Word Count: 624 Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 5:21 PM
Laptops And Water Damage Restoration
Mixing any electronic gadgets and water is not a very comfortable thought. The mere suggestion of this idea would bring shivers to anyone's spine. More so, if the item considered is a laptop, complete with all your business files and other important documentations stored in the computer's memory.
Trying as much to be careful as you can, there are certain unavoidable circumstances where water would actually make contact with your laptop. Spillage from a water bottle, an accidental dousing with coffee from a friend's mug, and even an unwanted shower from the malfunctioning fire sprinkler system are some of the unforeseen instances where laptop meets water. In any particular case, water damage restoration should be performed to prevent further damage to your laptops.
The first thing to do at the onset of water damage is to turn your laptop off. Unplug the power cord from the electrical socket and hastily detach the battery. There is a possibility that water has not yet come into contact with any components where electrical current is flowing. Cutting the source of power will ensure that no current flow is active while water damage restoration activities are being performed.
For small spills, there is a possibility that water have not yet penetrated the interior of the laptop, particularly the motherboard. For superficial spills, wiping the external surface of the laptop would be sufficient. Check the keyboard and other possible openings on the laptop for liquid excretions. If none, no penetration might have occurred. However, if there are visible seepages, there is a possibility that internal liquid penetration has occurred. Try to tip the laptop on its sides or turning it upside down. If the secretions increase, penetration is confirmed and further water damage restoration is needed.
Prolonged exposure to water, like an accidental shower from a sprinkler system, would indicate water damage to the interior of the laptop. This, and the confirmed penetration scenario described earlier, would warrant the need for the laptop to be disassembled. Proper water damage restoration procedure for such cases requires moisture to be removed from all internal parts, which should be dried separately. If the owner is not tech savvy and is not knowledgeable in dismantling his unit, a qualified technician should be employed to do this job and complete the water damage restoration process.
After the parts have been separated, water removal should take place as part of the water damage restoration process. This can be done by removing excess water using paper towels or absorbent chamois cloth. Remaining moisture should be dried out by applying a low temperature blower and directing it to the affected areas. Do not leave the laptop and its parts under the sun to dry. This can cause serious deformations on the parts, and can cause cracking on sub-parts and create further damage. Leaving it under a fan for a few hours could remove any remaining moisture. Standard hair dryers can also be used, however, extra care should be employed as the prolonged use can cause the parts to heat up unnecessarily and create more damage.
When you are convinced that the parts of the laptop are dry, proceed with re-assembly. Double check the keyboards and the casing as these are more susceptible to water accumulation. At this point, it is still not advisable to turn on your laptop. Wait for at least 24 hours before turning it on.
Laptops are important tools that are required by businesspersons and professionals alike. Damaging this important gadget through a simple water spill is not a very welcome idea. Water damage restoration should be employed at the earliest possible time so further damage can be prevented.
About the Author
Samson Paulotti writes articles and shares information on fire and water for Fire and Water Damage Restoration in Chicago IL and Restoration
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