No power & unstable power
Devices that will not start, switch off unexpectedly or show intermittent charging behaviour.
Motherboards & liquid damage
Motherboard & liquid-damage assessment.
For phones, tablets, laptops and computers with complex power faults, liquid exposure or suspected board-level damage. We start with the symptoms and explain what an assessment can establish.
Ilford · East London · Essex · Collection, drop-off or call-outs by arrangement where available.
Investigate the fault before replacing parts.
Liquid exposure
Assessment after spills or moisture exposure, including symptoms that appear later.
Suspected board faults
Component-level repair enquiries where standard parts replacement may not address the problem.
When to stop
Before you test it again.
If a device is unusually hot, swollen, smoking or sparking, stop using or charging it. Do not handle it if unsafe. For liquid exposure, disconnect charging and switch off only if it is safe; do not keep trying to power it on.
Motherboard & liquid-damage Q&A.
Understand the assessment process and what we need to know.
Does no power always mean a motherboard fault?
No. The symptom alone does not identify the failed component. Power supply, battery, connectors, display behaviour and board faults may need to be distinguished before a repair is proposed.
What is the difference between a parts replacement and board repair?
A parts replacement changes an identified assembly, such as a display or battery. Board-level assessment investigates faults on the device’s main circuit board. Whether component-level work is suitable depends on the model, damage and test findings.
My device keeps restarting. Is this a board problem?
Repeated restarts can have more than one cause. Tell us when they happen, whether it reaches the home screen or desktop, and any preceding update, damage or repair. A restart loop is a symptom, not proof that the board has failed.
It still works after getting wet. Does it need checking?
Working now does not prove there is no internal damage. Explain the exposure and any new symptoms, and avoid charging or repeatedly testing a wet device. An assessment can help discuss its condition and options.
Should I use rice or a hairdryer after liquid damage?
No. Do not apply heat, compressed air or put objects into a charging connector. Switch off and disconnect charging if safe, and ask for advice. Read the liquid-damage guide.
Can you save the data from a dead device?
We can discuss assessment, but access and recovery cannot be promised. Tell us which data matters and whether backups exist before agreeing any work. Do not reset, restore or replace parts simply to experiment if preserving data is the priority.
What does diagnosis cost?
Water-damage and complex motherboard diagnostics cost £40 for the first hour, agreed before work begins. Any further diagnostic time is quoted and agreed before proceeding. Diagnostic fees apply even if the device cannot be repaired. See the service terms.
Can you guarantee the repair or give a price immediately?
No outcome can be promised from symptoms or photos alone. Inspection may reveal more than one fault. We discuss test findings, available options and proposed charges before further work; repair viability depends on the device and damage.
Repair pictures
See repair pictures on Instagram.
Visit @localtechman to see the repair pictures shared on our Instagram account. If a particular post relates to your problem, include its link when you enquire.
View @localtechman on Instagram ↗Every device and fault is different. A picture from another repair does not confirm the diagnosis, price or outcome for your device.
Assessment & pricing
Clear advice before you agree to work.
No fix, no fee on repairs. Water-damage and complex motherboard diagnostics cost £40 for the first hour, agreed before work begins. If more diagnostic time is needed, any additional charge depends on the issue and will be quoted and agreed before proceeding. Diagnostic fees apply even if the device cannot be repaired.
Parts, repair options and availability depend on the model and inspection. We discuss the proposed work before you decide.
Service terms & warranty →Related guides & services.
Tell us what the device is doing.
Send the make and model, symptoms, when the problem started, any impact or liquid exposure, what you have already tried and your area. Mention whether important files are backed up. Do not send passwords, unlock codes or private documents.
Serving East London & Essex. Contact us to confirm availability in your area.