Why Is My Vape Kit Leaking, Spitting, Or Bubbling (And How to Fix It)

April 8, 2025

Vape acting up with leaks, gurgles, or hot spits? Don’t worry, these are common issues. This guide breaks down why it happens and how to fix it quickly, so you can get back to a smooth vaping experience.

Vaping should be smooth and enjoyable, but sometimes your device might act up. If you’ve ever dealt with e-liquid leaks, weird bubbling sounds, or hot spits of vape juice, you're not alone. Let’s break down these common issues and how to sort them out.

Vape Leaking – What’s Going On?

A leaking vape usually means e-liquid is escaping from the tank or pod when it shouldn't. This can leave a mess, waste juice, and even affect performance.

Overfilling the Tank or Pod:

When you fill the tank too much, there’s no room for air to move around. This can cause pressure build-up and push the e-liquid through the airflow holes, leading to leaks. Always leave a small air gap at the top and never exceed the fill line (if there is one).

Damaged or loose O-rings and Seals

O-rings are tiny rubber seals found around the tank, coil, and base. If they’re cracked, worn out, or not sitting properly, e-liquid can escape through the gaps. It’s a good idea to check your device occasionally and replace damaged O-rings to prevent leaks.

Using thin E-liquids (Especially High PG)

E-liquids with a high Propylene Glycol (PG) content are thinner and flow more easily. While they’re great for some MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices, they can leak in sub-ohm tanks that are built for thicker, high-VG (Vegetable Glycerin) juices. If your device is leaking often, consider switching to a thicker e-liquid.

Leaving the vape on its side too often

When a vape lies on its side, gravity can pull the e-liquid into places it shouldn’t be — like the airflow holes. This might lead to leaking and gurgling. It's best to store your vape upright, especially when it's full.

Faulty coil Installation

If the coil isn’t screwed in properly or doesn’t fit snugly, it can leave gaps for the e-liquid to leak through. In some cases, the coil might be the wrong type for your tank. Always double-check that the coil is installed correctly and compatible with your device.

How to Fix a Leaking Vape

Don’t overfill: Stick to the fill line or leave a small air pocket at the top.
Check seals and O-rings: Replace worn or missing seals.
Use the right e-liquid: Thicker e-liquids (higher VG) are less likely to leak.
Upright storage: Keep your vape standing when not in use.
Reinstall or replace the coil: Ensure it's fitted properly and isn’t flooded.

Vape Spitting – What Does It Mean?

Spitting happens when hot e-liquid shoots up into your mouth — not pleasant at all. It’s usually caused by too much juice around the coil or in the airflow.

Inhaling too Hard or Fast

When you inhale too aggressively, it can pull too much e-liquid into the coil. The coil may not be able to vaporize all the excess liquid fast enough, which leads to spitting (hot droplets) or gurgling sounds.

Tip: Take slow and steady draws to avoid overwhelming the coil.

E-liquid Flooding the Coil

This happens when too much e-liquid enters the coil chamber, especially if the vape isn’t used for a while or is stored improperly. It causes bubbling or leaking, and you'll often hear a gurgling sound.

Tip: Take a tissue and gently blow through the mouthpiece or fire the vape briefly without inhaling to clear excess liquid.

Firing Without Inhaling

Pressing the fire button without actually inhaling draws no air through the coil, allowing the e-liquid to heat up unevenly or flood the coil. This can lead to spitting or even leaking.

Tip: Always inhale as you press the fire button to maintain proper airflow and vapor production.

Low Wattage Setting

Running your device at a wattage lower than what the coil requires means it won’t heat the liquid fast enough. The e-liquid may pool instead of vaporizing completely, resulting in spitting or bubbling.

Tip: Check your coil’s recommended wattage range and adjust your settings accordingly.

How to Stop Your Vape from Spitting

Clear out excess juice: Blow into the mouthpiece or clean the coil with a tissue.
Don’t over prime: Just a few drops on the coil wick is enough.
Increase power: A slightly higher wattage can help vaporize juice faster.
Try shorter, slower puffs: This prevents juice buildup.

Vape Bubbling – What’s the Cause?

Bubbling or gurgling sounds usually mean there's too much e-liquid in the coil or airflow chamber, or air is trapped in the tank.

Common causes include:

Condensation build-up
Overfilling or flooded coil
Loose coil or poor fitting
Inhaling too forcefully

How to Fix a Bubbling Vape

Blow gently through the mouthpiece: It can help push out excess liquid.
Clean your tank: Rinse it out and dry everything thoroughly.
Tighten everything: Make sure all components are snug.
Take softer draws: Fast pulls can suck too much juice into the coil.

Final Thoughts

Leaking, spitting, and bubbling are annoying, but they’re usually easy to fix with a little know-how. Always make sure you’re using the right e-liquid, keep your device clean, and check your coil and seals regularly. With a bit of care, your vape kit will give you the smooth experience it’s meant to.