Water-damaged phones are high-value, high-uncertainty jobs. A repeatable process protects your margin and sets honest customer expectations. Here’s the shop workflow.
1. Triage and set expectations
Tell the customer up front: liquid damage repair is best-effort, priced for labor and parts regardless of outcome. Get that agreement before you start.
2. Power down and disassemble
Never charge or power a wet device. Open it, disconnect the battery immediately, and remove shields to expose the board.
3. Clean the corrosion
Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and an ultrasonic cleaner or brush to remove corrosion from connectors and the logic board. This is where most recoveries are won or lost. See our essential repair tools guide for the kit.
4. Replace the likely casualties
Batteries, screens, and charging ports are the parts most often killed by liquid. Have replacements ready by model — browse iPhone, Samsung, and Pixel parts, or jump to the exact model in the Repair Parts by Model index.
5. Test thoroughly before return
Verify charging, display, touch, cameras, speakers, and mics. Document what works and what doesn’t so the customer has a clear picture.
