Tips That Can Help You Deal With Floods And Leaks
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Oct 10th 2016
Are you asking yourself why your vape tank is leaking? Leaky and flooding tanks can put a real dent in your vaping experience. The good news is that it happens for a handful of well-understood reasons, and most of the time the fix is quick. Getting familiar with how your device works makes it much easier to spot the cause and sort the problem out fast.
Flooding vs. Leaking: What's the Difference?
Flooding is the most common issue people mistake for a leak. It happens when you draw on your device too hard, pulling more e-liquid into the coil than the wick can vaporize. The excess liquid then rushes out onto the battery connection or up into your mouth. If you have experienced it, you know it is unpleasant and well worth avoiding.
Flooding a battery can do real damage on a larger scale. It can kill the battery outright or leave your tank with a constant gurgling sound. Your tank is likely flooding if you see liquid pooling around the area where the battery and the cartomizer or coil base meet.
Other causes of flooding include overfilling the tank or running an atomizer coil that has simply worn out and can no longer wick properly.
A true leak is different. Leaks are usually caused by small cracks in the tank that let liquid seep out. Certain e-liquid flavors like menthol, cinnamon, and some fruit flavors are known to degrade plastic tanks over time and cause them to crack. That is the main reason many people choose glass tanks instead. A crack could also come from dropping the device. Even a tiny crack or a slightly bent housing can break the seal. Most tanks stay leak-free because the glass and the housing fit together perfectly with a proper seal; once that seal is broken, leaks tend to start. Sometimes the damage is not even visible.
How to Fix a Vape Flood
If you are confident the atomizer coil is still working, fixing a flood is simple. Disassemble the parts of your device and use a paper towel to dry everything off. Blow gently through the tip or use a q-tip to clear out any liquid that is causing the gurgling sound.
For longer-term peace of mind, consider switching to a clear tank. A clear tank lets you see the liquid level at all times, so there is no guesswork and far less risk of overfilling.
How to Fix a Leak
If your device is genuinely leaking because of a crack, there is no quick patch. You will need to buy replacement glass, or a whole new tank if the metal housing was bent or damaged as well.
Getting a vape pen to run smoothly usually comes down to a few small tweaks, some basic knowledge of how the parts work together, and using the right products in the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my vape leaking from the airflow holes?
Liquid usually reaches the airflow holes from overfilling, leaving the tank on its side, a worn O-ring, or e-liquid that is thin enough to seep past the wick and flood the coil. Keep the airflow closed while filling, leave a small air pocket at the top, and store the device upright.
Why does my vape gurgle when I inhale?
A gurgle almost always means excess e-liquid has pooled in the coil chamber, often from flooding. Remove the tank and gently blow through the mouthpiece with a tissue held at the airflow holes to clear the extra liquid, then take slower, gentler draws so the coil can keep up.
Can certain e-liquid flavors crack my tank?
Yes. Menthol, cinnamon, and some citrus or fruit flavors can break down plastic tanks over time and lead to cracks. If you vape these flavors regularly, a glass tank is a more durable choice.
Do I need to replace the whole tank, or just the glass?
If only the glass is cracked and the metal housing is intact, a replacement glass section will do the job. If the housing is bent or the threading is damaged, you will likely need a new tank.
How do I stop my tank from flooding in the first place?
Avoid overfilling, replace coils once they wear out, prime a fresh coil with a few drops of e-liquid and let it sit 5 to 10 minutes before use, and draw steadily rather than hard. A clear tank also helps you keep an eye on the fill level.
Is some condensation around the airflow normal?
A small amount of condensation in the airflow area is common with most tanks and can be wiped away with a paper towel. Steady pooling, a wet battery connection, or constant gurgling points to flooding, a damaged seal, or a cracked tank that needs attention.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.