Leaking Vape? Here's How to Fix It

A leaking device is a serious inconvenience. Those annoying leaks can stain your clothes, damage your device, diminish performance and make your hands feel sticky. They will also cause you to waste e-liquid and therefore money. Leaks are to be avoided if at all possible.

Why do vapes leak and how do you address the problem?

What causes an e-cigarette to leak?

E-cigarettes rely on a delicate balance between wick saturation, airflow, and pressure. When that balance is disrupted, e-liquid can flood the coil chamber and escape through airflow vents or seals.

Common causes of leaks include:

1. Worn or Damaged Seals on Vape Tank

O-rings and gaskets keep e-liquid contained in a vape tank. Over time they can:

• Dry out or crack
• Shift out of position
• Become damaged during cleaning

Even a small tear can cause persistent leaking.

Fix:
Check seals regularly and replace damaged O-rings. Many tank kits include spares.

2. Incorrect Coil Installation

A loosely fitted or cross-threaded coil creates gaps through which e-liquid can escape.

Fix:
Remove the coil and re-install it firmly by hand (never overtighten). Ensure it sits flush and straight.

3. Flooded Coil

When too much e-liquid enters the coil chamber, it can’t be vaporised quickly enough when you fire the device and leaks out.

Reasons for flooding include:

• Drawing too hard
• Chain vaping
• Using e-liquid that’s too thin (high PG)

Fix:
Take gentler puffs, allow time between draws, and use a PG/VG ratio suited to your device.

4. Incorrect PG/VG Ratio

Thinner e-liquids (those high in PG) flow faster and can oversaturate the coil.

Fix:
If you suspect that your juice may be too high in PG, try e-liquids with a higher ratio of VG which is thicker. 

5. Temperature and Pressure Changes

Heat causes e-liquid to thin and expand, forcing it out of the tank or pod.

Common scenarios:

• Leaving a vape in a hot car
• Leaving a vape near a heat source
• Flying or altitude changes

Fix:
Keep your device upright and away from heat sources. Never leave a device in your car. Empty tanks and pods before flights.

6. Overfilling the Tank or Pod

Filling past the maximum line leaves no room for pressure changes, pushing liquid into the coil and through any less than perfect seals.

Fix:
Leave a small air gap when filling and avoid squeezing bottles of e-liquid too hard.

7. Condensation Misidentified as Leaking

Not all liquid under the tank is a leak.

Condensation forms from normal vapour cooling and can collect near airflow holes.

Fix:
Wipe the base of the tank and mod regularly. This is normal maintenance.

How to Prevent Leaks: Best Practices

Always prime coils properly before use

• Close airflow while filling (if your tank or pod allows it)
• Store devices upright
• Replace coils regularly
• Clean tanks between coil changes
• Avoid aggressive inhaling