20 Ways to Fix a Leaking E-Cig | Get Rid of Those Sticky Stains
Vaping should be a smooth and enjoyable experience. But when your trusty vape kit starts leaking. It can turn into a sticky mess. E-liquids are not just sticky. They can stain your clothes, furniture, or anything else they touch. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why is my vape kit leaking?”—you’re not alone. Fortunately, we’ve got some easy and practical solutions for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 practical ways to fix a leaking e-cig. Whether you’ve just noticed a few drops or you’re dealing with a full-blown mess. So, you can enjoy your trusty vape kit. Also, we’ll help you get rid of those stains too.
The Importance of Addressing Leaks
Before diving into the fixes, let’s understand why it’s crucial to address leaking e-cigs quickly. E-liquids can leave sticky stains on your clothes, furniture, and surfaces, which can be a pain to clean. Plus, leaks can indicate deeper issues with your vape device that need attention.
Let’s jump right in.
Table: Quick Fixes for a Leaking E-Cig
Problem | Fix |
Damaged O-Rings | Replace the O-rings |
Overfilled Tank | Leave space when filling the tank |
Loose Parts | Tighten all parts (but not too tight) |
Wrong E-Liquid | Switch to higher VG e-liquids |
Clogged Coil | Replace the coil or cotton wick. |
Open Airflow | Reduce the airflow settings. |
Chain Vaping | Take breaks between puffs. |
Extreme Temperatures | Keep vape kit at room temperature. |
Worn Tank | Replace your vape tank. |
20 Ways to Fix a Leaking E-Cig
1. Check for Damage on Your Vape Tank
The first thing you should do if your vape kit is leaking is check for visible damage. A cracked or chipped tank is often the cause of leaks. Even the best vape tank won’t last forever, and if you spot any damage, it’s time to replace your vape tank.
What to do:
- Inspect your tank closely for any signs of cracks or chips.
- If you notice any, it’s best to buy a new one—no DIY fixes here, just a clean, simple replacement.
2. Tighten Everything Up | But Don’t Over-Tighten
Sometimes, the cause of a leaking vape tank is as simple as loose fittings. Ensure your tank is tightly secured to avoid e-liquid slipping out.
What to do:
- Check the top and bottom of the tank to make sure everything is properly tightened.
- Ensure your coil is properly seated, creating a solid seal within the vape tank.
Tightening doesn’t mean overtightening. If you cross-thread your tank, you’ll create even more gaps for e-liquid to escape.
3. Use the Right Coil and Liquid Combo
Vaping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your vape device, the liquid and coil you use make a big difference. If your vape kit is leaking, your coil might not match your e-liquid type.
Coil Type | Best For | E-Liquid |
Higher Resistance (1.0ohm and above) | Stronger throat hit, less vapour | 50:50 e-liquids, Nicotine Salts |
Lower Resistance (1.0ohm and below) | More vapour, smoother hit | High VG e-liquids (70:30) |
If you’re using a thinner liquid with a coil designed for thicker e-liquids, you might be asking for trouble. That thinner juice can slip through larger coil holes, causing leaks.
4. Inhale Longer When Vaping
Short puffs? That’s a no-go. Unlike smoking, vaping requires a longer draw to give the device enough time to heat up and properly vaporize the e-liquid. If you’re too quick, you might get e-liquid in your mouth.
What to do:
- Take slow, long puffs. Give your vape device time to vaporize the liquid.
- This helps prevent e-liquid from leaking out before it’s properly heated.
5. Use Higher VG E-Liquids
High VG (Vegetable Glycerin) e-liquids are thicker and less likely to leak compared to thinner e-liquids. If your vape kit is leaking, especially with low-resistance coils, try switching to a thicker e-liquid.
What to do:
- Look for e-liquids with a 70:30 VG to PG ratio.
- Thicker liquids mean less chance for leaks.
6. Replace Your Coils Regularly
Coils don’t last forever. When they get old or clogged, they don’t function as efficiently, which can lead to leaks. A clogged coil won’t vaporize the liquid properly, and that extra e-liquid needs somewhere to go—out of your tank!
What to do:
- Replace your coil every 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you vape.
- Always carry spares with you to avoid leaks while on the go.
7. Clean the Vape Chimney
Over time, your device’s chimney can collect condensation and residue. This build-up may block the flow of vapour, causing leaks.
What to do:
- Disassemble your device and gently clean the chimney using a dry cloth.
- Removing excess residue can help keep things running smoothly.
8. Fill Your Tank the Right Way
It might seem easy to just fill your tank to the top, but that can be a big mistake. When overfilled, there’s no room for air to create a vacuum, which helps keep the liquid in place.
What to do:
- Leave a small bubble of air at the top when filling your tank.
- The air will help prevent leaks by balancing the pressure inside the tank.
Not filling your tank properly can quickly turn into a leaking vape tank issue.
9. Adjust Your Power Settings
If you’re using a vape device with adjustable power, make sure your settings match your coil and e-liquid. If your power is set too low, the e-liquid may not vaporize fully, causing leaks.
What to do:
- Check the recommended wattage range for your coil.
- Adjust your power settings accordingly to avoid underheating the e-liquid.
Power Setting | Recommended Coil |
Low (10W-20W) | Higher resistance coils |
High (20W+) | Lower resistance coils |
10. Keep Your Vape Upright
Laying your vape down when not in use? That’s another big leak risk. E-cigarettes are designed to work best in an upright position and tipping them over can let liquid escape.
