What Happens When a MacBook Gets Wet
When liquid gets inside a MacBook, it can cause severe damage to the computer’s internal components. Water and other liquids are conductive, meaning they can carry an electrical current. If water comes into contact with the MacBook’s electronic circuits or components, it can short circuit and fry these sensitive parts (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252523900).
Even after drying out a water-damaged MacBook, corrosion can begin to develop on electronic components like the logic board and connectors over time. This corrosion can eventually lead to short circuits, functionality issues, and complete component failure. The longer a MacBook remains wet on the inside after water damage, the more corrosion is likely to occur (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254692750). So it’s important to act quickly when drying out and repairing a water-damaged MacBook in order to prevent long-term corrosion damage.
Checking for Water Damage
If your MacBook has gotten wet, the first step is to check for any visible signs of water damage. Carefully examine the exterior and interior of the computer for moisture or liquid. Pay special attention to openings like the ports, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, and ventilation areas, as water can easily enter through these spots.
Next, turn on your MacBook and observe it closely as it boots up. Look for any unusual behaviors that may indicate water damage, like a glitchy display, scrambled or distorted graphics, speakers making crackling noises, keys not working properly, trackpad issues, or the MacBook not powering on at all. Even if it seems to boot normally, water damage can cause problems down the line as corrosion sets in over time.
According to experts, water damage happens very quickly after water enters a device (see source). So it’s important to act fast when checking for any signs of liquid exposure and damage.
Drying Out Your MacBook
If your MacBook has gotten wet, it’s important to dry it out as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. Here are some steps you should take:
First, remove the battery and disconnect the power adapter immediately. This will prevent electrical shorts that could fry the components while they are still wet. Carefully follow the instructions for your specific MacBook model to remove the battery – this usually involves removing the bottom case and unplugging a cable.
Next, wipe away any excess moisture on the outside of the laptop with a soft, absorbent cloth. Do not rub the surface, just gently pat it dry. Make sure to remove any moisture from crevices and ports.
After wiping away exterior moisture, place the laptop upside down on a flat surface and allow it to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Leaving it powered off and with the battery removed during this time is crucial, as you do not want to risk turning it on while there is still moisture inside.Spilled water on your laptop? Here’s how to fix it Do not attempt to dry the interior with towels, rice, or a hair dryer, as this could push moisture further inside.
Once fully dried, you can reinstall the battery and attempt to power it on. If it does not turn on or is exhibiting odd behavior, it’s best to take it in for professional repair.
When to Take It to a Professional
If you spilled a significant amount of liquid or fully submerged your MacBook in water, it’s best to take it to a professional repair shop immediately. According to Emergency Repairs Steps to Restore Water-Damaged Electronics, you should seek professional assistance right away if electronics have been fully submerged, as this amount of water exposure can quickly cause corrosion and permanent damage.
You’ll also want to take your MacBook to a repair professional if you notice any visible signs of water damage or corrosion. This may include mineral deposits from the water, clouding or discoloration on the screen, or corrosion around ports and openings. As Repairing Electronics: Water Damage Dos & Don’ts notes, corrosion can rapidly spread and destroy components, so prompt professional help is recommended.
Finally, if your MacBook won’t power back on after you’ve given it sufficient time to dry out, it likely has internal water damage and needs professional repair. Leaving electronics wet on the inside can cause short circuits, so you shouldn’t keep trying to power on a water-damaged device. Instead, take it to a repair shop right away to assess and fix any internal water damage.
What a Repair Shop Will Do
If the water damage is extensive, you may need to take your MacBook to a professional repair shop. The repair technicians will open up the laptop and thoroughly clean any corrosion inside. According to Computer Repair LTD, they will likely replace damaged parts like the logic board that may have been shorted out.
The repair shop will completely disassemble the laptop down to the bare components and use specialized drying equipment and techniques to thoroughly dry out each part. This helps prevent any remaining moisture from causing issues down the line. They may rinse components with isopropyl alcohol to clean away contaminants left behind after the water dries. Every trace of moisture needs to be removed to get your MacBook working again.
Cost of Repairs
The cost to repair a water damaged MacBook can vary significantly depending on the extent of the damage and which parts need to be replaced.
Logic board and keyboard repairs often range from $300 to over $700 due to their complexity and the precise disassembly required. According to one source, replacing a MacBook keyboard alone can cost between $50 to $200 depending on the model [1]. The logic board contains critical components like the CPU and GPU, so damage here often necessitates expensive repairs or full device replacement.
Less invasive water damage like external corrosion or minor component failure may cost on the lower end, around $100-300. However, costs add up quickly if multiple parts need attention.
In general, expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for any liquid-related MacBook repair. The final cost depends on factors like where you go, which model you have, and how much of the laptop was affected.
Data Recovery
Water damage can make data recovery difficult. Liquids can cause corrosion on the hard drive’s internal components, making it challenging for the drive to spin up and read data. The longer the MacBook is exposed to moisture, the more damage is likely to occur.
If important files were stored locally on the MacBook’s hard drive or SSD, a data recovery service may be needed to attempt retrieving the data. This comes at an additional cost. According to Best Buy’s Geek Squad, there is a $49.99 charge for an initial diagnosis appointment to assess the data loss and viability of recovery [1]. The actual data recovery service can range from $99 to $2000+ depending on the severity of damage, according to independent data recovery companies like Hard Drive Recovery Group [2] and 300 Dollar Data Recovery [3].
Preventing Future Water Damage
The best way to prevent water damage to your MacBook in the future is to keep all liquids away from it. Never place drinks or other containers of liquid near your laptop. Be especially cautious in areas where spills are more likely, like on the couch or in bed. Consider using a laptop desk or tray that creates a buffer zone around your MacBook.
You may also want to invest in a waterproof case or sleeve for your laptop. These encase the entire device in a water-resistant coating and can protect your MacBook from minor spills or rain exposure. Just make sure to take your laptop out of the case if you notice any moisture inside.
Finally, look into electronics insurance or an extended warranty that covers accidental damage. AppleCare+ covers up to two incidents of accidental damage over 2 years, including spills. Insurance can offset the high cost of repairing water damage issues if they do occur.
With some simple precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your MacBook is safe from any future liquid mishaps. Keep drinks away, use protective gear, and consider coverage options just in case. Stay diligent about laptop safety and you can avoid the headaches of water damage down the road.
Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-Laptop-from-Liquid-Damage
Summary
If your MacBook gets exposed to liquid, quick action is needed to dry it out and assess any damage. Look for signs of corrosion on the logic board or issues with components like the keyboard, trackpad, or ports. Small spills that are addressed promptly may escape damage, but significant liquid exposure likely requires professional repair work. Water and electronics don’t mix well, so try to keep liquids away from your laptop. If an accident happens, don’t panic – following the proper steps can get your MacBook working again.
Sources
The key sources used for statistics and repair information in this article include:
- Apple’s official support page on what to do if your MacBook gets wet or sustains water damage: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203931
- iFixit’s repair guides for troubleshooting MacBook liquid damage and doing your own repairs: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook
- Lifewire’s guide on drying out wet electronics like laptops: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-dry-out-electronics-5184081
- Macworld’s advice on getting water out of your MacBook and when to take it to Apple: https://www.macworld.com/article/673012/what-to-do-if-your-macbook-gets-wet-apple-repair-liquid-damage.html
Repair cost estimates were compiled from multiple Apple authorized service providers.