At some point, everyone who vapes will experience a leaking vape tank. You have a container of liquid that you carry with you all day. It can be annoying and inconvenient, but it isn’t the end of the world. All you usually need is a quick cleaning and you can get back to business.
If you experience any odd quantities of e-liquid in your tank, it’s not a cause for concern. However, if your tank is continually leaking e-liquid, you might need the following suggestions to fix it [1].
Before you start to panic, take a close look at your vape tank. Is the glass cracked or scratched? If so, this is likely the cause of your leaking issue. Glass tanks are more susceptible to breaking and should be replaced as soon as possible.
If your tank isn’t cracked or scratched, the next thing you should check is the seal around the tank. If it’s not sealed properly, e-liquid will escape and leak out. Make sure the O-rings are in place and tightened before using your vape again.
If you’ve checked both of these things and you’re still having issues with a leaking vape, it might be time to replace your atomizer coil.
If your vape is leaking, you’re not alone. This is a common problem with vapes, and there are several things that you can do to try to fix it. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of vape leakage and the steps that you can take to stop it. Vaping experts will also provide some tips for cleaning and maintaining your vape so that it doesn’t leak in the future. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
Reasons for Vape Leaking and How You Can Fix It
Broken Seals And Poor Fitting Seals
For a reason, most vape kits and tanks come with spare seals. Seals will degrade or shatter over time because of wear or over-tightening, causing your tank to leak. Top-fill and bottom-fill tanks both have a seal between the tank and the cap. The seal on top vs. bottom fill tanks will deteriorate or even break over time because of increased filling and tightening of the cap every few weeks [2].
Possible Solutions:
- Tighten the cap until it is snug, but be careful not to over-tighten as this can break the seal;
- If you have a top fill tank, make sure the O-ring (seal) is properly in place and lubricated before screwing on the cap;
- If you have a bottom fill tank, make sure the O-ring on the bottom of the chimney is in place and properly lubricated;
Incorrect/Faulty/Old Coils
Coils are available in a variety of wattages and resistances, depending on the style of vaping you prefer. A mismatch between your coil and the style of vaping you wish to perform can cause too much e-liquid to flow through it. Instead of becoming vapor, this extra e-liquid may leak through the air intake ports or even be drawn into your mouth when you vape if you use the wrong coil for your style.
Possible Solutions
- If you are a beginner, start with a coil of lower wattage;
- If you are using an RDA, make sure your wicks are the correct length and that they are saturating evenly with each puff. Try pulsing the fire button (tapping it rapidly on and off) to help e-liquid flow through the wicks more evenly;
Overfilling
Overfilling is a no-brainer. It’s possible that you put too much e-liquid in your tank or pod, causing it to leak. When replacing the cap, there may be too much e-liquid present, resulting in flooding of the coil or leaks around seals.
To prevent leaking and other difficulties caused by overfilling, many tanks have specific fill levels recommended.
Possible Solutions:
- Don’t overfill your tank;
- If your tank is overfilled, remove the excess e-liquid with a paper towel or cotton swab;
Using The Wrong E-Liquid
It’s also a good idea to practice with e-liquids before using them for the first time. E-liquids come in different VG and PG proportions, which means they can be thicker or thinner.
If you use thicker liquids in a low-powered device like a small vape pen or starter kit, the e-liquid will be too thick for the coil to vaporize effectively, resulting in excessive e-liquid and possibly leaking.
Possible Solutions:
- If you are using a high VG e-liquid, make sure your device and coil can handle it;
- Try a different e-liquid with a lower VG level;
Storing Or Carrying Your Device In A Horizontal Position
Some tanks are not meant to be kept in a horizontal or side position for lengthy periods of time. This is due to the ventilation gaps on the device. When the tank is full, the leak will not happen very often. However, when the juice levels get down to half-empty, the liquid will easily seep through the vents and into the chimney [3].
