Skip to main content

Repair information and guides for the iPhone 6 that was released on September 19, 2014. Model Numbers: A1549, A1586, and A1589

4994 Questions View all

Phone dropped down toilet

Hi,

Got this iPhone 6 that was dropped down the toilet.

Taken off the screen as around the pins there is what looks like a bit of mould/corrosion also at the bottom of the phone around the mic and speaker there is white marks which I think are corrosion too.

Here are two images

https://ibb.co/c10Rdk

Block Image

https://ibb.co/e7rMB5

Block Image

Any recommendations?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 1
Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

With water damage, you have to decontaminate the logic board before doing anything else, otherwise there will be latent issues down the road.

Not every water-damaged phone is recoverable and depending on the kind of liquid (salty, dirty, filthy), sometimes the success rate is quite low. That said, IMHO, it's always worth a try otherwise we are just piling up the e-waste.

Here's what you need to do:

  • Open your phone and remove the logic board (follow this guide)
  • Inspect the logic board, especially around the connectors and look for corrosion.
  • Inspect both sides of the board. Unfortunately, 80% of the board is covered in shields. That's usually where the damage is occurring.
  • Put your board in a container with >90% isopropyl alcohol and let it sit for a while.
  • Use a soft brush, like a toothbrush and lightly brush away any corrosion you see.
  • Rinse in alcohol and repeat.
  • Let it air dry for a day.
  • Re-assemble and hope for the best.

You should also replace the battery if it has swollen. Resist the temptation to pop it to let the gas out. A compromised Li-ion battery is a fire hazard. If the device appears to power up but behaves erratically, then use a tool like 3uTools to flash the firmware as it may be corrupted.

A professional repair shop that does water damage repair may be able to recover your phone or the data because they have access to pro-level ultrasonic baths and specialized cleaners as well as the skills to troubleshoot your board. Many shops have a no fix/no fee policy so you don't have to spend money to find out if the phone is fixable or not.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 1

4 Comments:

Thank you for your reply.

I'm doing this one all by my self.

I will get some isopropyl alcohol. How long should I let the logic board sit for a while?

Also when cleaning it with alcohol am I to use fresh isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol?

As I do some iPhone/Android repairs, I've not done any water damaged ones as yet but I will be moving into it in due course.

by

Hi Jaymie. I suggest >90% IPA in my answer. Rubbing Alcohol is only 70% but if that's all you have, it will have to do. Leave it in for 5-10 minutes.

by

Should I use 90% isopropyl alcohol or stronger?

by

Hi Jaymie. 90% is fine for a one-off. If you plan on doing more of these, then splurge and get 99%.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Jaymie will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 1,076