What to do:
- Store your vape device standing up whenever possible.
- Keep it in a stable place when not in use to avoid any liquid messes.
11. Check Your O-Rings and Seals
The seals within a vape tank are small rubber rings (O-rings) that prevent e-liquid from leaking out. Over time, these rings can wear out or get dislodged, leading to leaks.
What to do:
- Disassemble your tank and inspect the O-rings for damage or wear.
- Replace any damaged or missing seals to prevent leaks.
12. Use the Right E-Liquid
Sometimes, the e-liquid you’re using might be too thin for your vape device. If your e-cig is leaking. Especially around the airflow holes. Try switching to a thicker e-liquid. High VG (Vegetable Glycerine) e-liquids are thicker and less likely to seep out compared to PG (Propylene Glycol)-based liquids, which are thinner.
If you’re using a vape kit designed for sub-ohm vaping. High VG e-liquids are usually the best option. This will help prevent leaks and give you a smoother vaping experience.
13. Don’t Overfill Your Tank
Filling your vape tank too full is a common reason for leaks. When your tank is too full. It leaves no room for air. Causing e-liquid to flood the coil and leak through the airflow holes.
What to do:
To avoid this. Always leave a little bit of space at the top of your tank when filling it up. This small air gap helps maintain pressure and keeps your e-liquid in place.
14. Store Your Vape Kit Correctly
How you store your vape device matters. Leaving it lying on its side for long periods can cause e-liquid to escape.
What to do:
Always store your vape kit upright. If you need to carry it around. Use a case that keeps it standing. This helps keep the e-liquid inside the tank and stops leaks from happening.
15. Check for Loose Parts
Sometimes, a vape kit is leaking because something is loose.
What to do:
Check all the parts of your vape kit. From the tank to the coil to the mouthpiece. And make sure they’re all tightly screwed in place. A loose part can create gaps that allow e-liquid to escape.
Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the parts or threads.
16. Reduce Airflow Settings
If you’re using your vape with fully open airflow. This could lead to leaks. Especially if you’re using a thinner e-liquid. Reducing the airflow can help slow down how quickly the liquid is vaporized. And prevent excess liquid from leaking out.
What to do:
Start by closing the airflow vents slightly and see if that stops the leaks. You may need to experiment with different settings. To find the right balance for your device and e-liquid.
17. Avoid Chain Vaping
Chain vaping—taking continuous puffs one after another—can cause your e-cig to flood and leak. The coil doesn’t have enough time to properly vaporize the e-liquid. Which leads to excess liquid leaking out.
What to do:
Give your vape a short break between puffs to let the coil do its job. This simple habit can prevent your vape kit from leaking. And also improve the overall vaping experience.
18. Replace the Cotton Wick
The cotton wick in your coil absorbs the e-liquid and turns it into vapour. When it’s burnt or clogged. It won’t absorb properly. It can cause leaks.
What to do:
Replace the coil with a new one if the cotton inside seems worn out. If you’re comfortable with rebuilding, you can just replace the cotton wick. Fresh cotton will soak up the e-liquid better and stop leaks.
Fresh cotton will absorb the e-liquid better. Preventing leaks and giving you better flavour.
19. Don’t Use Your Vape in Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat or cold can cause problems for your vape tank.
- In hot weather, e-liquids can become too thin. Making them more likely to leak out.
- On the other hand, cold weather can make the e-liquid too thick. Which leads to clogging and leaking when you return to a warmer place.
To avoid this. Try to keep your vape kit at room temperature. If you’ve been out in the sun or the cold for a while. Let your vape device adjust to room temperature before using it.
20. Replace Your Vape Tank
If you’ve tried all the fixes above and your vape kit is still leaking. It is time to replace your vape tank. Even the best vape tank can wear out over time. Cracks, worn threads, or damaged seals within a vape tank can lead to constant leaks that no other fix can resolve.
Investing in a new tank can give you a fresh start. And put an end to those annoying leaks. Make sure to choose a tank that fits your vape kit and is designed for the e-liquid you prefer.
Now that we’ve covered how to fix a leaking E-Cig. Let’s move on to vape stains cleanup.
The Cleanup: Removing Sticky E-Cig Stains
Oops! You’ve already had a leak. And now there’s sticky residue on your clothes or furniture. Don’t panic. E-liquids are usually made from Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG). Which are easy to clean.
What to do:
If your e-cig has caused a sticky situation. You’ll want to clean up the mess quickly. Here’s how to do it.
- Blot the Spill: Use a damp cloth to gently blot the spill. Removing as much e-liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
- Clean with Soap: Mix a little soap with warm water. Then use a clean cloth to wipe down the affected area. Do this quickly to prevent stains from setting.
- Rinse: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove soap residue.
- Dry: Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Final Thoughts: Stop Your Leaking E-Cig for Good
Dealing with a leaking e-cig is never fun. But the good news is that most leaks are easily fixable.
Remember, prevention is key. Regularly maintaining your vape kit. Keeping it clean will go a long way toward avoiding those annoying leaks in the future.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your vape without the mess.
Fresh Point Snooker and Hookah Lounge | Join Us for Relaxing Time
Looking for a great place to unwind? Come down to Fresh Point Snooker and Hookah Lounge.
After learning how to fix that leaking e-cig. Come share your vaping stories with us. Bring your friends to unwind and enjoy friendly games of snooker. Enjoy our selection of hookah flavours.
We can’t wait to see you!