Possible Solutions:
- Keep your device upright as much as possible;
- If you must store it in a horizontal position, empty the tank first;
- Use a silicone case or sleeve to protect your device while carrying it in a purse or pocket;
Damaged O-Rings
The O-ring, like a liquid faucet or gasoline tank’s rubber ring, is a rubber ring that can be found at both the bottom and top ends of the tank and serves the same function. O-rings do get damaged from time to time, and if one in your tank gets destroyed, it indicates there is no air seal, which will result in e-liquid seepage.
Possible Solutions:
- Inspect your O-rings regularly for cracks or damage and replace them as needed;
- Make sure the O-rings are properly lubricated with e-liquid before each use;
Poor Tightening
Cross-threading or poor tightening are common concerns with vape tanks and coils when refilling the tank or replacing the coil. Take care to reassemble your tank and its components properly to avoid leakage issues caused by any of these two causes.
Possible Solutions:
- Be careful not to cross-thread the tank or coil when screwing them back on;
- Make sure all components are tightened properly, but not too tightly. Use a coin or key to help if needed;
Poor Inhaling Technique
Leaks can sometimes be caused by the tank or other device components rather than the seal. This is particularly true for e-cigarettes since they are so sensitive to how fast or aggressively you breathe. Inhalation technique may be a factor. E-cigarettes are more sensitive to how rapid or forceful you exhale than analogs, owing to their high viscosity.
Short and quick inhalations in smoking do not work, but flooding the chimney with short and rapid breaths can cause juice seepage in vape devices because there is so much liquid in the coil that can be vaporized at once.
Possible Solutions:
- Try taking long, slow drags on your device;
- If you are using a sub-ohm device, try reducing the wattage;
Incorrect Wattage
A coil can also burn if it is run above or below the suggested wattage range. If you use a coil beyond the recommended diameter, it will dry out faster than it will be replenished through wicking. If you utilize a coil beneath the stated wattage on the device, juice may not be vaporized as rapidly as it enters into the coil, resulting in it running “wet” and leaking various amounts of juice [4].
Possible Solutions:
- Find the wattage range for your coil and stay within those limits;
- If you are using a sub-ohm device, try reducing the wattage;
Cracked Glass
When using a vaporizer with a glass tank, it’s quite typical for the glass to crack or shatter as a result of accidental droppings. The fracture might be difficult to detect at times, so make sure to check it thoroughly. A tiny crack might not seem like much, but it can create a perfect pathway for e-liquid to seep through and cause your device to leak.
Possible Solutions:
- Replace the cracked glass with a new one;
- If you cannot replace the glass, try using a silicone sleeve or case to protect the tank;
If you have tried all of these solutions and your vape is still leaking, it may be time to consult a professional. Bring your device to a local vape shop and see if they can help you figure out the problem. Many vape shops offer repairs and maintenance services that can help keep your device in good working condition.
How To Prevent The Vape From Leaking
Check Your Seal
Make certain your tank is properly fastened. If you’re in a hurry, you might cross-thread the top cap or forget to tighten it securely. This can result in juice leaking from the gaps. Start by making sure the threads are in sync and firmly closed, but not too tight. Set your goal of finding that ideal spot. If the threads are misaligned, carefully rejoin them [5].
Remove E-Juice From Chimney
The chimney is that tall, thin tube in the center of your tank. When you unscrew the top cap, e-juice can drip out of it. To prevent this from happening, remove the chimney and clean any liquid pooled inside before reattaching it.
Check For Worn Or Damaged O-Rings
O-rings are tiny rubber seals that keep e-liquid from seeping out of your tank. Over time, they can become damaged or worn down, which will cause leaking. Inspect your O-rings for any cracks or tears and replace them if necessary.
Put A Lid On It
If you leave your tank without the top cap, the airflow gaps will allow it to leak out. Tanks are pressurized, which is why this occurs.
If you want to leave your top cap off for an extended period of time, be sure your tank is empty first. Closing the airflow off may also help, but it isn’t as reliable.
Check Your Airflow
If your airflow is fully open, it can cause your tank to leak. The suction created by the airflow pulls e-liquid up into the coil and out of the tank. To prevent this from happening, close off your airflow a little bit. This will also help improve flavor and vapor production.
