Why is My Vape Leaking? Common Causes and How to Fix

Leaking e-liquid can be a massive trouble for you, it can also affect the functionality and performance of your vaping device. A leaked vape kit may lead to wasted e-liquid, poor vapour production, or even a burnt taste. Fortunately, most vape leaks have simple solutions. Once you understand what causes them and how to resolve the issue, you’ll enjoy a cleaner device and a more reliable vaping experience. This article will explore the reasons behind vape leaking and practical solutions to fix the issue. 

Why is My Vape Leaking?

Vape leak occurs when e-liquid escapes from the tank or pod instead of being properly vaporised, often caused by overfilling, a worn or incorrectly installed coil, loose seals, or changes in temperature and air pressure. To prevent this, make sure all parts are fitted correctly, replace coils regularly, and check seals for wear. With a little maintenance, you can keep your device clean and enjoy a smooth, consistent vaping experience.

Wrong Filling of The Cartridge

Every tank or pod has been designed to a maximum e-liquid level that may cause vape juice to leak out. Generally speaking, leaving a small space of air creates a light vacuum that helps hold the liquid in place. 

One common cause of leaking is accidentally getting e-liquid into the central airflow hole. When this happens, it causes the liquid to pass directly through the coil and leak out from the bottom of the tank, causing a vape pod leaking

If the filling port is adjacent to the airflow toggle, simply tilt the cartridge to a 45-degree angle and fill it to the maximum level line.

Inappropriate Coil Installation

In modern times, coils enter the industry with a plug-and-play system, allowing them to be aligned and pushed in snugly. It is advisable to first verify that the atomiser is properly arranged and that the correct system is installed in it.

The coil has a silicone ring around it that helps prevent vape leaking in the tank or pod, so make sure it’s fitted correctly. If your coil needs to be screwed in, align it properly before tightening to avoid cross-threading, which can cause gaps and let e-liquid leak out.

In case you choose the glass tank, it is good to ensure that all components are properly fixed and attached firmly. As this activity may affect silicone seals, try to avoid overly tight conditions. 

Using a Defective Tank or Pod

It is generally observed that glass-constructed tanks can easily crack if they’re dropped or fixed too tightly. Therefore, it is good to separate the tank and carefully inspect each piece. Make sure the glass has no cracks and look closely at the silicone seals to confirm they’re still soft and not torn or worn out. Damaged seals can cause leaks or affect performance, so replacing them when needed is important for keeping your vape working smoothly.

Refillable pod kits tend to be more durable and more compact than sub-ohm tanks, if you talk about drops or everyday wear and tear, a better choice. However, they are not completely damage-proof and leak-resistant. 

If you drop your device, check the pod for cracks or loose seals, as even small damage can cause leaks or weaken flavour. Regular care and gentle handling help your tank or pod last longer and perform better.

The Use of Wrong E-Liquid For the Coil

With the availability of many choices of high VG, 50/50 and high PG, selecting the incorrect ratio might cause a vape leakage. One of the main factors of this situation is the thickness of the vape liquid.

If you use a thick e-liquid to fill the cartridge, the cotton would not be able to absorb it quickly enough. When you start using your device, the coil will end up burning the cotton instead. It then makes holes in cotton which e-liquid rushes, causing a flooded coil that leads to a leak.

To get rid of this issue, it is suggested to ensure that the resistance of your coil matches the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid.

Recommendations To Fix Your Vape Leaking

While leaks are usually not harmful, they can cause mess, waste e-liquid, and impact performance. Most leaks can be resolved with a few simple adjustments. Below are some effective ways to prevent and stop vape leaking.

Check the Seals

Keenly evaluate the rubber seals or O-rings around your vape tank or pod, as these are essential for keeping your device leak-free. After some time, these small components can become worn out, stretched, or even slightly torn, which can cause e-liquid to run away. 

If you notice any cracks, demolishing, or signs of deterioration, it is recommended to replace them right away. Most vape kits include a few spare O-rings in the box, but if you’ve already used those, you can easily find replacements at online vape store

Avoid Overfilling of tank or Pod

When filling your vape tank, try not to fill it all the way to the top. Instead, stop just below the maximum line. Leaving a little space at the top helps prevent leaks or spills, as e-liquid tends to expand slightly when it gets warm. 

This small air gap also helps maintain proper pressure inside the tank, reducing the chances of flooding or gurgling. By keeping your tank just under full, you’ll enjoy smoother vaping sessions and avoid vape pod leaking

Adjust The Inhalation Technique 

When vaping, try to take slow, gentle puffs instead of drawing too sharply or forcefully. Pulling too hard can cause the e-liquid to move into parts of the device where it doesn’t belong, leading to leaks, gurgling, or even e-liquid getting into your mouth. Slow and steady inhales allow the coil to properly heat the liquid, producing smooth, flavorful vapour without overloading the wick. 

This also helps maintain consistent airflow and prevents unnecessary strain on your device. By pacing your draws, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more satisfying vaping experience while keeping your vape in good condition.

Firmly Tighten All Components 

Make sure your tank, coil, and mouthpiece are all firmly attached before using your vape. Each part should be fitted snugly to prevent leaks or airflow issues, but don’t overtighten them, doing so can strip the threads or damage the rubber seals. 

A gentle, secure fit is all that’s needed to keep your device working smoothly and ensure a consistent vaping experience. Taking a moment to check the fittings before every use can help extend the lifespan of your vape and maintain its overall performance. 

Use the Right E-liquid

Always review your vape device’s specifications to make sure you’re using the right VG/PG ratio for the best performance. Different devices are designed for different e-liquid types, for instance, sub-ohm vapes generally perform better with high-VG liquids because they produce thicker clouds and smoother hits.

On the other hand, pod systems or lower-power kits usually work best with a balanced 50/50 VG/PG mix, offering a good blend of flavour and vapour. Using the correct ratio not only improves your vaping experience but also helps prevent issues like coil burning, leaking, or poor vapour production.

Is a Leaking Vape Dangerous to Use?

Yes, a leaking device is not a good option to adopt. You cannot use the leaked or worse vaping kits. It is clearly noticed that vaping is distinct from smoking, but one common point is that the use of a leaking device is not recommended in any setup.

  • Instead of all the harms and inconveniences, the leakage of vape juice can affect your device and give you an unpleasant vaping experience.
  • Vaping from a leaking tank might expose you to unintentional liquid inhalation, which isn’t pleasant or safe. 

Cap-up Lines

To wind up the explanation, it is concluded that most modern vape pods and tanks are built with leak-resistant designs in recent times. But, a few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your device completely sealed. Generally, the vape leak can be irritating, messy, and very costly if it damages your device or wastes e-liquid, but the good thing is that they’re usually easy to prevent and fix.

At some point, you’re likely to experience a bit of leakage; it happens to nearly every vaperAs discussed above, if your device starts leaking, take a moment to inspect it closely. With a little attention, you can usually identify the cause and prevent the e-liquid from leaking again.

Edward Clarke

About the Author: Edward Clarke

Edward Clarke is the lead content writer at Shop Vapour and carries ten plus years of knowledge about vape devices, e-liquids, and industry developments. With a journalism background, he follows a research-first approach to make sure every guide and review is clear, factual, and helpful. Edward used to smoke, so he understands the challenges of quitting and the relief that vaping can offer. He enjoys helping people discover better choices and stay informed about everything happening in the vaping world. He is committed to creating content that guides smokers toward better and more informed choices.

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