Why Does Water Destroy Electronics? (And How You Could Save Them)

You may have noticed that non-water resistant electronic devices can be easily damaged when they come into contact with water (one of the most common times this happens? Dropping your smartphone into the toilet).

Why Does Water Destroy Electronics?

Well, it’s not actually the water itself that damages the device, whatever that happens to be. Rather, it’s the impurities in water which cause the damage.

When water comes into contact with an electronic device it can cause a short circuit, especially if the device is switched on. That’s because impurities in water, such as sodium and chloride, are good conductors of electricity.

The electric current in the water causes electrolysis (fascinating fact: the suffix -lysis means damage or destruction) of fine metal components and PCBs (printed circuit boards). Basically, you’ll get too high of a current going to the parts of your device that it shouldn’t.

How You Can Save Electronic Devices From Water Damage

If your electronic device is switched off and doesn’t contain charged batteries, you are in with a better chance of being able to save it if it comes into contact with water, especially if that water is fairly pure. If that’s the case, remove the device’s cover (if you can) and pat it dry to remove contaminants, then leave it in a warm dry place such as an airing cupboard for about a week before trying to turn it on again. Make sure it’s completely dry before you switch it back on otherwise the electrolysis process will start all over again.

If your device was on or contains batteries, it’s essential to turn it off and/or remove the batteries immediately. That will stop the electrolysis process, limiting the damage as far as possible. Then you can dry it as per the above.

You may have accidentally submerged a smartphone or another type of sealed device. If that’s the case, turn the power off immediately and wipe it dry. There are a few ways to dry it out after that, such as putting it in a bag of uncooked rice or (unused!) kitty litter, both of which absorb water. Make sure you loosely wrap your phone in tissue beforehand to prevent any particles getting into it. If you don’t have access to rice or kitty litter, leave your phone in a warm dry place or under a lamp.

Electronic Devices vs. Pure Water

If your electronic device comes into contact with pure water, you stand a much better chance of being able to save it whether your device is switched on or not. That’s because pure water has had its ions and minerals removed. It’s these elements which are good conductors, so removing them makes the resulting water a poor conductor. That in turn means that the electrolysis isn’t nearly so damaging. In fact, many industrial manufacturers use pure water, such as deionised water, to wash electronics before building them.

If the water your device comes into contact with is salty or brackish, you have much less chance of being able to save it as the minerals make this water an excellent conductor so any damage happens very quickly.

A final word: electricity and water does not mix and can be dangerous. You should always be careful when cleaning an electronic device that has come into contact with water, and never touch water which has been electrified. Always make sure that there is no power going to the device you are cleaning.