PC flooded. Need help

[mishpat]

Our Dell pc was the victim of a burst pipe last weekend. When we made it to the computer desk, the surge protector (with plugs for the pc, printer, and moniter) was totally under water and not functioning. The tower for the pc sat on about two inches of water. Do I assume it is all ruined? How can I check without damaging my home electricity? Are there companies that check out components for a reasonable fee. Insurance said they WILL pay us replacement IF I bring a report showing they are gone. I cannot imagine they survived all the water but ya never know!

 

[timeos2]

Get it checked out

Our Dell pc was the victim of a burst pipe last weekend. When we made it to the computer desk, the surge protector (with plugs for the pc, printer, and moniter) was totally under water and not functioning. The tower for the pc sat on about two inches of water. Do I assume it is all ruined? How can I check without damaging my home electricity? Are there companies that check out components for a reasonable fee. Insurance said they WILL pay us replacement IF I bring a report showing they are gone. I cannot imagine they survived all the water but ya never know!

Take it to a local shop, tell them exactly what occurred and let them diagnose it. Once they do that ($35-$100) they can give you an estimate for repair/replacement. Remember you won't get replacement cost but the value as it was prior to the damage if insurance covers it. Good luck.

 

[dioxide45]

It is probably trash. If the hard drive was not in water, they may be able to salvage the data from it though. Do as John suggested.

 

[CMF]

Make sure it's totally dry before doing anything. Open up the case and put it in front of a fan. A musician acquaintance tells me that electronics can recover from water damage if they dry properly. Don't know if it's true.

Charles

 

[Keitht]

I certainly don't agree with the do-it-yourself approach. Water and electricity don't mix well, and although everything may work after being allowed to dry out it could be an expensive mistake to take any shortcuts.
As previously suggested, take it to a repair shop and explain exactly what happened. They might say it's not worth even trying to fix it, but you will then have the required documentation for your insurance company.

 

[Emily]

I agree with everything said . . . Data may be intact, not sure why it wouldn't be unless drive is too damaged to read. Take to someone one that knows what they are doing so they can get the harddrive out and at least recover your files.