By MountainViewCellphones.com, 3/30/2008

As a service center, we have the privilege to witness some of the many ways that people destroy their wireless communications. We are also witness to the great acts that people put on to avoid telling the truth about how their phones were broken. I find it extremely fascinating that the same broken phone situation will effect every person in a unique way. One person will be professional, calm and composed, and another will be a hysterical chimpanzee, same problem, different reactions.

The first rule of thumb is that the world does go on without a cell phone or wireless phone. Cell phones were not commercially available to the public until the 1980’s and 1990’s. It was not until the 21st Century that prices came down far enough that mass adoption was possible. So, there you have it, 2000 years of living and going on about business without a cell phone…it’s possible although a little more inconvenient. The world did not end because of a lack of wireless communications. So, if your phone breaks, don’t react to it like the end of the world…it’s not.

For liquid damage, there are about four situations that tend to be the majority: the bathroom/restroom, the washing machine, traveling with water near the phone, and eating/dining. These four situations tend to be what we see most often. There are some simple recommendations to avoid these common risk factors.

First, don’t take your phone in the bathroom/restroom with you. As much as we like to continue a conversation while we do our duty, it’s not safe for your phone. If you do bring your phone with you, ensure it is secured in your pant pocket, case, or purse. For men, NEVER put phones in your shirt pocket, as when you lean over to flush the toilet it will make a straight dive for bowl at the perfect trajectory. If your phone does take a swim in the toilet bowl, please take out the battery and wipe it clean with a moist towel and let it dry out for a few days. Do not put the battery back in to power on the device until it has dried out for a few days. Put it in sunlight to dry the components from the inside, but don’t put it on a car dash as that may melt the components.

Don’t put your phone in the bathroom and go and take a steaming hot shower. Yes, all that mist in the air will get into the components of the phone. As it’s cleaner water by nature, it may not destroy the unit immediately, but it will turn the moisture sensors in the phone red to alert the manufacturer and repair centers that the phone has been exposed to water and is no longer under warranty or repair programs.

Phones will not survive a washing machine. The detergents in the wash and the water exposure for 20+ minutes make these cases impossible to repair. An easy way to prevent this is to clean your pockets before washing them. A better way is to have a place for your phone in your home. As you should be charging your phone device daily and powering on/off the device once a day, find a home for your phone with the charger. If your phone is safe with the charger, it should not be in the laundry bin.

In backpacks or on trips, I often pack an extra bottle of water, food, snacks, and my phone. All things I need but the phone should be separated in a separate compartment or not near the water/liquids at all. A leaky bottle, cap, or lid not closed tight, can destroy a phone quickly. The problem with this damage is that you don’t generally notice until you look back into your backpack or start to feel the liquid seeping through the bottom of the bag. This can expose the phone to several minutes with the water/liquid. If it’s plain water, our service and repair center can save it, if it’s some sugar/energy drink with lots of other stuff in the water, the chance of success falls dramatically.

Eating or dining situations and phones are not a good mix. Most of the time it’s ok as long as you don’t put your phone on the dining/eating table and don’t drop your phone in your drink. Just don’t put your phone on the dining table, it’s a recipe for trouble. Spills and drops from food, sauces, and drinks being passed around or just near the phone is a risk factor. If you need to use your phone while eating, do so and then put the phone up somewhere safe. Many customers come with coffee favored phones. Though innovative, these stains are some of the worst and cannot be repaired.

There is always the occassion drop in the puddle but that can only be prevented or protected with a better cases/pouches for the phone. I would recommend getting a case for phones as they do add value and for a few dollars, it’s worth the added protection for the units.

As a basic rule of thumb, proximity of water to the wireless phone is a good measure of risk. It’s basic, but everyday, we see people who don’t think about the risks they are taking with their wireless phones.

Lastly, if you’re a winning coach that gets the gatorade cooler poured on you after a victory, I would recommend buying the phone insurance or get those jackets with water proof pockets.

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