What to do immediately after a spill
Turn the laptop off immediately if it is safe to do so. Disconnect the charger and accessories. Do not plug it back in or try to turn it on just to see whether it works. If the battery can be safely removed without disassembly, disconnect it. Do not open an internal battery enclosure unless you have the appropriate training.
Avoid hair dryers, heat guns and rice. Liquid can move inside the case and leave conductive residue even when the surface appears dry.
- Shut down; stop using the laptop
- Unplug charger and peripherals
- Do not repeatedly power it on
- Arrange an evaluation as soon as practical
What we evaluate after liquid exposure
Damage can affect a keyboard, trackpad, charging port, display connection, motherboard or storage. The type of liquid and how long the machine remained powered influence the extent of damage. We assess what inspection and cleaning are appropriate before recommending repairs.
Liquid damage can be progressive: a computer that initially works may fail later due to residue and corrosion. We cannot guarantee recovery, but we can explain what is repairable and when replacement makes more sense.
Protecting documents and photos
Tell us if the laptop contains important files before any repair work. Depending on model, storage design and the type of damage, data recovery or transfer may be possible.
Evaluation and repair options
Bring the equipment to The Computer Hospital at 3512 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002. We can discuss an initial evaluation, model-specific requirements, parts availability and the estimate before any paid repair. Some issues require additional diagnostic work; charges are explained in advance.
Request service or call (713) 472-4357.
Related laptop repair services
For overall laptop troubleshooting, charging problems or keyboard faults after a spill, visit our laptop repair page. If the display becomes dark, flickers or shows lines after exposure, our laptop screen repair service explains the possible causes. Do not power on a wet laptop to test either symptom.
General computer repair after a spill
For a broader explanation of our in-shop testing and repair process, see computer repair in Houston. For laptop-specific keyboard, charging and motherboard issues, our laptop repair page is the main service guide. Do not power on a wet computer just to test it.
Frequently asked questions
Answers about liquid damage repair at The Computer Hospital.
Where can I get a liquid-damaged laptop fixed in Houston?
The Computer Hospital at 3512 Travis St in Midtown Houston repairs laptops damaged by water, coffee, soda and other spills. We save about 75% of the liquid-spilled laptops brought to us. Call 713-4PC-HELP (713-472-4357).
How much does it usually cost to fix a water damaged laptop?
Liquid damage repair at The Computer Hospital is $199 for Windows laptops and MacBooks alike. If the repair is not successful, there is a $99 attempt charge, which is applied toward other services such as a board replacement or a data backup. Most liquid damage repairs take 24 to 48 hours.
Can laptops recover from water damage?
Yes, often. We save about 75% of the liquid-spilled laptops brought to us. The odds are best when the laptop was turned off and unplugged right away and brought in quickly. Sugary, acidic or salty drinks and a laptop left powered on after the spill lower the chances.
Is a computer ruined if it gets wet?
Not necessarily. Liquid alone rarely destroys a computer. The damage comes from electricity running through a wet board and from residue that corrodes it over the following days. A laptop that is shut off quickly and cleaned properly can usually be saved, and even when it can't, the files on the drive often can be.
What is liquid damage in a laptop?
Liquid damage is harm caused when water, coffee, soda or another drink gets inside a laptop. It can short circuits on the motherboard, leave conductive residue, and start corrosion that keeps spreading after the laptop looks dry. Keyboards, trackpads, charging circuits and screens are often affected. Problems can show up right away or days later.
How to fix a laptop with liquid damage?
Start by stopping the damage, then have it cleaned:
- Turn it off and unplug it right away. Don't turn it back on to check it.
- Tip out what liquid you can, and skip the rice and hair dryer.
- Bring it in. We open the laptop, clean the board to remove residue and corrosion, then test and replace any damaged parts.
Liquid damage repair is $199 and usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
How long does it take for a water damaged laptop to dry?
Left alone, a wet laptop can take 2 to 3 days or longer to dry inside, because liquid trapped under chips and keyboard layers evaporates slowly. Drying alone doesn't fix it, though. The residue left behind keeps corroding the board, especially after sugary or acidic drinks. Don't wait for it to dry or turn it back on to check it. Bring it in so it can be opened, cleaned and dried properly. Our liquid damage repair usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
What should I do right after spilling on my laptop?
Turn it off and unplug it immediately, and do not turn it back on to check it. Tip out what liquid you can and bring it in as soon as possible. Power running through a wet board is what causes most permanent damage.
Does putting a laptop in rice work?
No. Rice does not pull liquid out from under chips, and sugary or acidic drinks leave residue that keeps corroding the board after it dries. A laptop needs to be opened, cleaned and inspected.
Should I try charging it after it dries?
No. A dry-looking laptop may still have residue or corrosion inside.
Can I use a hair dryer?
No. Heat and airflow can worsen the problem or damage components.
Can you save my files from a laptop with liquid damage?
Often, yes. Even when the laptop itself cannot be repaired, the data on the drive can frequently be recovered.
Will insurance or a warranty cover spills?
Coverage depends on your policy and device terms; contact your provider.