Can You Fix a Water Damaged Computer?
A water damaged computer can often be repaired. Here's what you should do if you spill water or other liquid on your computer.
Whether you’re a self-appointed klutz or as graceful as a dancer, we’ve all had that “Oh, no!” moment when juggling a liquid near a precious device. As if in slow motion, we’ve watched the water drip, splash, or (worst of all) pour onto a computer. In a matter of seconds, panic sets in and crisis-mode takes over.
But if you don’t know what to do in this situation, your flailing attempts to solve the problem can make things even worse. What issues should you look out for with a water-damaged computer, and what steps should you take to fix one? When do you call an expert for backup, and what happens if your device can’t be saved?
Fight back your panic, grab a couple of towels and read on: we’re taking a quick look at why water damage matters, and what you should do if it happens.
What Happens When You Spill Water on a Computer?
Water damage is all about one thing: corrosion. When you spill something on your device, the wired connections—made of copper—can begin to wear down.
Here’s the tricky part: corrosion doesn’t happen on a specific schedule. You may notice, after spilling water, that your computer shorts out right away. Alternatively, you may notice a buildup of errors that occur over time. The computer may work as normal for a day or more before short-circuiting out of the blue, and for no apparent reason.
This is why it’s so important to take steps to prevent water damage right away, whether or not you’ve noticed any obvious signs of corrosion. Keeping your laptop or tower safe, then, will mean acting fast.
Of course, if you own a computer tower, you may be in luck: spilling water on a keyboard may only harm the keyboard itself, though you’ll want to remove the device itself. In addition, spills on the top of the tower won’t often penetrate your sensitive electronics, thanks to the plastic console. As a result, it’s difficult—though not impossible—to get moisture into the tower itself.
Three Steps to Save a Water-Damaged Computer
To save your computer from possible damage, you’ll need to take a few quick steps. Here’s what you should do right off the bat.
1. Turn Off and Unplug the Computer
Before you start searching “computer water damage repair near me,” act fast: you’ll want to turn off the computer as soon as you can. This lessens the chances that your computer’s circuits will be damaged, and it can also prevent electronic shorts.
Whether you’ve spilled water on a computer tower or a laptop, be sure to remove the charging cable or power cord for safety as well. In addition, unplug any accessories, like a computer mouse or keyboard, to make sure these devices are out of harm’s way.
2. Remove as Much Water as You Can
If possible, turn your computer upside down to remove water from the affected area. This is easier, of course, if your computer is a laptop. Let the water drip away, and leave your device off as you prop it up upside-down in order to let any remaining water drain out of it.
You may also want to grab a towel to pat your device dry where you can. Pay special attention to small cracks and crevices where moisture can penetrate.
If you’ve spilled water onto a PC keyboard, you’ll want to follow the same basic steps. If you’ve gotten water into your tower, carefully invert it so that the water can drain away.
3. Allow the Computer to Air-Dry
Let your computer dry out for at least 24 hours. If you feel comfortable opening your device, it may be helpful to remove any plastic casing to allow more air to get in. You should also disconnect and remove the components within your computer, including your motherboard and hard drive.
Note: if you do this, make sure to take pictures or videos with your phone so you know how to piece it all back together later!
When your water-damaged computer seems beyond repair, trust us to provide quick service to preserve your device.
When Should You Call a Computer Repair Expert?
So, you’ve followed the steps above, you’ve waited a day or more, and you’ve finally put the pieces back together. But how do you know when to call in an expert?
There are several situations where professional help may be the right choice.
If you have a device that won’t allow you to open it for air-drying purposes, such as a Mac, you may want an expert to take it apart for you before you turn it back on. In addition, if you’ve put your computer through the steps above and find that it won’t power on, a technician can help.
In addition, if you simply want to make sure your water-damaged laptop is in the best possible hands, it’s hard to deny the benefits of working with an experienced pro!
You should also reach out to an expert if you’ve noticed any signs of corrosion when removing the component parts of your computer.
Of course, that brings us back to one last key reason: corrosion itself. Because corrosion can set in anytime after your computer comes into contact with moisture, it’s a good idea to let a pro take a look. The last thing you want to do is power your device back on and use it like normal, without realizing that you’re allowing hidden moisture to cause more short-circuiting damage.
Can You Save a Water-Damaged Computer That Won’t Power On?
One of the most common questions we hear is “Is laptop water damage repairable?” The answer to this question is...it depends!
Spills in certain areas can be easier to fix than others, and certain types of computers weather a little water damage better than others.
That said, even if it proves impossible to bring your computer back to life, we can almost always get the data from water-damaged laptops. This means that you won’t lose all of your valuable files. You will, however, have to move them to a new device—but make sure to grab a waterproof keyboard for future spill prevention!
Trust Us to Handle Your Water-Damaged Computer
When your water-damaged computer seems beyond repair, trust us to provide quick service to preserve your device. With over 50 years of computer repair experience, our trained experts can help you reduce the risk of damage and corrosion, whether you’re experiencing coffee damage or water spills! Feel free to contact us with questions, or book an appointment today to learn how we can help.
