What Happens When Liquid Gets Inside
Understanding the damage helps explain why speed matters—and why professional repair is essential.
Collection: Liquid Damage Repair San Diego
Service: Liquid Damage Repair (Water/Coffee Spills) in San Diego, California
Provider: DC Computers — local computer repair specialists since 2010
Cost: Starting at $129 for cleanup & diagnosis
Devices: MacBooks, laptops, PCs — most brands
Contact: (619) 255-4333 | info@dccomputerwarehouse.com
Liquid Damage? Water Damage?
DC Computers can help🔌
Spilled water, coffee, or wine on your MacBook or laptop? Don't turn it on. DC Computers provides professional liquid damage repair with component-level diagnostics. The faster you act, the better the outcome.
Mon–Fri 9:30am–6:30pm, Sat 12–4pm · Hillcrest, San Diego
Just Spilled Something? Do This Now:
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1
Power off immediatelyHold the power button for 10+ seconds. Don't wait for normal shutdown.
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2
Unplug everythingDisconnect power cable, USB devices, and any peripherals.
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3
Don't charge itElectricity accelerates corrosion. Keep it unplugged.
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4
Skip the riceRice doesn't prevent corrosion and can introduce debris.
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5
Bring it to usEvery hour matters. Call (619) 255-4333
Types of Liquid Damage We Repair
Different liquids cause different damage patterns. All require professional attention, but some are more urgent than others.
Coffee, Tea, Milk
Sugar and proteins accelerate corrosion dramatically. These spills cause damage faster than water and leave sticky residue.
Wine, Beer, Soda
Among the most damaging. Alcohol and sugar create aggressive corrosion. Require immediate professional cleaning.
Water
Causes less immediate corrosion than sugary drinks, but minerals in tap water still damage components. Don't assume it's "just water."
Salt Water, Pool Water
Extremely corrosive. Salt and chlorine attack metal aggressively. Requires specialized cleaning as soon as possible.
Sugary Drinks
Energy drinks, juice, smoothies—anything with sugar becomes sticky and corrosive as it dries.
Other Liquids
Cleaning products, pet accidents, humidity damage—any liquid exposure needs professional assessment.
All liquid spills benefit from quick action. The liquid type affects how fast damage spreads, but all require professional attention.
Devices We Repair
DC Computers repairs liquid damage on most computers. MacBooks are particularly vulnerable due to their thin design, but we work on most brands.
MacBook
- MacBook Air (all generations)
- MacBook Pro (including M1/M2/M3/M4)
- Logic board cleaning & repair
- Keyboard & trackpad replacement
- Battery assessment & replacement
- Data recovery from damaged Macs
Windows Laptops & PCs
- Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.
- Motherboard cleaning & repair
- Keyboard replacement
- Power circuitry repair
- Component replacement
- Data recovery assistance
How We Repair Liquid Damage
Professional liquid damage repair requires specialized equipment and expertise. Here's our process:
- Intake & DisassemblyWe disassemble your computer to stop liquid from spreading. Rush service available for urgent cases.
- Ultrasonic CleaningThe logic board is cleaned in a professional ultrasonic bath to remove all traces of liquid and corrosion.
- Microscope InspectionWe inspect every component under magnification to identify all damaged parts and corrosion patterns.
- Assessment & RepairWe identify damaged parts and repair or replace what's needed to restore function.
- Testing & ReturnFull system testing ensures everything works before we return your repaired computer.
Components We Can Repair or Replace
We have parts in stock for most PC and Mac repairs. When liquid damage affects internal components, here's what we commonly repair or replace:
Internal Components
- Logic board / Motherboard
- Hard drive & cables
- RAM modules
- Battery (often damaged by liquid)
- Fan(s) & cooling system
- MagSafe / Power board
External Components
- Keyboard & backlight
- Trackpad & cable
- LCD / Display panel
- Top case / palm rest
- USB / I/O boards
- Speakers & power connectors
Data Recovery from Liquid-Damaged Computers
For most people, data is the priority. The good news: we have a very high success rate recovering files from liquid-damaged computers.
Even when a computer can't be fully repaired, we can usually recover data from the storage drive. In most cases, SSDs and hard drives survive liquid spills because they're sealed or located away from common spill entry points.
We discuss recovery options and quote repair costs after our initial assessment. If recovery isn't possible through standard methods, we can recommend specialized data recovery services.
Why Choose DC Computers
We've repaired thousands of liquid-damaged computers since 2010. Here's what sets us apart:
- Component-level repairWe repair boards instead of replacing them. This typically saves hundreds of dollars.
- Professional ultrasonic cleaningNot alcohol and a toothbrush. Our equipment removes corrosion from under components.
- Honest assessmentWe tell you real recovery odds. If it's not repairable, we'll help with data recovery options.
- Local & in-personNo mail-in wait times. Walk into our Hillcrest location for same-day assessment.
- Better than Apple pricingApple quotes full board replacement. We repair what's actually broken.
Liquid Damage Repair Near You in San Diego
DC Computers serves all San Diego neighborhoods. For liquid damage, timing matters—the sooner you can get here, the better.
Spilled something? The sooner you bring it in, the better. Call (619) 255-4333.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a MacBook with liquid damage be repaired?
Yes. Most liquid-damaged MacBooks can be repaired with proper cleaning and component-level work. Success depends on the type of liquid, how quickly you act, and the extent of corrosion. We repair MacBooks that Apple deems "beyond repair" regularly.
How much does it cost to repair liquid damage on a MacBook?
Our liquid spill cleanup service starts at $129. This includes full disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and damage assessment.
Additional repairs (logic board, keyboard, etc.) typically range from $175–$450 depending on what's damaged—usually far less than Apple's $750–$1,500 board replacement quotes.
How long does liquid damage repair take?
Most liquid damage repairs take 2–5 business days. Simple cleanups with no component damage may be faster. Complex board repairs or cases requiring parts can take longer. We prioritize liquid damage cases because timing matters.
Is water damage to a Mac screen permanent?
Not necessarily. If liquid reached the display panel, it may cause spots, lines, or discoloration. Some screen damage is permanent, but in many cases the display survives if the liquid is cleaned quickly. We assess screen damage as part of our diagnosis.
Is a MacBook ruined if it gets wet?
No. A wet MacBook is not automatically ruined. The key is acting quickly: power it off immediately, don't charge it, and get professional cleaning before corrosion spreads. We've successfully repaired MacBooks that were submerged, dropped in pools, and drenched in coffee.
Should I put my wet laptop in rice?
No. Rice does not prevent corrosion and can introduce starch and dust into your computer. The rice method is a myth. The only effective treatment is professional disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning to remove all liquid before corrosion sets in.
My computer still works after the spill. Am I okay?
Not necessarily. Corrosion is invisible and progressive. Your computer may work fine for days or weeks, then suddenly fail as corroded circuits break down. Professional cleaning removes hidden liquid before this happens.
Can you recover data from a liquid-damaged computer?
Yes, we have a very high success rate recovering data from liquid-damaged computers. Even if the computer can't be repaired, we can usually recover files from the storage drive. Data recovery is always a priority.
Is liquid damage repairable?
In most cases, yes. Liquid damage is repairable when caught early and treated properly. The key factors are: how quickly you power off and bring it in, what type of liquid was spilled, and the extent of corrosion. We give honest odds after our assessment.
Where is DC Computers located?
We're at 1070 University Ave Ste J101, San Diego, CA 92103 in Hillcrest. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30am–6:30pm, Sat 12pm–4pm. Get directions →