What to Do if Your August Smart Lock has Water Damage
August smart locks are a fantastic addition to any smart home, offering convenience and enhanced security. However, like most electronic devices, they are vulnerable to water. Whether it's from a leak, a flood, or accidental exposure, water damage can cause your lock to malfunction or fail completely, potentially leaving your home unsecured.
If your August lock has been exposed to water, it's crucial to act quickly and correctly to maximise the chances of saving it. This guide will provide immediate steps to take, help you assess the extent of the damage, and outline your options for repair or replacement.
Immediate Signs of Water Damage
The signs of water damage can be immediate or may take a few hours to appear as corrosion begins to set in.
- The lock is completely unresponsive: It does not make any sound or movement when you try to operate it manually or via the app.
- Erratic behaviour: The lock operates on its own, makes unusual noises (like grinding or clicking), or the LED light is stuck on or flashing incorrectly.
- Visible moisture: You can see water droplets or condensation inside the battery compartment or on the device's exterior.
- Signs of corrosion: You may see green or white crusty residue forming on the battery contacts or other metal components.
- The device feels warm: A short circuit caused by water can generate heat, which is a serious warning sign.
Your Immediate Action Plan: Step-by-Step
If you suspect your August lock has been exposed to water, follow these steps immediately. Do not attempt to operate the lock.
1. Cut the Power Source Instantly
This is the single most important step. Water itself doesn't destroy electronics; the short circuits that happen when electricity flows through wet components do.
- Remove the Batteries: Immediately open the battery cover on your August lock and remove all the batteries.
- Dry the Compartment: Use a dry, absorbent cloth to carefully pat dry the inside of the battery compartment and the batteries themselves (if they are not leaking).
2. Dry the Exterior
- Unmount the Lock (If Possible): If you are able, carefully unmount the entire August lock unit from the interior of your door. This will allow it to dry more effectively.
- Wipe Everything Down: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the entire exterior of the lock. Pay close attention to seams and crevices where water might seep in.
3. Let It Dry Completely
Patience is key. Even if the lock looks dry on the outside, moisture can remain trapped inside, causing long-term corrosion.
- Find a Dry Spot: Place the lock (with the battery cover off) in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Use a Desiccant (Optional but Recommended): Place the lock in an airtight container or a sealed bag filled with packets of silica gel (the small packets that come with shoes or electronics). Uncooked rice can also work as a desiccant, but silica gel is more effective.
- Wait: Let the lock dry for a minimum of 48-72 hours. Do not be tempted to apply heat from a hairdryer or radiator, as excessive heat can damage the plastic components and warp the internal circuitry.
4. Assess and Test
After the drying period is over, you can attempt to see if the lock is salvageable.
- Inspect for Corrosion: Before inserting batteries, look closely at the battery contacts. If you see any green or white buildup, the contacts have corroded. You can try to clean this off gently with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Insert Fresh Batteries: Do not use the old batteries. Insert a brand new set of batteries.
- Test Functionality: Listen for the lock to boot up. Attempt to operate it manually. If that works, try to connect to it via the August app and test its smart functions.
If the lock works, you may have saved it. However, be aware that corrosion can be a slow process, and the lock may still fail weeks or months later. If the lock does not power on or behaves erratically, the internal components have been permanently damaged, and the unit will need to be replaced.