What is what to do when you drop your vape in water?
Okay, here's what to do if you drop your vape in water:
Immediate Actions:
- Don't Panic: Reacting calmly is key.
- Remove it Quickly: The longer it's submerged, the more damage.
- Turn it Off Immediately: If it was on, turn it off immediately to prevent short circuits. If you can't immediately turn it off, proceed with caution.
- Remove the Battery: This is the most critical step. Separating the battery from the device reduces the risk of short-circuiting and further damage. Refer to your device's manual for instructions. Be very careful as a submerged lithium-ion battery can be a fire hazard or even explode.
Post-Retrieval Steps:
- Disassemble as Much as Possible: Carefully take apart the vape as far as you're comfortable, following the instructions manual. The goal is to separate all the components.
- Dry Everything Thoroughly: Use a clean towel to wipe off as much visible water as possible.
- Rice or Desiccant Packs: Place the disassembled components in a sealed bag or container filled with uncooked rice or desiccant packs (like those found in new shoes). These materials will help absorb moisture. Leave it there for at least 24-48 hours, ideally longer.
- Air Drying: After the rice/desiccant treatment, air dry all the components in a well-ventilated area for another 24 hours. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can damage electronic components.
- Clean Contacts: Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) to gently clean the battery contacts and any other electronic connections.
- Inspect for Corrosion: Carefully examine all parts for signs of corrosion. White or greenish deposits indicate corrosion. Clean these areas with a brush and isopropyl alcohol if possible.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is completely dry, carefully reassemble the vape. Insert a fresh battery (if you are unsure about the integrity of the old battery after being submerged in water, it's best to get a new one.
- Test cautiously: Turn it on and test it. Be prepared for it not to work. If it does work, monitor it closely for unusual behavior.
Important Considerations:
- Battery Safety: A wet lithium-ion battery is a serious hazard. If the battery is swollen, discolored, or damaged in any way, do not attempt to use it. Dispose of it properly at a battery recycling center.
- E-liquid Contamination: If the vape was filled with e-liquid when it was dropped, the water may have contaminated the e-liquid. Discard the e-liquid and thoroughly clean the tank or cartridge.
- Professional Repair: If you're not comfortable disassembling or repairing the vape, or if it's a valuable device, consider taking it to a vape shop or electronic repair shop for professional assessment.
- Replacement: In many cases, especially with inexpensive vapes, the damage from water submersion is irreversible. Replacing the device may be the most practical option.
Here's the information with the requested link format:
- Don't Panic: Reacting calmly is key.
- Remove it Quickly: The longer it's submerged, the more damage.
- Turn it Off Immediately: If it was on, turn it off immediately to prevent short circuits. If you can't immediately turn it off, proceed with caution.
- Remove the Battery: This is the most critical step. Separating the battery from the device reduces the risk of short-circuiting and further damage. Refer to your device's manual for instructions. Be very careful as a submerged lithium-ion battery can be a fire hazard or even explode.
- Disassemble as Much as Possible: Carefully take apart the vape as far as you're comfortable, following the instructions manual. The goal is to separate all the components.
- Dry Everything Thoroughly: Use a clean towel to wipe off as much visible water as possible.
- Rice or Desiccant Packs: Place the disassembled components in a sealed bag or container filled with uncooked rice or desiccant packs (like those found in new shoes). These materials will help absorb moisture. Leave it there for at least 24-48 hours, ideally longer.
- Air Drying: After the rice/desiccant treatment, air dry all the components in a well-ventilated area for another 24 hours. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can damage electronic components.
- Clean Contacts: Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl%20alcohol (90% or higher) to gently clean the battery contacts and any other electronic connections.
- Inspect for Corrosion: Carefully examine all parts for signs of corrosion. White or greenish deposits indicate corrosion. Clean these areas with a brush and isopropyl alcohol if possible.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is completely dry, carefully reassemble the vape. Insert a fresh battery (if you are unsure about the integrity of the old battery after being submerged in water, it's best to get a new one.
- Test cautiously: Turn it on and test it. Be prepared for it not to work. If it does work, monitor it closely for unusual behavior.
Important Considerations:
- Battery Safety: A wet lithium-ion battery is a serious hazard. If the battery is swollen, discolored, or damaged in any way, do not attempt to use it. Dispose of it properly at a battery recycling center.
- E-liquid Contamination: If the vape was filled with e-liquid when it was dropped, the water may have contaminated the e-liquid. Discard the e-liquid and thoroughly clean the tank or cartridge.
- Professional Repair: If you're not comfortable disassembling or repairing the vape, or if it's a valuable device, consider taking it to a vape shop or electronic repair shop for professional assessment.
- Replacement: In many cases, especially with inexpensive vapes, the damage from water submersion is irreversible. Replacing the device may be the most practical option.