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Vaping is meant to be an enjoyable and hassle-free experience, but nothing is more frustrating than dealing with a leaking or spitting vape. Whether you find e-liquid dripping from your device or experience hot liquid hitting your lips, these issues can ruin your vaping session. The good news? Both problems are preventable and fixable.
While vape leaking and spitback both involve e-liquid mishaps, they stem from different causes and require distinct solutions. Understanding these differences will not only help you with vape troubleshooting but also improve your device’s performance and longevity.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between leaking and spitting, explain their causes, and provide practical solutions to prevent them from happening again.
Vape Leaking vs. Spitting: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the fixes, let’s first clarify what each issue means:
What is Vape Leaking?
Leaking occurs when e-liquid escapes from your device, usually through the airflow vents, mouthpiece, or the bottom of the vape. If you notice e-liquid seeping out and making a mess, you’re dealing with a vape leaking issue. This problem can be caused by various factors, including overfilled tanks, poor seals, or improper handling.
What is Vape Spitting (Spitback)?
Spitting, also known as spitback, happens when hot e-liquid droplets are ejected from the coil and reach your lips during inhalation. This can be unpleasant and, in some cases, slightly painful. Spitback usually occurs due to excess e-liquid in the coil, improper wattage settings, or drawing too forcefully.
Both problems can stem from similar mistakes but require different solutions to fix them effectively.
Common Causes of Vape Leaks
A leaking vape can be messy, frustrating, and wasteful. Here are some of the most common reasons your vape may be leaking:
1. Overfilling the Tank or Pod
Filling your vape too much can cause excess e-liquid to flood the coil or escape through the airflow vents. Always leave a small gap at the top to allow for proper air circulation inside the tank. If you want to stop vape leaking, avoid overfilling your tank.
2. Sudden Temperature or Altitude Changes
Vape devices are sensitive to environmental changes. If you take your vape on a flight or leave it in a hot car, the pressure change can cause the e-liquid to expand and leak. Keeping your device at room temperature helps prevent this.
3. Improper Storage Position
Leaving your vape lying on its side for extended periods can cause e-liquid to seep out. Always store your device upright to keep the liquid contained properly.
4. Loose or Worn-out Seals
If your vape’s O-rings or seals are worn out or damaged, e-liquid can escape through the gaps. Regularly inspect your device for cracks or loose components and replace any faulty parts as needed.
5. Drawing Too Hard or Too Frequently
Taking aggressive puffs can pull too much e-liquid into the coil, overwhelming it and causing leaks. A slow, steady inhale is ideal for preventing this issue.
6. Using the Wrong VG/PG Ratio
Some vape devices perform better with a specific VG/PG (Vegetable Glycerin/Propylene Glycol) ratio. Thinner e-liquids with high PG levels can leak more easily. If your vape leaks often, try using a higher VG e-liquid to see if it improves the situation. This is one of the easiest vape leaking fixes.
7. Faulty Device
In some cases, a vape may leak due to an internal defect or damage that occurs during manufacturing. If you’ve ruled out all other potential causes and your vape continues to leak, it might be worth checking if the device itself is faulty or has a broken part. If the issue persists, contacting the manufacturer or retailer for a replacement may be necessary.
Common Causes of Vape Spitback
Spitback is when you get unexpected hot droplets of e-liquid in your mouth. Here’s why it happens and how you can prevent it:
1. Drawing Too Hard
Taking deep, forceful puffs can pull excess e-liquid into the coil chamber. This results in spitback because the excess liquid hasn’t had time to fully vaporize.
2. Low Wattage or Weak Battery Power
If your device isn’t generating enough power to fully vaporize the e-liquid, small droplets may remain in the coil and be ejected into your mouth. Increasing the wattage slightly (if your device allows) can help.
3. Coil Flooding from Overpriming
Overpriming (adding too much e-liquid to the coil before use) can lead to excess liquid sitting in the chamber, which causes spitback. Allowing your coil to absorb e-liquid naturally before use helps prevent this.
4. Using an Overused or Low-Quality Coil
Old or low-quality coils may not heat the liquid efficiently, leading to spitback. Replacing the coil regularly ensures a smooth vaping experience.
5. E-Liquid Consistency Issues
E-liquids with high PG content are thinner and can be more prone to spitback. Switching to a slightly thicker e-liquid with higher VG can help reduce this problem.
How to Fix and Prevent Vape Leaks
If your vape is leaking, try these solutions:
1. Store Your Vape Upright
Keeping your vape in an upright position prevents e-liquid from pooling in unwanted areas and leaking through airflow vents. To learn more about how proper storage can help, check out our best storage tips for disposable vapes.
2. Avoid Overfilling the Tank
When refilling, leave a small air gap at the top to prevent overflow and allow for proper pressure balance.
3. Check and Tighten All Connections
Ensure that the mouthpiece, tank, and pod connections are secure but not overtightened, as excessive force can damage the seals.
4. Keep the Airflow Vents Clear
Blocked airflow vents can cause pressure buildup, leading to leaks. Regularly clean your device to remove dust or residue.
5. Use the Right E-Liquid for Your Device
Check your vape’s compatibility with different VG/PG ratios. If your device struggles with thinner e-liquids, switch to a slightly thicker blend to stop e-liquid leaking. Browse our selection of e-liquids in New Zealand to find the perfect option.
How to Fix and Prevent Spitback
If your vape is spitting hot liquid into your mouth, follow these steps:
1. Take Slow, Controlled Draws
Avoid forceful inhales, as they can pull unvaporized liquid into your mouth. A gentle draw allows the coil to heat the liquid properly. For more tips on inhalation techniques, check out how MTL vs. DTL can affect your vape’s lifespan.
2. Check for Coil Flooding
If your coil is flooded, remove the pod or tank and tap it gently on a paper towel to clear excess liquid. Then, take a few dry puffs without pressing the fire button to remove any remaining e-liquid.
3. Adjust Wattage Settings
If your device allows, increase the wattage slightly to ensure full vaporization of the liquid. However, do not exceed the recommended range for your coil.
4. Warm Up the Coil with Primer Puffs
Before vaping, take a few short puffs without pressing the fire button. This helps remove excess liquid from the coil.
5. Keep Your Coil and Device Clean
Residue buildup can contribute to spitback. Regularly clean your tank and replace the coil when needed.
Conclusion
By following these vape troubleshooting tips, you can prevent leaks and spitback and enjoy a hassle-free vaping experience! For more ways to keep your disposable vape lasting longer, don’t miss our full guide on how to extend its lifespan.
Key Takeaways:
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Leaking occurs when e-liquid escapes from the device, often due to overfilling, poor storage, or airflow blockages.
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Spitback happens when unvaporized liquid enters your mouth, often caused by coil flooding, low wattage, or forceful draws.
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To prevent leaks, store your vape upright, avoid overfilling, and use proper inhalation techniques.
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To prevent spitback, take slow draws, check for coil flooding, and adjust wattage settings if applicable.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a hassle-free vaping experience!