Why Your Vape Is Leaking

Vapes often leak, which can get confusing when it comes to troubleshooting the exact reason for the leakage. Read on for a deep dive into the possible reasons your vape could be leaking, and learn about the steps you can take to fix this problem.

The causes of vape leakages

Explore the most common causes of vape leakages below:

  • Incorrect filling of the tank/pod: Overfilling your tank/pod can lead to leakages, due to the pressure caused by too much e-liquid. Additionally refilling too fast does not allow any air to escape, also causing problems.

  • Airflow setting: Leaving your airflow setting open can risk e-liquid leakage.

  • Damaged/ old o rings: O rings are rubber seals that prevent e-liquid from escaping from your tank. Over time the rubber in these seals degrade, meaning they do not seal the tank properly anymore. This causes a great deal of e-liquid leakage.

  • Coil problems: Incorrectly installing your coil can cause leaks, as can not replacing your coil often enough.

  • Wrong VG/PG ratio: Different devices require e-liquids of different VG/PG ratios. Using the wrong e-liquid can mean it is too thick or thin for your type of device.

  • Temperature fluctuations: Significant changes in temperature can cause the consistency of e-liquid to thin, leading to leakages. Heat can particularly alter the consistency of vape juice.

  • Hard inhales: Inhaling too hard can flood your coil, causing e-liquid leakage.

the fixes

There are simple steps you can take to rectify these issues including:

  • Filling Tanks/pods : When filling your tank or pod ensure you leave a gap at the top to avoid e-liquid overspill. You should also make sure to refill your tank/pod slowly to allow air to escape.

  • Airflow: Keep your airflow setting tight to avoid leaks, as a tight setting creates a vacuum, reducing the risk of any leaks.

  • O rings: Be sure to regularly check your o rings for signs of wear and tear and replace them often. Signs of needing to replace your rings include brittleness, cracks, and flat spots.

  • Coils: make sure to screw your coil in tight enough when installing it. Additionally, you need to replace your coil every 1-2 weeks as old coils do not absorb e-liquid properly, leading to more leaks.

  • PG/VG ratio: Identify the correct VG/PG e-liquid ratio for your vape kit, sub ohm vapes generally require a 70VG 30PG base whilst simple MTL pod kits use balanced 50/50 e-liquids.

  • Temperature: To avoid e-liquid thinning due to temperature fluctuations, make sure you store both your vape and e-liquid at a cool, ambient temperature. Always avoid leaving your vape in hot environments like a car for long periods of time.

  • Inhale: Ensure you aren't inhaling too hard, focus on taking longer, softer draws rather than short sharp bursts.
Frequently asked questions

Vapes leak e-liquid into your mouth due to the coil being flooded, this is often caused by overfilling the tank, taking strong puffs, or the e-liquid being too thin.

To keep your vape pods from leaking you can avoid overfilling them, replace worn out coils frequently, and make sure the pod is securely clicked into place before vaping.

A leaking vape is not dangerous but leaking e-liquid can irritate the skin, as well as render the vape unusable.

Leaking from the airhole is also generally caused by a flooded coil. This can be due to overfilling, improper filling (i.e. putting the e-liquid in the wrong place, or e-liquid that is too thin for the device.

Yes, the  pressure changes experienced during a flight can cause vape pods to leak. We recommend emptying your pods and tanks before takeoff. You should also store your e-liquids and pre-filled pods in a clear plastic bag in your carry on luggage to minimize the risk of leakages. For more on this check out our blog.

A vape leaking smoke is most likely caused by a faulty seal or an overfull pod/ tank.

Yes, because vapes can leak from the airflow hole/ mouthpiece when on their sides, we recommend keeping it upright wherever you can.

Some vapes are leak resistant but there is always a chance that vape leaks as a result of user error/ old parts like coils and o rings. Leakproof vapes include the Vaporesso Xros 4, the Oxva Xlim Pro, and the Geekvape Aegis series.