A leaking vape wastes e-liquid, makes a mess in your pocket and can stop the device working if liquid reaches the battery connection. The good news is that leaks have a small number of causes, and you can usually find yours in a few minutes. This guide covers why vapes leak and gurgle, how to fix a leaking tank or pod, and how to stop it happening again.
Is it a leak or condensation?
Check this first. Every vape produces some condensation: vapour cools inside the mouthpiece and air channel and turns back into droplets. A small amount of moisture around the mouthpiece or the base of the pod is normal and wipes away.
A real leak looks different. You'll see e-liquid pooling on the outside of the tank, under the pod, in the pod bay or around the air holes, and the liquid level will drop faster than your vaping explains.
Why is my vape leaking?
1. The tank or pod is overfilled
Filling right to the top leaves no room for air, and pressure pushes liquid out through the coil and air holes. Stop just below the top of the tank or pod and leave a small air gap.
2. Liquid went down the centre tube while filling
On tanks, the centre tube (chimney) runs straight to the coil and mouthpiece. If e-liquid drips into it while you're filling, it floods the coil and runs out of the air holes. Tilt the tank slightly and aim the nozzle at the inside wall.
3. The coil or pod isn't seated properly
A coil that isn't screwed in fully, or is cross-threaded, leaves a gap for liquid to escape. On pod devices, a pod that isn't pushed firmly into place can leak into the pod bay. Remove the coil or pod and refit it carefully until it's snug. Don't over-tighten a coil, as that can damage its seal.
4. A seal is damaged, dirty or missing
Tanks rely on small rubber rings (O-rings) to keep liquid in. If one is torn, twisted, missing or dirty, liquid seeps past it. Check each ring is in its groove and undamaged. Many tanks come with spare seals in the box. On pods, check the rubber bung on the fill port is pushed fully closed.
5. The e-liquid is too thin for your coil
Thinner e-liquids with more PG (propylene glycol) flow into the coil faster than thicker, high-VG (vegetable glycerine) liquids. In a coil designed for thick liquid, a thin liquid can flood it and leak. Match your liquid to your coil: check the recommended liquid type on the coil or pod packaging. Our guide to VG and PG explains the difference.
6. The coil or pod is worn out
As a coil ages, its wicking material can break down and stop holding liquid properly. A pod used for a long time can also wear around its seals. If a leak starts after weeks of use with no other cause, replace the coil or pod.
7. The tank or pod is cracked
Drops can crack a glass tank or a plastic pod, sometimes along a hairline that's hard to see. Dry it thoroughly, fill it and check for liquid appearing along one line. A cracked tank section or pod needs replacing.
8. Heat, pressure or storage
Leaving a vape in a hot car, in direct sun or lying on its side for hours can push liquid through the coil. So can the pressure changes of a flight. Store your vape upright and out of the heat. If you're flying, see our guide to taking your vape on holiday.
Why is my vape leaking from the bottom?
Tank leaking from the bottom
Liquid at the base of a tank usually comes from the coil, the seals or the airflow. Many tanks draw air in near the bottom, right next to the coil, so any excess liquid in the coil escapes there first. Check, in this order:
- the coil is screwed in fully and straight
- the base seals are present and undamaged
- you haven't overfilled or dripped liquid down the centre tube
- your e-liquid isn't too thin for the coil
Pod leaking from the bottom
On pod devices, liquid under the pod usually means a flooded coil, an overfilled pod or a fill-port bung that isn't closed. It can also mean the pod is worn. Wipe the pod and the pod bay dry, check the bung, and try a fresh pod. If you use prefilled pods and one leaks from new, it may be faulty: swap it for another. Keep liquid away from the metal contacts, which can stop the device firing. If that happens, see why your vape isn't working.
Why is my vape gurgling or bubbling?
Gurgling, bubbling and spitting usually mean the coil is flooded: more liquid has reached it than it can vaporise, so some sits in the coil and air channel. Common causes are drawing too hard, a tank filled too full, liquid in the centre tube, or a liquid that's too thin for the coil.
To clear it:
- Stop vaping and remove the tank or pod.
- Wipe the mouthpiece and air holes dry.
- Wrap the tank or pod in a tissue and give it a couple of gentle flicks, mouthpiece down, to shake out excess liquid. With a tank, you can also roll a piece of tissue into the centre tube to soak up liquid, then remove it.
- Refit it and take a few gentle, short puffs.
Some bubbling in the tank when you draw is normal. It's air replacing the liquid the coil is using. It's only a problem if it comes with gurgling in the mouthpiece or liquid spitting into your mouth.
Your airflow setting matters too. Drawing hard on a tight airflow setting can pull too much liquid into the coil. Our guide to airflow explains how to set it.
How to fix a leaking vape tank
- Empty and dismantle the tank. Remove the coil and take the tank apart as far as the manual allows.
- Clean and dry every part. Rinse with warm water, then let everything dry completely before refitting. Our tank cleaning guide covers this step by step.
- Check the seals. Replace any torn, twisted or missing O-rings.
- Check the glass or tank section for cracks.
- Fit the coil correctly. Screw it in straight until snug. If it's old, use a new one.
- Refill carefully. Keep liquid out of the centre tube and don't fill to the very top.
- Let the coil soak. Leave a new coil a few minutes to absorb liquid before you vape.
If the tank still leaks after all of this, a part is likely damaged and the tank or pod needs replacing.
How to prevent leaks
- Fill to just below the top and keep liquid out of the centre tube.
- Close fill ports and screw tank parts together properly after every refill.
- Use the liquid type your coil or pod is designed for.
- Take steady, gentle puffs rather than hard draws.
- Store your vape upright, away from heat and direct sun.
- Replace coils and pods regularly, before they wear out.
- Check the seals whenever you clean or change a coil.
Cleaning up leaked e-liquid safely
Nicotine e-liquid can irritate skin, and nicotine can be absorbed through it. The Royal College of Nursing's guidance on e-liquid exposure advises removing any soaked clothing and washing affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wipe up spills straight away, and keep leaking devices and bottles well away from children and pets.
If someone swallows e-liquid, or you're worried about exposure, follow the NHS advice on poisoning: call 999 or go to A&E if someone may have swallowed something harmful, or call NHS 111 if you're not sure. If a pet swallows e-liquid, contact your vet straight away.
If liquid has leaked into the battery area of your device, stop using it until it's completely dry. If it stops working properly, or the battery shows any signs of damage, stop using it altogether and recycle it safely.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my vape keep leaking with a new coil?
Check the coil is screwed in straight and snug, the seals are in place, and you haven't overfilled or dripped liquid down the centre tube. If all of that is right, your e-liquid may be too thin for that coil.
Is it normal for a vape to leak a little?
A little condensation around the mouthpiece or pod base is normal. Liquid pooling on the outside of the tank or in the pod bay isn't, and has a cause you can usually fix.
Why does my vape leak on a plane?
Cabin pressure changes can push liquid out through the coil. Travel with your tank empty or only part-filled, and keep it upright.
Can a leaking vape damage the battery?
E-liquid on the battery contacts can stop the device firing. Wipe the contacts dry, and don't use or charge the device if liquid has got inside it.