
How To Protect Your Data From Sudden Drive Failure
18 September 2025Few things are as panic-inducing as accidentally spilling a drink over your laptop. In some cases, the device immediately shuts down; in others, it continues to run, giving the false impression that nothing serious has happened—until it later refuses to power on. Sometimes spills occur while the laptop is turned off, such as when a bottle leaks inside your bag, and you might not even notice the problem until hours later.
Any form of liquid exposure can cause significant damage to a laptop. Even a small amount of moisture seeping through the keyboard and reaching the motherboard while the device is plugged in can be enough to cause a short circuit. Thankfully, there are a few quick actions you can take to reduce the risk or limit the extent of the damage.
Immediate steps to take after a spill:
- Power down the laptop immediately to prevent short circuits.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb any visible moisture on the exterior.
- Open the lid and position the laptop upside down to help internal components dry faster.
- Bring the device to Computer Renovation for professional water damage assessment and repair.
When you bring your laptop to us, our technicians will carefully disassemble it and ensure that every component is completely dry. We’ll clean any corroded connectors and test each part to determine whether it’s still functioning properly. This process gives your laptop the best chance of avoiding permanent damage. If any hardware has been compromised, we’ll provide a fixed-price estimate before proceeding with repairs or replacements.
In many cases, the keyboard or trackpad may need replacing after a spill. It’s less common for the motherboard, screen, or storage drive to be affected, though the severity of damage depends on factors such as the type of liquid and how quickly the issue is addressed.
Once you approve the repair quote, we’ll let you know the estimated completion time and update you when your laptop is ready for collection. Our goal is always to deliver efficient, affordable, and high-quality repair services.

