your phone is on, turn it off immediately
• Hold the power button until it shuts down
• Do NOT attempt to charge it
• Do NOT press any buttons unnecessarily

Step 3: Remove Accessories

• Take off the case immediately
• Remove SIM card and tray
• Remove any screen protectors
• Unplug any cables or accessories

What NOT to Do

These common mistakes can make water damage worse:

• ❌ Don't use a hair dryer: Heat can damage internal components
• ❌ Don't put it in rice: This is a myth and can introduce dust
• ❌ Don't shake the phone: This spreads water to dry areas
• ❌ Don't press buttons: This pushes water deeper inside
• ❌ Don't charge it: This can cause short circuits
• ❌ Don't use compressed air: This forces water into components

Proper Drying Techniques

After taking immediate action, follow these drying steps:

External Drying

1. Pat Dry: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently pat the exterior
2. Tilt and Drain: Gently tilt the phone to let water drain from ports
3. Absorb Moisture: Use paper towels to absorb visible water
4. Air Dry: Place in a well-ventilated area

Silica Gel Method (Better Than Rice)

If you have silica gel packets (found in shoe boxes, electronics packaging):

1. Place phone in a sealed container
2. Surround with silica gel packets
3. Leave for 24-48 hours
4. Silica gel absorbs moisture more effectively than rice

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact a professional repair service immediately if:

• Phone was submerged for more than 30 seconds
• Water entered through charging port or speakers
• Phone was in saltwater (highly corrosive)
• Phone won't turn on after 48 hours
• Display shows signs of water damage
• You need data recovered urgently

Professional Water Damage Repair Process

Here's what professionals do to repair water-damaged phones:

1. Diagnostic Assessment: Identify extent of water damage
2. Disassembly: Carefully open the device
3. Ultrasonic Cleaning: Remove water and contaminants
4. Component Inspection: Check for corrosion and damage
5. Part Replacement: Replace damaged components
6. Testing: Verify all functions work correctly
7. Data Recovery: Retrieve your important files

Water Damage Repair Costs

Professional water damage repair in Preston typically costs:

• Diagnostic Fee: £20-£30 (often waived if you proceed with repair)
• Cleaning Service: £40-£60
• Component Replacement: £50-£150 (depending on parts needed)
• Data Recovery: £80-£200 (if required)

Prevention Tips

Protect your phone from future water damage:

• Waterproof Case: Invest in a quality waterproof case
• Avoid Risky Situations: Keep phone away from water sources
• Regular Backups: Backup data regularly to cloud storage
• Check IP Rating: Know your phone's water resistance level
• Port Covers: Use port covers when near water

Understanding IP Ratings

Modern iPhones have water resistance ratings:

• iPhone 16 Pro: IP68 (6m for 30 minutes)
• iPhone 15 Pro: IP68 (6m for 30 minutes)
• iPhone 14: IP68 (6m for 30 minutes)
• iPhone 13: IP68 (6m for 30 minutes)
• iPhone 12: IP68 (6m for 30 minutes)
• iPhone 11: IP68 (2m for 30 minutes)

Conclusion

Water damage doesn't have to mean the end of your phone. By acting quickly and following the right steps, you can often save your device. However, professional help is always recommended to prevent long-term corrosion and ensure complete data recovery.

If your phone has suffered water damage in Preston or surrounding areas, contact The Phone Repair Shop immediately. Our expert technicians offer same-day water damage repair with a 2-year warranty. We serve Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Blackpool, and all areas within a 20-mile radius.