What to Do If Your Guardzilla Camera Suffers Water Damage
Finding that your security camera has been damaged by water is a sinking feeling. Most Guardzilla cameras are designed exclusively for indoor use and lack the necessary seals to protect their sensitive electronics from moisture. A single exposure to heavy rain, a leak, or even extreme humidity can cause irreversible damage.
If your camera has been accidentally exposed to water, there are immediate steps you must take to have any chance of saving it. This guide will explain what to do, what not to do, and how to assess the damage.
Understanding the Risk: Why Water is a Problem
Water and electronics are a bad combination. When water gets inside a device like a camera, it can:
- Cause Short Circuits: Water conducts electricity, which can create unintended pathways on the circuit board, instantly frying components.
- Lead to Corrosion: Even after the water has evaporated, dissolved minerals can be left behind, causing metal contacts, ports, and solder joints to corrode and fail over time.
- Damage the Lens and Sensor: Moisture trapped inside the lens assembly can cause permanent fogging and degrade the image quality.
Important: Damage from water or other liquids is almost never covered under the standard manufacturer's warranty.
Immediate First Aid for a Wet Guardzilla Camera
If you act quickly, you might be able to mitigate some of the damage.
1. Disconnect All Power Immediately
This is the most critical step. The moment you realise the camera is wet, you must cut off all electricity to prevent short circuits.
- For Wired Cameras: Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet immediately.
- For Battery-Powered Models: If the model has a removable battery pack, take it out straight away.
Do NOT attempt to turn the camera on to 'see if it still works'. This is the fastest way to cause a fatal short circuit.
2. Dry the Exterior
Bring the camera inside and use a soft, absorbent cloth (like a microfibre towel) to gently pat the exterior dry. Pay attention to seams, ports, and any other openings where water could have entered.
3. Remove as Much Moisture as Possible
Now you need to address the water that has likely seeped inside the housing.
- The Best Method: Desiccants: The most effective way to dry electronics is to place them in an airtight container with a desiccant. Silica gel packets (the kind that come with shoes, electronics, and other products) are perfect for this. Place the camera and several silica gel packets in a sealed plastic bag or container.
- Leave it for an Extended Period: Let the camera sit in the container for at least 48 to 72 hours. This slow process gives the desiccant time to absorb the trapped moisture.
- What NOT to Use:
- Do not use a hairdryer, oven, or any other heat source. Excessive heat can warp plastic components and damage the delicate sensor and circuit boards.
- Avoid the 'rice trick'. While popular, putting electronics in rice is not very effective. It's less absorbent than silica gel and can introduce dust and starch into the camera's ports.
Assessing the Damage
After you have allowed the camera to dry completely for several days, you can attempt to power it on.
- If it works: You may have gotten lucky. However, be aware that corrosion can be a slow process. The camera might work for a few days or weeks before failing unexpectedly. It's wise to keep a close eye on it and consider purchasing a replacement.
- If it doesn't work: If the camera is completely dead or behaves erratically (e.g., blinking lights, distorted video), the internal components have most likely been permanently damaged. At this point, the device is likely beyond repair, and you will need to replace it.
To prevent this from happening again, always ensure that indoor-only cameras are placed in locations where they are protected from leaks, spills, and condensation.