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Why Is My Vape Leaking?
Touch of Vape FAQs
A leaking vape is one of the most common and most frustrating device issues. Here is a clear guide to why vapes leak, which specific cause applies to you and what to do to fix it.
Coil Fit
Poorly Seated Coil Is the Most Common Cause
Overfill
Second Most Common, Liquid Above the Fill Line
Crack
Damaged Tank or Pod, Physical Replacement Required
The cause
Why Is My Vape Leaking?
Usually a coil seating, overfill or tank seal issue
Each cause has a specific fix
Vape leaking is a symptom with several possible causes. The most common are: a coil that is not properly installed and seated in the tank, liquid added above the maximum fill line that has no room to go except out of the device, a damaged or worn O-ring seal that no longer creates a proper liquid barrier, and a cracked tank or pod that allows liquid to escape through the damaged wall. Identifying which of these applies to your device is the first step to fixing it.
Diagnose and fix
Why Your Vape Is Leaking and How to Fix It
Poorly Seated or Loose Coil
The most common single cause of tank leaking. If a replacement coil has not been threaded or clicked into the base of the tank correctly, it creates a gap through which liquid escapes. Remove the coil, check that the thread is not cross-threaded, and reinstall firmly until it seats fully. For pod devices with click-in coils, ensure the click is confirmed, a half-inserted pod coil will leak at the join.
Liquid Above the Maximum Fill Line
Filling above the maximum fill line forces liquid into the central airway tube, from where it leaks out of the mouthpiece or bottom of the device. Fix: Empty some liquid from the tank using a syringe or piece of cotton to absorb the excess, then ensure future fills stay below the maximum line.
Worn or Damaged O-Ring Seals
O-rings are small rubber seals that sit at the joints between coil, tank glass and battery section, preventing liquid from escaping at these joins. O-rings degrade over time and can be damaged by over-tightening or exposure to citrus and cinnamon flavours (which can degrade rubber). Replacement O-rings are typically available for most devices. Check the joint that corresponds to where the liquid is appearing, the nearest O-ring is usually the culprit.
Cracked Tank Glass or Damaged Pod
A hairline crack in the tank glass or a physically damaged pod creates a path for liquid to escape through the wall. This is a physical damage issue, clean the device, replace the cracked glass (available as a spare part for most devices) or replace the damaged pod. Some e-liquid flavours containing citrus or acids can stress certain tank materials over time and accelerate cracking.
Wrong Liquid Viscosity for the Device
Very thin liquids (high PG, low VG) have a lower viscosity and flow more easily through wicking ports and seals. Devices designed for higher-VG liquids may leak with high-PG formulations because the thinner liquid passes through gaps that thicker liquid would not. Switching to a higher-VG formulation (70/30 or above) can resolve leaking that is related to liquid viscosity.
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FAQs
Our FAQ guide covers leaking, flooding, device troubleshooting and everything you need to keep your device performing well.
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