It’s frustrating to get a leaky vape and not know why it’s happening. Even though most vape tanks have some sort of leak-proofing in place, accidents can still happen. If you’re finding your vape is spitting or leaking, don’t buy a new vape tank straight away. There are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue first. 

There are also a few things you can do to stop vape leaking from happening again. In this article, we take a deeper look into why these devices leak, and how you can avoid vape spitting and leaking in the future. 

Reasons for Vape Leaking

Depending on the type of device you use, vape leaking can occur for various different reasons. Vapes vary in parts and sizes, and this can affect the reason why a leak occurs, and how you fix it. That said, there are some general reasons why your vape might be leaking. We’ve outlined a few of these below.

Poor Maintenance of Coils

Vape leaking can be caused by issues with the coil in the device. Different vapes and vape brands have specific coils that are designed to work best with their devices, so it's important to use the correct coils for your specific device. 

It's also important to keep in mind that coils have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. When coils begin to degrade after heavy use, it's likely that you'll experience vape leaks. If you've been using the same coil for a few weeks, it's a good idea to replace it and see if that resolves any leakage issues. Additionally, make sure your coil is properly installed and secure, as a badly installed coil can also cause a leak. Do a double-check and tighten your coil if it’s become loose. 

New coils can also sometimes malfunction. However, replacing coils is a relatively inexpensive solution. So if you're experiencing frequent leaks, consider starting with a coil replacement. Be sure to double-check your coil resistance before purchasing e-liquid too! If you’re in need of a new coil for your vaping device, there are loads of vape coils and vape pods available at Vaping.com.

A Dirty Tank

This reason may seem more obvious, but can be easily overlooked. Regular cleaning and tank maintenance are key for its longevity and optimal performance. Over time, vape juice can build up and form a residue, which can result in problems like vape leaking. 

Therefore, it’s essential to clean your device’s tank or pod regularly to ensure they continue to function as well as they did when you first got them. After extended use, it's recommended that you disassemble your tank and give it a thorough rinse. Keep in mind that when replacing your coils, it's a good idea to soak your tank in alcohol to remove any residual e-liquid buildup for deeper cleaning.

Not Filling Your Tank Up Properly

One of the most common reasons why vape leaking occurs is when users overfill their vapes. If you're experiencing vape leaking, check whether the problem is related to the air holes in your top-fill device. Vape tanks have a maximum capacity, and overfilling them with excessive amounts of e-liquid can cause leakage through the top-fill hole. 

To prevent this, it's important to keep track of how much e-liquid you're adding to the tank, and stick to the optimal fill level for your specific device. While overfilling can lead to vape leaking, underfilling can result in dry and burnt out coils. Therefore, it's crucial to find the right balance to prevent any issues. If you have a vape where you fill from the top, make sure not to get any vape juice down the tank. 

Not Holding Your Vape Tank Vertically

Another thing to keep in mind is how you store and handle your vape. If you hold your device horizontally, it can potentially lead to the vape leaking. In general, vertical is the best way to hold most vapes out there. Some brands have air holes located at the top of the tank, while others may not have strong top seals, as they weren’t designed for horizontal use. 

It’s best to keep your vape upright, even when you’re not holding it. Keep your tank upright in a cool, shaded area. Direct sunlight can lead to overheating and in more serious cases, can cause leakages too. 

To avoid future vape leaking, it’s recommended you test your vape at different angles and see if holding the device in a more vertical position reduces leaks. 

Not Checking for Cracks

Vape tanks made by reputable brands are usually constructed with durable materials, like Pyrex glass, that can withstand regular use. However, it’s still possible to crack the glass if you’re not careful. Your vape might even come with a rubber band that you can put around the tank to protect it further. This can help reduce the impact if you accidentally drop it. 

In some cases, the crack may be so small that it's not immediately noticeable, but it can cause a vape to leak every time you refill. Inspect your tank carefully for any signs of damage. If you do discover a crack, don't panic! Most brands offer replacement glass that can quickly and easily solve the problem, restoring your device to a leak-free state.

Not Making Sure Your Seals Are Tight

If you notice that your tank is leaking from the bottom, it could be that your seal is broken or not fitted properly. Both top-fill and bottom-fill vapes have seals between the caps and tanks. This prevents leakage from the e-juice. However, the seals can go through general wear and tear due to refills over time, which can lead to vape leaking. 

Vape leaking can also arise if your device parts aren’t screwed in tightly and securely enough. For instance, if the coil in your vape tank is not fully screwed in, or is cross-threaded, it can leave gaps or openings that allow e-liquid to leak through. You should also ensure that the base of your tank is screwed tightly into the connector of your vape to prevent the e-liquid from leaking between the base and the Pyrex glass tube. Checking and securing all parts of your device can help prevent your vape leaking.

Not Using the Right E-Liquid

The coil inside your vape should have set resistance options to choose from. All resistance coils perform differently, and are suited for different kinds of vape juice. Take note of the coil you have so you don’t pair it with the incorrect type of e-liquid. Using e-liquids manufactured by non-reputable vape retailers could cause potential problems when using your vape. When you pair the incorrect e-juice with your vape it can cause spitting and leaking because of their differences in viscosity.

Not all vape juices are created equal. Each e-liquid is formulated with a specific ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG). PG-based e-liquids are usually thinner in consistency than VG-based e-liquids and may be more prone to vape leaking issues. If you're experiencing these issues, consider switching to an e-liquid with a higher VG content - provided this is compatible with your device and coil - to see if it helps reduce the problem.

Coils with a higher resistance need an e-liquid with a higher concentration of PG. If you use an e-liquid with a higher amount of VG instead, then this thicker juice will struggle to wick into the coil, and you’ll have to draw harder on the device. This can also ultimately cause vape leaking.

Not Travelling With An Empty Tank

When you’re travelling with your vaping device, it’s useful to carry an empty tank with you. Then, if you notice your vape leaking, and think this is due to a faulty/cracked tank, you can replace it with a fresh one.

Why Is My Vape Spitting?

There may be a few reasons why your vape is spitting. E-liquid that pools on the coil and overheats rather than being vapourised can cause the vape juice to spit and pop. Additionally, if you inhale too forcefully when vaping, it can cause more flooding – leading to more spitting and leakages. 

To avoid spitting, make sure you don’t over-prime your coil or overflow the chamber with too much e-liquid. If you find yourself inhaling too forcefully, try going about it more softly or reduce your airflow settings. 

Looking after your vape and practising good cleaning and maintenance habits can help avoid future leaking and spitting occurrences. The more you get to know your vape and understand how it works, the easier it becomes to troubleshoot if it ever starts to leak or spit.