SimpliSafe and Water Damage: A Guide on What to Do Next
Discovering that one of your SimpliSafe devices—be it an entry sensor, motion sensor, or outdoor camera—has been exposed to water can be very worrying. Water and electronics are a dangerous combination, and quick action is essential to assess the situation and protect the rest of your security system.
This guide will provide clear, safe instructions on what to do if you suspect a SimpliSafe component has suffered water damage from a leak, a spill, or heavy rain.
Important Safety Warning: Your safety is the priority. Never handle electronic devices that are wet and still connected to a power source. If a powered device like a camera or base station is wet, switch off the power at the circuit breaker before touching it.
Step 1: Immediately Disconnect All Power
The instant electricity and water mix, short circuits occur, which can permanently destroy the delicate internal components of your device. Your first and most critical action is to remove all sources of power.
- For Battery-Powered Devices (e.g., Entry Sensors, Motion Sensors): Immediately open the device and remove the batteries.
- For Powered Devices (e.g., SimpliCam, Outdoor Camera, Base Station): Unplug the device from the wall outlet or its power source immediately. If the outdoor camera is hardwired, you may need to turn off the corresponding circuit breaker.
Do not be tempted to turn the device on to see if it still works. This is one of the worst things you can do.
Step 2: Dry the Exterior and Assess the Damage
Once the device is completely disconnected from power, you can begin the drying process.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away all visible moisture from the outside of the device's casing.
- If possible, open the battery compartment and dry any moisture inside.
- Carefully inspect the device for any signs that water has gotten inside. Look for moisture behind the lens of a camera or condensation within the casing.
- Check the battery contacts for any early signs of corrosion, which can look like white or greenish residue.
Step 3: The Reality of Water Damage
It is important to have realistic expectations. For a complex electronic device like a security sensor or camera, once water has penetrated the internal circuitry, it is highly unlikely that it can be saved.
- The Rice Myth: Placing a wet electronic device in a bag of uncooked rice is a popular but largely ineffective method. While rice can absorb some moisture, it is not effective at drawing out the water trapped deep inside components, and it leaves behind dust and starch that can cause other problems.
- Corrosion is the Real Enemy: Even if the device dries out and seems to work temporarily, the minerals left behind from the water will begin to corrode the delicate solder joints and circuit pathways. This corrosion can lead to erratic behaviour, false alarms, or complete failure days or weeks later. A malfunctioning sensor can compromise your entire security system.
Step 4: Your Safest Course of Action
Given the unreliability and potential for future failure of a water-damaged device, the safest and most recommended action is to replace it.
- Dispose of the Damaged Device: It is important to dispose of the water-damaged device responsibly. Electronic waste should not be thrown in the regular rubbish. Check with your local council for e-waste recycling options.
- Contact SimpliSafe Support: While accidental damage is not typically covered by a standard warranty, it is still worth contacting SimpliSafe's customer support. Explain the situation clearly. They can provide you with the exact replacement model you need and may, in some circumstances, have other options available.
- Order a Replacement: Purchase a new device to ensure your home's security is not compromised. A new device comes with a full warranty and the peace of mind that it will function correctly.
Trying to salvage a water-damaged security component is a risk that is not worth taking when the safety of your home is at stake.