Vaping has been increasingly popular since it first came to the market, as it is seen as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes and smoking tobacco. It offers the same nicotine high but without all the additional carcinogens, heavy metals, and other toxins found in cigarettes. Additionally, vaping has been promoted as a way to quit smoking traditional cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products.
Still, as vaping has become more popular, it faces some challenges. There have been a good number of instances when people have complained about their vape leaking, in turn creating an unpleasant experience. If you're wondering, "Why does my vape leak?" it's important to consider factors such as coil issues, improper assembly, or even changes in atmospheric pressure. Addressing the root cause of leakage can significantly improve the overall satisfaction of your vaping experience.
Why Does My Vape Keep Leaking When I Hit It?
Vape leaking is when e-liquid from your vape device (tank, pod, or other devices) leaks onto your hand, clothes, or other surfaces. This can happen for several reasons.
Reason 1: Overfilling
Overfilling your vape liquid tank is the most common cause of vape leaks when you hit it. When the tank is overfilled, the pressure inside increases, which can cause the liquid to be forcefully pushed out of the air holes. This can also happen if the tank is heated too quickly due to a faulty battery or used at higher than recommended wattages. In either of these scenarios, the pressure within the tank will increase and cause liquid to escape around the coil and out of the device.
Reason 2: Faulty Coils
The reason why for your question: “why is my vape leaking?”, is when it’s hit is that the coil inside is simply faulty. Coils are typically made of a wire wrapped around a cotton wick; when the cotton wears out, it can become brittle and break down. This can cause the coil to become disposed of, which leads to vape leaking when you hit it because the liquid can escape through the gaps in the coil.
Reason 3: Broken Seal
The O-rings inside the atomizer base can become worn and cracked after extensive use, leading to a leaking vape when you hit it. This is because the liquid can escape through the gaps created around the O-rings and out of the device. This can also occur if the tank has been opened incorrectly and the O-ring doesn't have a proper seal after it's been closed back up.
Reason 4: Using the Wrong E-Liquid
A final possible reason for vape leaking is using e-liquid with a PG/VG ratio that does not work with the device. Vape devices all work differently, so selecting the right liquid for the device is important. If the liquids don't match, it can cause leaking as the device cannot absorb the liquid properly.
Reason 5: Damaged Vape Tank
A vape tank is a core part of vaping device; therefore, damage can also cause leakage. Sometimes, when the tank is made of Glass or plastic, these materials can be easily broken. If the tank is cracked, the liquid will leak out.
Reason 6: Loose parts
Vape leaking can happen due to parts that are not tightened enough or have come loose. Check for small gaps in connections and ensure that the airflow control valve is not accidentally closed. Ensuring all parts are tightly tightened and closed off should help solve any leaking issues.
To guarantee vaping safety, it's important to ensure that your tank is filled correctly, that you're using the correct type of e-liquid, and that your coils and seals are in good condition. Additionally, ensure that your battery isn't operating too high a wattage or temperature, as this can cause excess pressure to build up and lead to a leaking vape when you hit it.
Is It Safe to Use a Leaking Vape?
A leaking vape is not recommended, as it can create several safety issues. In particular, leaking e-liquid can cause harm if it gets into your eyes, mouth, or skin. It can also create a fire hazard if the liquid gets onto a heating element, like a coil.
Additionally, the leaking liquid could expose you to toxic chemicals or metals, as the liquid is mostly composed of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. It can get onto other items or surfaces and be ingested, leading to health risks. Leaking also can damage or ruin items it is in contact with, such as clothing or furniture.
Therefore, it is unsafe to use a leaking vape for these reasons. It is best to take precautionary measures to ensure that the device is properly working and that all the seals and connections are intact. If the device has become damaged, it should be properly discarded, as it is unsafe to use.
How Do I Stop My Vape Pod from Leaking?
If your vape pod leaks, it is likely due to a worn seal or connection issue. To stop the leak, you can try the following solutions:
Solution 1: Check the O-Rings
The first step is to ensure that the O-rings inside the atomizer base are intact and in good condition. If they are loose, cracked, or missing, they won’t be able to create a proper seal when you close up the tank.
Solution 2: Tighten the Connections
When using a refillable pod, make sure to connect the pod to the battery unit properly. This is an often-overlooked step, but it is very important to prevent any leakages. In addition, if there are any loose connections in your device, tighten them up.
Solution 3: Clean and Prime New Coils
Before using a new coil, it is important to clean it with a dry cloth and prime it with a thin layer of e-liquid. This helps the coil heat up evenly and prevents it from burning. Additionally, it creates a tighter and cleaner connection with the tank, which can help prevent the vape pod from leaking.
Solution 4: Properly Fill the Tank
When filling the pod tank, make sure not to overfill it. Too much liquid in the tank will cause the pressure inside to increase, and this can cause leaking. To prevent this, read the instructions for your device and only fill the tank to the recommended amount.
Solution 5: Use the Right E-Liquid
Ensure you are using the right type of liquid for your device. Selecting the wrong PG/VG ratio or strength can lead to leaking, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions or speak to an experienced vape user before filling the tank.
Solution 6: Replace the Coils
If the leak continues, you may need to replace the coils. Over time, vapors can cause the coils in your cartridge to become covered in residue and debris, which can cause a leaking issue. Replacing the coils can help to ensure the device is working properly and can help prevent leaking.
Conclusion
Various factors can cause vape leaking, and it is important to identify the root cause to ensure the device is working properly and prevent it from becoming a safety hazard. To prevent the vape from leaking, properly fill the tank and select the correct type of e-liquid. And in the event of an ongoing leak, it is best to discard the device and grab/buy a new one.