How to Avoid Damage to Drums if they Get Wet

Can drums get wet? And what should you do if they do?

Drummers may find themselves in situations where their drums get wet. We describe how to minimize damage.

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Many drummers will find themselves in situations if they’re playing outside in bad weather, carrying their drums outside, or suffer a dreaded drink spillage, in which the drums get wet.

Is this a problem, and what should you do if this happens to you?

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Can drums get wet?

A small amount of water on the top of a drum head, or on the shell is not too much cause for concern: dry it as soon as you can with a clean and lint-free cloth.

However even with small amounts of water it’s best to take steps to avoid damaging the drum.

Water can get into spaces that are difficult to dry quickly, such as around the hoops, which could go unnoticed and cause damage.

Large amounts of water coming into contact with a drum should definitely be treated as soon as possible.

Here are some of the possible problems water can cause to drums:

1. Warping the shell which distorts the sound and makes it difficult to fit hoops and heads

2. Cracking the drum shell in extreme cases

3. Rusting metal components such as the hoops and lugs, or even metal snare drum shells

4. Delaminating the drum shell - the wooden plies become separated, or the drum’s finish can erode, affecting the tone and look of the drum

5. Slackening the tension of the drums and damaging responsiveness and sound quality

6. Mould and mildew can build up, affecting the tone of the drum, the look and even drummers’ health

One way to minimise the potential for this damage is to invest in good drum cases such as Protection Racket, found here.

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Can wet drums be fixed?

Luckily in many cases water does not need to damage drums in these severe ways if treated properly and quickly.

If the drums are only slightly damp and you notice it early, you can dry them thoroughly and quickly to minimize potential harm.

Here's what you can do:

Five steps to avoid damage if drums get wet

1. Disassemble and dry the drum

Take apart the drum, removing the drumheads, hoops and hardware.

Use a soft cloth or towel to gently dry the surfaces.

It’s best to avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage drums.

2. Air-dry the drum parts

Place the drum components in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to help speed up the drying process.

Make sure they are completely dry before reassembling.

3. Inspect the drum for damage

After drying, carefully inspect the drum and its components for any signs of warping, cracks, or other damage.

If you notice any issues it’s best to ask a professional drum repairer for advice.

4. Replace damaged parts

If specific parts are damaged beyond repair, they might need to be replaced.

Drumheads and certain hardware pieces are more easily replaceable than structural components.

See our guide for fitting a new drum head, which also covers replacing an old head.

We recommend Remo drum heads, found here.

5. Prevent future exposure to water

To avoid water damage in the future, store your drums in a dry environment, away from any potential sources of water or moisture.

Sometimes a bit of water exposure is unavoidable if you’re playing outside or carrying your drums to and from gigs and rehearsals.

We recommend carrying a towel or cloth with your gear and investing in good cases such as Protection Racket to keep your drums dry.

I have always used Protection Racket cases because they’re light but keep your drums safe and dry with their fleece lining and durable exterior.

At the tine of writing my cases have lasted over 20 years.

The bag below also features straps for carrying a snare drum on your back.

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What should I do if my drums are badly water damaged?

If the drums have suffered significant water damage or structural issues, it's best to get advice from a professional drum repair specialist.

They can properly assess the extent of the damage and suggest the most suitable course of action to salvage or repair the drums.

Often, even badly damaged drums can be repaired or restored by an expert.

Sadly, in some cases, badly damaged drums might need to be replaced.

It’s worth checking whether individual components such as hoops or lugs can be replaced before investing in a brand new drum altogether.

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