Accidental water damage is one of the biggest causes for repair or replacement with iPhones and coincidentally – or not – an issue that Apple specifically won’t cover under its warranty. Dropping the iPhone is one of the biggest culprits for water damage, specifically for men who often leave the phone in their top pocket and – in the midst of a standing release – lean forward a little too much only to see their precious toy fall.

Other potential hazards are beer spillage -or any kind of drink for that matter- and swimming pools, which believe it or not see many iPhone owners jumping into with their iPhone in the pockets of their trunks.

If your iPhone has been dropped in water, it may be possible to resuscitate it. The secret, which was originally and unintentionally tested on a Blackberry, and since on countless iPhones, lies in your kitchen – rice. Rice soaks up moisture and can – very often – help to dry out and recover damaged phones.

1. Do not switch it on. Switching your iPhone on while it’s water damaged as this can cause the phone to short circuit and will cause more problems, many of the irreversible.

2. Take the iPhone out of the case and remove the sim card.

3. Shake off any excess water if possible.

4. Place the iPhone under a hair dryer under a very low heat for about 20 minutes. While this won’t completely solve the problem it will help to eradicate some of the initial water. Ensure it is on a very low heat.

5. If possible remove the battery and dry this separately, placing it initially under the hairdryer.

6. Place the iPhone in a bag of rice.

7. Leave your phone in the bag for at least 72 hours and up to five days if it’s been in water longer than a few minutes.

8. Once enough time has passed, take the phone out of the rice and shake it a little. If water comes out, you will need to run through the process again, if not – fingers crossed – it’s time to see if it worked.

Another way to avoid the perils of water versus your iPhone is to invest in a mobile phone insurance contract. In the UK, there are a growing number of iPhone and mobile phone insurers, and even some who insure against water damage. Compareaholic currently lists four UK iPhone insurers, three of which provide cover against water damage, but if you’re not sure, ask the insurance company if this is within their policy.

So, if you have managed to drop your iPhone in water, put your hope in carbohydrates. Although there are no guarantees that this will work, considering the cost of a smart phone, the efforts is certainly worth it. Failing that, and particularly if you haven’t yet reached the rice stage, invest in a water-friendly insurance policy.

Full details of Apple’s iPhone warranty can be seen here: iPhone liquid damage