Protecting Your Electronics from Water Damage At Home
Property loss is one of the most expensive side effects of water damage. Unfortunately, there are several types of water damage. Floods, fire, pipe bursts and roof leaks can do significant damage, especially if not given immediate attention.
Water damage can not only unnerve the structural foundation of your house but also lead to mold growth, which can ruin hardwood floors and other organic materials in your house. Water damage can also ruin expensive electronics, which may require repair or need to be exchanged altogether. Is that an expense you’re willing to incur? Probably not. The good news is, you can take simple steps to keep your electronics away from the reach of moisture in case of water damage.
How to Protect Your Electronics from Water Damage at Home
Think of it this way. If your home is struck by water damage, are your electronics safe? While you may seek home restoration after water damage, it may already be too late for your home appliances. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to protect your electronics from water damage.
1. Use Moisture Sensors
Wherever you live, you will probably get an alert for a flood or hurricane. That gives you ample time to prepare to mitigate the damage. But what about flooding in the basement or other parts of the house due to a leaky pipe, a crack in the wall, or an overflowing washing machine? By the time you check up on this low-traffic area, a lot of damage would already have been done.
This is why you can save your electronics by installing motion sensors. There are several gadgets that help detect floods and leaks, especially in parts of the house that you don’t visit often. These sensors will send you a signal if more water than usual is detected. This way, you can take immediate action, and save expensive electronics and appliances.
2. Keep Your Electronics Elevated
While home restoration after water damage will revive your home to its original condition, the electronics may have already suffered damage. To avoid this, consider the placement of your electronics. Is your charger or play station on a low desk? Is your laptop under your desk? Is your iron on the floor in a corner? You may even have electronic wires plugged in a socket board on the ground.
This means that in the event of flooding, your appliances will be affected. To prevent this, keep your electronics at least a few inches elevated from the ground. Till the time you’re alerted of water damage, your electronics won’t have retained moisture, possibly posing a threat to your safety as well.
3. Unplug All Electronics
If your home is prone to flooding or leaks, make sure you unplug all electronics before you leave the house. When electronic devices aren’t plugged, they can still survive water damage. Moreover, water damage can switch electricity on and off, which may affect electronics that are plugged in.
When not in use, unplug all kitchen appliances, chargers, the television, and so on. This also ensures your safety that the current is not running through the water when you enter.
4. Store Electronics in Waterproof Boxes
In order to heighten the protection of your electronics, you can store them in waterproof containers. Wherever you can, place your electronics in a resealable plastic bag and store them in a waterproof box. This will at least protect the most expensive electronics.
Of course, this is only possible if you are prepared in advance. But you can stay ahead of the game and keep electronics that you don’t normally use away.
5. Spot Leaks
Home inspection can help detect water leaks in a timely fashion. Make sure you check your roof for any broken shingles and cracks. Keep a lookout for your water bill. If it suddenly spikes, do not ignore this, Check your sewage system to make sure it isn’t clogged, which may lead to water overflow.
You can also avail of home restoration services to check your entire house for any leaks. They will ensure a water extraction process and repair any dents that may lead to flooding or further water damage. This proactive approach will help keep your electronics safe as well.
Home Restoration After Water Damage in Inland Empire
While you can do only so much to protect your electronics from water damage, certain instances require availing of home restoration services. Residents of Inland Empire have access t high-quality, extensive home restoration services. With a 45 minute response time, you can get immediate help in the event of a flood or leak.
We cover all areas of disaster restoration. Our IICRC-certified experts will make sure your belongings are safe, after which we will tend to any repairs and leaks. With a skilled team of technicians, we ensure your home is safeguarded from further water damage, including handling mold and odor removal. Now, you can enjoy your peace of mind knowing that your home will be restored to its original condition.
