Cell phones have become a very important item in our modern society. We are normally forced to take the everywhere that we go. All of us have probably seen someone jumping into a pool with their cell phone still in their pockets. Other common accidents involve dropping your phone in the sink, bath or toilet. It doesn’t matter what the cause, water damage can cause permanent damage to your cell phone. When something like this happens, then the best thing that you can do is to get it out of the water and start to take the phone apart.
It is important that you know that if your phone suffers any liquid damage then you will most likely experience some problems. The water can get access to your circuit board of the phone or it can reach some of the other inner components that cam make the phone un-usable.
1) Sea Water Damage: If you expose your cell phone to sea water then the salt water might cause corrosion. The phone might work afterwards, but the problems will come over time.
2) Swimming Pool Water Damage: Pool water contains chlorine and this chemical can cause instant permanent damage to your phone. If you react quick enough then you should be able to save the cell phone.
3) Household Tap Water Damage: You should know that our normal tap water also contains chemicals that can cause permanent damage to your phone. Corrosion will not happen; the water can still enter and damage the inner components of the phone causing permanent damage.
Most of South Africa’s mobile service providers, offer insurance on the phone for an extra monthly fee. What you should know is that your phone will not be covered for water damage. There are thus companies who can give you water damage cover, but the costs will be higher than the normal theft and damage cover. Read the terms and conditions of your contract to make sure that you are aware of what you are covered for.
If your phone has been a victim of water damage, then there are a few things that you can do to try and save it. The first and most obvious thing to do is to take the phone out of the water as quickly as possible. You should then dry the phone as quickly as possible and take the battery and sim card out. Leave the phone like that over night to dry. Another tip that actually works is to place your phone in a bowl of uncooked rice. The rice will absorb all of the water out of your phone. This technique has proven itself to work.
Water damage should in all cases be avoided. The above mentioned tips are only things that will help you to save your phone, and is thus not a guarantee. Nowadays we are seeing phones which are water resistant. If you are someone who loves the outdoors, then I would strongly suggest that you invest in one of these newer model phones.