3 min read · Beginner · Related: PC & Mac Support
Updated October 2026 · Tampa Bay–tested steps
Flooded Laptop? First-Hour Triage (What Saves It)
Storm surge, burst pipe, spilled tub — power off, orientation, drying, and the line between rescue and risk.
1. Power off and disconnect everything NOW
Hold power 10 seconds, unplug charger and all USB. Electricity plus water equals corrosion and shorts — every powered second does damage. Remove battery if externally accessible.
2. Drain keyboard-down, don't shake
Open like a tent upside-down (keyboard facing down) over towels. Gravity drains; shaking spreads liquid deeper. No rice, no hairdryers — rice dust corrodes, heat warps.
3. Wait 48 to 72 hours minimum, then assess
Airflow at room temperature, patience. Powering up early to check re-wets circuits and finishes what the spill started. After drying: if it boots, back up immediately, then bring it in for corrosion inspection.
Flooded Laptop? First-Hour Triage (What Saves It) — When to Call a Pro
- Salt or dirty floodwater involved — corrosion starts in hours, pro cleaning ASAP.
- Data matters and it won't boot — board-level recovery before further attempts.
- Business machines — document for insurance while triaging.
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