1. Puffing Too Firmly

Believe it or not, your vaping style can impact the functionality of your device. If you’re puffing too firmly, you might be flooding the coil with more e-liquid than it can vaporize, leading to leaks. To remedy this, try taking gentler puffs. Your device is designed to deliver vapor efficiently without the need for excessive force. Adjusting your inhalation technique can prevent flooding and stop the leaks.

Remember that a vaping device isn’t the same as a cigarette, and it doesn’t produce a bigger cloud if you puff harder. If you want to get a bigger cloud, taking a longer and slower puff is the key.

2. Overfilling the Tank or Pod

It’s tempting to fill your tank or pod to the brim to maximize vaping time between refills, but overfilling can cause leaks. When you close the tank or pod, the added pressure can push excess e-liquid out through openings or seals, resulting in leaks. Always leave a small air gap at the top when filling your device to avoid this issue.

3. Elevation Changes

Traveling through areas with significant elevation changes can affect your vape due to the pressure difference. This change in pressure can force e-liquid out of your device, leading to leaks. If you’re heading to the mountains or flying, you should either travel with an empty vape or consider filling your pod halfway to leave room for air expansion.

4. Factory Overfill in Disposable Vapes

Sometimes, the issue is out of your control. Disposable vapes may come overfilled straight from the factory, which can lead to leaks. If the leak is very severe, you’ll probably see that the pouch in which the device is stored has visible liquid in it. In this case, you should probably consider returning the device to the seller. If the device only has a slight leak, though, you could consider using it anyway. After several puffs, the wick in the disposable vape should equalize, and the leaking should stop.

5. Stretched or Torn Silicone Gaskets

The integrity of your vape’s silicone gaskets is crucial in preventing leaks. These gaskets or o-rings seal the connections within your tank. If they’re stretched, worn out, or torn, they can’t perform their job effectively, leading to leaks. Every time you disassemble your vape tank to replace the coil, you should take a look at the gaskets and replace any that show signs of damage. Most vape kits come with spare gaskets for this very reason.

6. Incorrect Assembly and Crossed Threads

Proper assembly of your vape tank is essential. If components are not screwed together correctly, or if the threads are crossed, it can create gaps through which e-liquid can leak. Always take your time when assembling or disassembling your device. Ensure each part is aligned correctly and tightened just enough to seal without over-tightening, which can also damage threads or gaskets.

When you disassemble your tank to replace the coil, pay attention to how the threads feel when you screw the tank’s components back together. If the threads get stuck, they’re probably crossed — so don’t force them. Back the threads up and try again.

7. Storing Your Vape On Its Side

How you store your vape can also contribute to leaks. If left on its side for too long, e-liquid can seep out through airflow holes or other openings. Ideally, store your vape upright when not in use. This position helps to keep the e-liquid where it’s supposed to be and reduces the risk of leakage.

8. Factory Defects in Coils

Occasionally, a leak might be due to a manufacturing defect in the coil. Coils with poor construction or faulty wicking material can fail to absorb e-liquid properly, leading to leaks. If you suspect a defective coil, replace it with a new one. It’s always a good idea to have spare coils on hand for such situations.

9. Incompatible E-Liquid Viscosity

The viscosity of your e-liquid can greatly affect your vaping experience. Using a thin, high-PG e-liquid in a device designed for thicker VG/PG ratios can cause leaks, as the liquid can easily flow through gaps meant for thicker juices. Ensure you’re using an e-liquid with the appropriate viscosity for your device. If you prefer high-PG juices for their throat hit and flavor, consider a device specifically designed for them.

10. Low Wattage Setting

Setting your device’s wattage too low can lead to inefficient vaporization of the e-liquid, which might cause leaking. The coil doesn’t heat up enough to vaporize the liquid it absorbs, leading to buildup and eventual leakage. Adjust your wattage settings according to the coil’s specifications and your e-liquid’s viscosity to ensure efficient vaporization and prevent leaks.

11. Incorrect Filling (Central Airflow Chimney)

A common mistake that can lead to leaking is putting the e-liquid in the wrong place when you fill your device’s tank, pod or cartridge. No matter what type of vape you’re using, remember that the central chimney is for air and vapor only. The filling port will be slightly offset from the center; that’s where the e-liquid goes. If you put e-liquid in the center chimney of your tank, it’ll immediately travel down to the coil and leak out of the tank’s airflow vents. Many devices have clear markings or instructions to guide you.

12. Pod System’s Filling Port Stopper

For pod systems, the filling port stopper must be completely closed to prevent leaks. If it’s not fully sealed, e-liquid can escape. Always double-check that the stopper is securely in place after refilling. If the stopper is damaged or worn out, it may be time to replace the pod.

13. Using an Outdated Vape Tank

Vape tank technology has come a long way over the past few years. Tanks have evolved much more quickly, in fact, than vape mods during that time. They generate bigger clouds and deeper flavors than ever, and they also operate more reliably than ever. If you haven’t upgraded your vape tank in a while, it might be time to do that if you’re dealing with persistent leaking issues. If you’ve been having trouble finding replacement coils for your tank, it’s likely that the tank is no longer in production. This is a sure sign that it’s time for a new tank.

14. Using a Tank with a Clapton Coil

Vape tanks with Clapton coils are more likely to leak than modern tanks with mesh coils. Clapton coils aren’t nearly as common today as they used to be, but it’s worth mentioning because any vape coil that’s braided, twisted or wound is likely to generate vapor with a large droplet size that will cause excess condensation to form in your tank’s chimney. You’ll probably notice a lot of gurgling in this case as well. It’s probably time for you to buy a more modern vape tank. In the meantime, though, you can help to prevent your tank from leaking by running a rolled-up piece of paper towel down the tank’s mouthpiece and chimney periodically to absorb excess condensation.

Final Thoughts

Leaking vapes can be a nuisance, but in most cases, the issue can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting. Understanding the potential causes of leaks and how to address them is key to maintaining a leak-free vaping experience. Regular maintenance, correct assembly, appropriate e-liquid selection, and proper usage practices can all contribute to preventing leaks. If you’ve tried these solutions and still face persistent issues, consider reaching out to the manufacturer for further assistance. Remember, a well-cared-for vape is a happy vape.