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Had enough of wiping vape juice off your hand after each session? Does your vape device have that really annoying problem of spitting e-liquid everywhere and burning your tongue? Has your vape leaking ruined a perfectly good bag or pocket?
If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then we’re here to reassure you that this isn’t the typical vaping experience.
With a few maintenance tips, you can enjoy a seamless, fuss-free vape without the hassle of worrying about getting hot e-liquid everywhere.
So, why is your vape leaking?
Key Takeaways
Overfilling your tank can create pressure that pushes e-liquid out through the airflow vents, causing leaks. Fill only to the recommended line to prevent this.
A loosely installed coil can lead to gaps where e-liquid can seep out. Double-check that the coil is tightly screwed in to create a solid seal. You’ll also want to ensure that you’ve installed your tank properly.
Sub-ohm devices often require longer, slower drags, while mouth-to-lung devices work better with quicker puffs. Adjust your technique to suit your device and avoid excess e-liquid build-up.
High PG (propylene glycol) e-liquids are thinner and may leak more easily, especially in sub-ohm tanks. Using thicker, high VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids can help minimise leaks if your device is compatible.
Always store your vape upright when not in use. Laying it on its side can cause e-liquid to seep through the airflow holes, resulting in leaks.
How To Stop Your Vape From Leaking Or Spitting
There are several reasons your vape kit might be leaking or spitting out vape juice, many of which revolve around the airflow intake valve—the opening where air enters as you vape.
To identify the cause of your vape leaking, check if you’re making any of the following mistakes:
Open Airflow Holes While Refilling
This applies to any vape kits that have an adjustable airflow or use vape tanks or pods with one. Before filling your pod/tank, make sure to close the air intake valve.
Leaving the valve open prevents the tank from creating the necessary vacuum to hold the e-liquid inside, which can cause vape juice to leak from the bottom airflow valve.
It’s a simple solution, but it can make a world of difference if leaking and spitting are common issues for you
Overfilled Vape Tank Or Pod
Overfilling can lead to a spitting or leaking vape.
It’s essential to avoid overfilling your tank or vape pod, as this disrupts the vacuum needed to keep the e-liquid contained.
Many vape tanks and vape pods have a max fill line as a guide, but if yours doesn’t (or if it’s unclear), a good rule of thumb is to keep the fill level below 80% of the tank or pod’s total capacity.
Over-Primed Coil
Priming your coils is essential for maintaining their longevity, but over-priming can actually cause your tank or pod to leak.
Always prime new coils, but to avoid overdoing it, just place a drop or two of vape juice on any visible cotton to saturate the wick.
Instead of excessive priming, insert the vape coil and let it sit in the e-liquid for around five minutes — then you’re ready to vape!
Loose Or Damaged O-Rings & Seals
Make sure that all o-rings and seals in your vape kit (if included) are properly secured.
By ‘secure,’ we mean that they should create an airtight seal, as any air entering can disrupt the vacuum in your tank or pod, leading to your vape leaking.
This issue often arises from something as simple as cross-threading the top cap when screwing your tank back together. If that happens, just unscrew and correct it.
Additonally, inspect the o-rings for any damage, as they are essential to maintaining a proper seal.
O-rings, the small rubber seals included in spare packs with most vape tanks, should be intact and undamaged to prevent leaking and spitting issues.
Vape Device Not Stood Upright
Most of the vape tanks you’ll come across aren’t designed to be on their side for extended periods.
Try to keep your vaping devices upright to prevent leaks and spitting from the mouthpiece on your vape tank or pod.
Leaving Your Vape Tank/Pod Full For Long Periods
You should consider how much vape juice is left in your pod or tank before storing your vape for long periods.
Leaving your tank or pod full of excess liquid for extended periods is a guaranteed way to end up with your vape leaking.
When you return to your roster of vape kits, you may find one sitting in a puddle of vape juice.
After a while, coils degrade when left submerged in e-liquid for too long, eventually allowing gravity to pull the liquid through.
If you plan to store your device for more than a day or two, it’s best to empty the pod or tank to stop it from leaking e-liquid.
Using The Wrong Type Of E-Liquids
One of the biggest causes of your vape leaking is using e-liquids that aren’t compatible with your device. Each type of vape juice is made to be used with a specific type of vape kit.
For instance, nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids are ideal for use with a high-resistance coil in a low-powered MTL (Mouth To Lung) device, such as a starter kit, vape pen or pod vape, due to their thinner consistency.
Conversely, shortfills and 100% VG e-liquids are intended for sub ohm vape kits and mods that operate at higher wattages and use sub ohm coils.
Using a thinner vape juice, like a nic salt, in a sub ohm device, can cause a low-resistance coil to flood, spitting excess vape juice up through the mouthpiece.
You’d also probably encounter leaks around your pod/tank and airflow valve. Choosing the right type of e-liquid for your kit will help stop your vape leaking.
Is Your Coil Due A Change?
A ‘dead’ or burnt coil can lead to leaking and spitting from your tank, usually accompanied by an unpleasant burnt taste.
As the wicking material degrades over time, so does your coil’s ability to absorb e-liquid, causing vape juice to leak out through any available exit — usually the mouthpiece or airflow valve.
If you’ve been dealing with a spitting or leaking vape for over a week since your last coil replacement, it’s probably time to get a new coil.
Incorrect Power Settings
Another way to experience leaking is vaping at the wrong wattage output for your chosen e-liquids.
If your vape kit allows you to adjust the wattage, there’s a good chance it’s not high enough for the e-liquids you prefer.
If you’ve set the wattage too low, your coil won’t receive enough power, which stops it from evaporating your vape juice quickly enough, causing it to leak from the mouthpiece.
If you’re trying to prevent e-liquid from leaking or spitting, increasing the wattage on your vaping device by 5-10W increments might help.
Other Airflow Issues
The reason for your vape leaking might also have something to do with its airflow.
You could be drawing in too much air, which can force e-liquid into your coil, causing flooding and spitting, similar to issues related to low wattage.
If you’ve tried all our other tips and still experience leaking, try gradually restricting your airflow until you find the optimal setting.
You can also adjust this in combination with our previous wattage tip for best results.
Summary
It can be difficult to pinpoint just one cause of your vape leaking. Similarly to computer maintenance, resolving this issue can take a bit of trial and error, and there’s no single guaranteed way to fix a leaking vape.
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still finding your vape leaking, don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns and we’ll be more than happy to help.
