Key points
- Do not power on anything that got wet — that is what fries it.
- Safety first: if water is near outlets, shut the breaker before you unplug.
- Data comes first — a recovery service can often save drives.
- Photograph model and serial numbers for your claim.
Right away
- If water reached outlets, cords or a power strip, turn the breaker off before touching anything — see electrical safety.
- Unplug and remove batteries where you can.
- Move devices to a dry room. Do not shake them, heat them or try them “just to see”.
- Photograph each item with its model and serial number label.
What not to do
- Do not use a hair dryer or oven
- Do not turn it on to check
- Do not throw anything out before it is documented
Data and insurance
For computers and drives with important files, a data recovery service is the safest route. For everything else, a list with photos, ages and prices makes the claim easier — see how to document water damage. Vault documents the damage, records daily moisture readings, scopes in Xactimate, and bills State Farm, USAA, Allstate, Farmers, and Bear River Mutual directly. General information, not insurance advice.
Common questions
Does putting a phone or laptop in rice work?
Rice does not dry a device better than open air, and it can leave dust and starch in ports. The lasting damage comes from minerals and dirt in the water corroding the circuit board, and drying alone does not remove that. For anything valuable, a repair shop can open the device and clean the board.
How long should I wait before trying a wet device?
There is no safe fixed waiting time, because corrosion keeps working even after the device looks dry. Anything soaked by dirty water or sewage should be checked by a technician before it is powered on, and nothing should be plugged into an outlet that got wet until an electrician has checked it.
Are my washer, dryer or fridge OK after a basement flood?
Appliances that stood in water should be inspected by a qualified technician before they run again, because motors, controls and wiring sit low in the cabinet. Gas appliances need extra care — see gas appliances after a flood. Photograph model and serial labels before anything is hauled away.
Water near your electronics?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.