Check Your Coil Heads
If your coil heads are old or worn out, they can cause your tank to leak.
FAQ
Why is my vape leaking through the air holes?
Choosing the incorrect coil for your personal style of vaping might result in excessive e-liquid passing through it. Instead of becoming vapor, this extra e-liquid may leak via the air intake ports or, worse, be drawn into your mouth when you vape if it is not turned into vapor.
Why is juice coming out of my vape when I hit it?
This is almost certainly due to an issue with the coil. If you are using a sub-ohm tank, it is recommended that you change your coil at least once every 2 weeks. This will help ensure that your coil does not become too gunked up and start leaking.
How do I unflood my vape coil?
When a coil is oversaturated with liquid, it can flood. It’s possible that you overfilled your tank, over-primed your coil, or inhaled too hard on your e-cigarette if this happens. The incorrect vaping technique is also a common cause of flooding: using a direct-to-lung inhale on a mouth-to-lung device or vice versa may flood your coil [6].
Why does my vape crackle and pop?
You may hear a crackling or popping noise when you vape if your coil is dry.
This happens because the liquid isn’t vaporizing quickly enough, so it’s being heated too much and makes a cracking sound as it boils off. Make sure to prime your coil properly before use to avoid this issue.
Do Smok Vapes leak?
Using a high wattage that is advised on the coil while vaping can assist prevent leaks. If the liquid on the coil hasn’t been atomized on time with low wattage, it may encounter a leaking problem. When you’re not using them, please close all of the air holes. Also, it is essential to check if the O-rings are correctly installed and lubricated. If any of these aren’t attended to, your vape may experience leaking [7].
What happens if you swallow vape juice?
Swallowing e-liquid is dangerous and can be life-threatening. E-liquid contains nicotine, which is a poison, as well as other chemicals. If you or someone you know has swallowed e-liquid, call your local poison control center immediately.
How long does “vaper’s tongue” last?
This is a typical occurrence that affects almost everyone who vapes. The condition is known as “vaper’s tongue” and it generally lasts 1-3 days, but it can occasionally last up to two weeks. The cause of the “vaper’s tongue” is unknown, but it is most likely due to a build-up of bacteria on the tongue.
Vaping with a new flavor or switching from mouth-to-lung to direct-lung vaping may also cause the “vaper’s tongue”. The best way to combat this condition is to drink plenty of water and take breaks from vaping every few days [8].
How often should I change my vape coil?
This depends on how frequently you vape and the type of coil you are using. If you vape regularly, it is recommended that you change your coil every 2 weeks. If you only vape occasionally, you may be able to get away with changing your coil every month. Sub-ohm coils will need to be changed more frequently than standard coils.
How do I know when my coil is bad?
There are a few signs that you can look for to know when your coil is bad. If you notice a decrease in flavor or vapor production, it is probably time to change your coil. If you see any black gunk on your coil, this is also an indication that it needs to be replaced. Finally, if your coil starts leaking, this is a sure sign that it needs to be changed.
Useful Video: Why is my Vape Leaking? How to Fix a Leaky Vape
References:
- https://www.totallywicked-eliquid.co.uk/vaped/why-is-my-vape-tank-leaking-how-to-fix-it/
- https://www.vampirevape.co.uk/blog/why-does-my-vape-tank-leak-how-to-fix-it
- https://www.aquavape.co.uk/is-your-vape-leaking-7-causes-and-how-to-address-them/
- https://supervapestore.com.au/blogs/news/why-is-my-vape-leaking
- https://vaping360.com/learn/how-to-stop-leaking-popping-spitting/
- https://help.electrictobacconist.co.uk/support/solutions/articles/5000756404-my-e-cigarette-is-gurgling-and-spitting-
- https://eu.smoktech.com/support/faq/atomizer_pod/leaking-from-the-airflow-hole
- https://www.momoeliquid.com/blogs/news/how-to-cure-vaper-s-tongue-through-a-couple-of-easy-ways
