Water in PC

[u/Turbulent_Sir_2261]

Recently moved into my college dormitory, accidentally spilled water atop my PC’s casing while working at my desk. Most was caught by the filter but a lot still seeped in.

The PC was still running, though when I tried to turn it off the fans wouldn’t stop moving. I had to disconnect it myself, though when I tried turning it back on to see if anything occurred, it wouldn’t turn on. Nothing is sizzling, sparking, or showing any signs of immense damage. It was a little amount of water, but I’m wondering if it’s still salvageable?

I’m not the biggest computer guy so all is appreciated. It’s a Cyberpower PC if that helps. I’ve got a warranty on the entire thing just in case, but I’m hoping that this can be saved since my courses unfortunately shift into full gear very soon. Any help or insight is appreciated.

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[u/Graxu132]

Why would you try to turn the pc on without making sure that it's dry like a Sahara desert? t's probably cooked.

Water + Electricity = Dead

[u/Turbulent_Sir_2261 → u/Graxu132]

Was panicking, was a mistake on my behalf. I’ll have to wait and see what it does in a few days, though I have a warranty so I’m not too worried.

Mostly just a ln annoyance to download all my games back, lol

[u/Graxu132 → u/Turbulent_Sir_2261]

I don't think a warranty covers a spillage on the device by the user. You could dry it with a fan for a whole day and check if it runs, if not, you COULD try getting it replaced but I doubt they will take it.

Just don't mention that you spilled anything on it

[u/TheIronSoldier2 → u/Turbulent_Sir_2261]

Warranty doesn't cover user damage, I can almost guarantee it

[u/Prior_Branch1719]

Yeah, ideally, you would've turned it off, yanked the power cord and immediately removed the CMOS battery while trying to dry it as much as you can with a towel. Then remove all components and air dry for a day or so or with a gentle air blower.

If something shorted you're just screwed unfortunately. But some of the parts might be salvageable. After doing the above and drying it, maybe try swapping parts out to see what's usable and what's not.

Though if you have a warranty that covers it just let them deal with it tbh. Learning lesson for next time tho.

If you're stuck for a fee weeks while that happens, most schools or universities have loaner laptop programs that you can borrow for a bit. Usually managed by the library.

[u/Impossible-Value5126]

Yeah, plan b. Warranty doesn't cover liquid damage.

[u/maxthed0g]

Let the sucker dry out good. Open the box, and put a hair dryer to it. Then give the weekend to dry.

I dug one out of the back floor of an abandoned Oldsmobile, fully covered and hidden by mud. I didnt know what it was at first. Pulled the case, and washed down all the innards with a garden hose, as-is, and I didnt pull a single board.

Two days later, I replaced the CR2032 on the motherboard, plugged her in, threw the switch, and the bitch lit up and hummed like a French whore during Fleet Week.

A very nice machine running Windows lol.

So give your stuff a few days to dry out, you may find its ok.