In the dim, distant past
...I used to work in a repair centre for electricals, and any significant spillage, soakage etc is very easy to tell. I had the joyous job of telling multiple people that their device had 'liquid damage' and was not covered under warranty. 95% of the time it was 'Oh, ok' or maybe 'I don't know how that happened, but if you say so, ok'. It was only very rarely that we would have someone insist that it was not possible.

My recommendation is to dry it as soon as it happens. Take it apart if you need to and get rid of all the moisture. Maybe even clean it with alcohol. If it still doesn't work, there's a good chance that the repair won't be able to spot the moisture, residue, corrosion that gives away the game. Abuse this information wisely.
( Sextant goes to him is emotionally erect, on this day, Sat 1 Aug 2009, 17:56, Reply)