Why Is My Vape Leaking? 7 Causes and How to Fix It
Have you ever reached for your vape and found your hands covered in e-liquid? A leaking vape is incredibly annoying and wasteful, but it usually has a root cause. In this post, we'll cover seven reasons your vape might be leaking and how to fix them.
Whether you're a new vaper or a seasoned pro, most of these fixes are relatively simple. So, let's get straight to it.
Why Does My Vape Keep Leaking?
Your vape could leak for many reasons, from simple human error to poorly fitted coils and device issues.
1: You're Overfilling the Tank With Vape Juice
It's tempting to fill your tank or pod to the brim with e-liquid, but it can push vape juice into the airflow system or coils. When this happens, you might notice spitback, gurgling sounds, and liquid entering your mouth when you take a puff on the device.
How to Fix It
Never fill the pod or tank past the maximum line. If you're using a standard vape pen, you can usually pour some vape juice out of the tank, then wipe around it.
2: You Haven't Fitted the Coil Properly
If your vape device requires coil changes, make sure the coil is installed correctly. Even tiny gaps can let e-liquid escape through the coil chamber, and you'll often notice leaks start immediately after you change the coil.
How to Fix It
You can usually address coil issues by checking that it's securely fitted. However, avoid screwing it in too tightly, as this can damage the seals and threads. If you hate dealing with coils, using a pod kit is an excellent alternative.
The 88Vape ProPod Kit features pods with built-in coils. So, once the pod is empty, you just need to replace it with a new pod instead of dealing with messy coil changes.
3: Damaged O-Rings or Seals
Most vape tanks use O-rings (rubber seals) that stop vape juice from escaping around the tank. But these seals gradually degrade over time, leaving tiny gaps where e-liquid can escape.
How to Fix It
Check whether the O-ring is damaged by taking your vape tank apart. If it's twisted, you can reposition it, but cracked or worn seals require replacement. Many vape kits include spare O-rings, so you might not need to buy a replacement.
4: You're Not Using the Right E-Liquid
This is where most mistakes are made, because e-liquids have different consistencies and ingredient ratios. All vapes contain flavourings, Propylene Glycol (PG), and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). However, the PG/VG ratio determines your e-liquid's consistency.
For example, if you use a sub-ohm device, you'll need shortfills or high-VG e-liquids, while traditional MTL devices require high-PG or 50/50 vape juices.
This problem often happens when you use a thinner e-liquid (low VG) in a mod, as the juice travels through the coil too quickly and causes leaks.
How to Fix It
Always check which vape juice you should use for your chosen device. Some are only suitable for certain ratios, while others serve as both MTL and DTL devices. However, dual devices come with different coil options, so it's vital to choose a coil ohm that matches your preferred vaping style.
5: You're Puffing Vape Juice Through the Mouth-Piece
When you puff too aggressively on your vape kit, it can pull excess liquid into the airflow chamber, which leads to it escaping through the mouthpiece. This problem is also called spitback, as hot vape juice travels through the device and into your mouth.
How to Fix It
You can prevent spitback by taking gentler puffs, which ensures the right amount of e-liquid reaches the mouthpiece. You may also need to increase the wattage if you're a heavy vaper.
6: Poor Maintenance
One of the biggest causes of a leaking vape tank is poor maintenance. While these devices are relatively easy to maintain, skipping a few simple tips can lead to worn-out seals, broken O-rings, and residue buildup that affects the airtight seal.
How to Fix It
Following a few simple maintenance tips can help your vape device last longer and reduce the risk of leaks. Some tips focus on general cleaning, while others are common-sense practices, such as storing your device upright instead of on its side.
7: Your Vape Kit is Damaged
In some cases, nothing is wrong with how you're using the vape kit; it's just wear over time or damage to the tank/pod. Both plastic pods and glass tanks can develop cracks if you drop them, and debris buildup can cause certain components to stop working properly.
How to Fix It
Empty the tank and wash it to see if there are any cracks. If you use a pod kit, you can just add a new pod. However, you might need to buy a new tank if you have a pen or mod device. In most cases, this is much cheaper than buying a new device.
When Should You Replace a Leaking Vape?
In many cases, you won't need to replace your vape if the tank or pod is the root cause of the e-liquid leak, or if the issue is simple, like overfilling the vape. However, if you've checked your vape pod or pen and it still isn't working, replacing the device can help.
This is especially true if e-liquid gets into the battery compartment, the device constantly overheats, or you've replaced the tank, but the issues persist; it's time to find a new device.
Find Vape Pods, Pens, and Mods at 88Vape
If you're looking for high-quality refillable pod kits, vape pens, or advanced sub-ohm devices, we have a range of options available.
With free UK delivery over £15 and a team of experts ready to offer advice, we're here to help you enjoy your vaping experience.
Please get in touch with us if you need help.
FAQs
Is my vape leaking or is it just condensation?
Condensation causes tiny droplets to appear around your mouthpiece, so it's normal to notice a small amount of moisture. However, if you notice large leaks or a lot of e-liquid flowing into your mouth when you take a puff, that's when there's a problem.
Why Is My New Vape Leaking?
In many cases, it's a setup issue, or you need time to get used to the device. For example, using the wrong e-liquid or coils can cause leaks. Always read the instructions carefully, and contact the retailer for a replacement if necessary.
Can a Leaking Vape Be Fixed?
Yes, if it's a simple issue like replacing your pod, changing your e-liquid, or cleaning the airflow. However, if you've worked through all seven causes and the vaping device is still leaking, then it may be time for a replacement.