Why is liquid coming out of my vape?

Most of the time, when a vape device leaks, the moisture is just condensation. When you inhale on a vape device, you draw vapour from a tank or cartridge through the mouthpiece. When vapour hits the cooler surface inside the device tube, it can condense to form droplets. These droplets often go unnoticed and evaporate in a few minutes. If enough condensation builds up, droplets can form around the mouthpiece. When this happens, some vape owners might think their device is leaking.

Common Causes

1. Overfilling

Overfilling the tank or pod with too much e-liquid can have a couple of knock-on effects. Firstly, when you overfill with e-liquid this doesn't leave much room for air at the top - and this pocket of air is actually pretty important. Firstly, it helps regulate the pressure inside, preventing e-liquid from being 'pushed' out.

When you draw from your device, this creates a negative pressure (or vacuum) that is not too dissimilar from sucking the air out of a bottle. If you've overfilled the tank, this negative pressure can 'pull' more e-liquid into the coil area than needed, which will flood the coil and result in potential leaks. You'll know you've flooded the coil if your vape starts to gurgle and spit.

Secondly, as the coil heats and vaporises the e-liquid, this causes the air inside to expand. The air pocket acts as a 'cushion', preventing the e-liquid - which has to go somewhere - from being pushed out through any available openings.

2. Worn Seals

If you're using an open-system or device with a Clearomiser, seals, or O-Rings, are important as they help to maintain tight seals between the different parts of the vape, such as the tank and battery or mouthpiece. They also help to prevent e-liquid from leaking out from these connections. Over time, they can wear out with use or get damaged, resulting in their inability to hold the e-liquid in. Inspecting and replacing these seals or can often resolve the issue.

3. Coil Installation

Leaks can also occur when a vape coil isn't installed correctly. For example, if the coil is loose or it isn't aligned with the sealing points on the tank, this can lead result in gaps which disrupt the vacuum seal and present an opportunity for e-liquid to escape. Some replaceable coils also come with small rubber seals which can become damaged during installation or over a period of time.

4. Wrong E-Liquid

E-liquids are available in different ratios, so it's important to choose one that is compatible with your device. E-liquids with a high PG (Propylene Glycol) content are thinner in consistency than those with a higher VG (Vegetable Glycerin), which can lead to leaks a couple of different ways. Firstly, if the e-liquid is too thin, it can quickly oversature the wick causing it to absorb liquid quicker than the coil can vaporise it. 

5. Condensation

The most common cause isn't really a cause at all, more of a misconception. When you vape, the warm vapour can turn back into tiny liquid droplets inside your device once it hits cooler parts such as the mouthpiece. These e-liquid droplets can accumulate and eventually drip out, making it appear like your vape is leaking. Cleaning your vape regularly, especially around the mouthpiece, can help prevent this from happening.

How do I stop my vape from leaking?

Check the device for cracks and damage if you notice your vape leaks. There may be easy fixes, such as tightening parts to prevent leaking, checking settings or storing your device correctly. Learn how to fix your leaking vape here.

1. Check for cracks and damage

Cause: If you’ve dropped or stepped on your device, damage to the tank that holds the e-liquid, or any of the connecting parts, can cause leaks.

Solution: check over your device thoroughly, replacing any broken parts

2. Tighten the tank

Cause: e-liquid can leak from tanks or pods that aren’t connected properly.

Solution: ensure the tank is attached correctly and tighten it if needed, but avoid over-tightening, as this can cause damage.

3. Fill the tank correctly

Cause: some devices require e-liquid to be topped up manually. Adding too much e-liquid can cause leaking issues when you come to use your vape.

Solution: learn how to refill your vape tank properly in our guide.

4. Check the coil and e-liquid combination

Cause: some coils are less suited to certain e-liquids, making leaks more likely.

Solution: if you choose a low-resistance coil, a thicker e-liquid might be needed to avoid leaks.

If you use a closed-system ePen or Vuse Pro, there’s no need to consider your coil and e-liquid combination. Vuse ePods are compatible with our devices and come in different nicotine strengths and flavours, so you can choose what works for you.

5. Change the coil

Cause: your may notice leakage if the coil needs replacing, as the wicking material is no longer able to retain the e-liquid for vaporisation

Solution: take your device apart and check the coil, replacing it with a new one if you suspect it’s causing the leak.

6. Store the device upright

Cause: storing the device on its side can cause e-liquid to leak.

Solution: always store your device upright.

Want to learn more about vaping and e-liquids? Explore the Vuse blog for more device maintenance and user advice, or browse vaping FAQs for the answers to our most common questions. 

* These products are not risk-free and contain nicotine, an addictive substance.