What to Do If Your TV Won’t Turn On After a Storm in St. Louis

If your TV won’t turn on after a storm, first unplug it and all related devices, check the wall outlet and surge protector, ensure all cables are firmly connected, let the set dry for at least 24 hours, then plug it back in and try again. If it still doesn’t power up, you may have internal damage that needs professional attention.

 

Assess the Power Source

 

Start by unplugging the TV from the wall. Examine the outlet for burn marks, loose connections, or moisture. If you use a surge protector or power strip, disconnect the TV and plug it directly into a known working outlet. Storms can overload circuits and damage surge protectors. If the TV powers on when directly plugged in, replace the surge protector.

 

Inspect All Cables and Connections

 

• Check the power cord for cuts or frays. A damaged cord won’t carry electricity properly.
• Ensure HDMI, component, or coaxial cables are fully seated in their ports. A loose cable can prevent your TV from recognizing a signal and appear as if it won’t turn on.
• Look for moisture around connection points. Water can short a circuit, so allow wet cables or connectors to dry completely before reconnecting.

 

Allow for Drying Time

 

Moisture is a common cause of post-storm electronics failure. Even a small amount of water inside the TV can prevent it from powering on. Follow these steps:

• Unplug the TV and move it to a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Let it sit upright—never lay it flat—so gravity helps any trapped water drip out.
• Wait at least 24 hours; in high-humidity conditions in St. Louis or Nashville, you may need 48 hours for complete drying.

 

Perform a Hard Reset

 

A hard reset can clear minor internal glitches:

• Unplug the TV from power.
• Press and hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 15–20 seconds to drain residual energy.
• Plug the TV back in and try to power it on using the TV’s power button first, then the remote.

 

Look for Visible Damage

 

Inspect the back panel and vents:

• Burn marks or melted plastic indicate serious electrical damage.
• Bent or broken pins in ports can stop signal flow.
• Odd smells like burnt electronics suggest a short circuit inside.

If you spot any of these signs, do not attempt to power on the TV again—it could make the damage worse or create a fire risk.

 

When to Call a Professional

 

If none of the above steps restores power, internal components like the power board, fuse, or main board may be damaged. TV repair involves high voltages even when unplugged, so it’s best to have a trained technician:

• Inspect and replace blown fuses or surge protectors inside the TV.
• Test internal circuitry with proper diagnostic tools.
• Ensure repairs meet safety standards to protect your home and family.

For residents near St. Louis or Nashville, Hoffman Brothers offers full-service residential and commercial electronic repair. Their technicians can safely restore your TV and advise on future surge protection to prevent storm damage.