Why is My Vape Cartridge Leaking?
Whether you have a disposable vape or pod device, there might be chances that your vape cartridge(an e-liquid holder or tank to store vape liquid) will leak, and you won’t be able to enjoy vaping. But why this happens? Well, with the help of this blog, we will get to know the answer to this question. Furthermore, we will also learn which steps you should take if you have a leaked vape in your hands.
Why is My Vape Cartridge Leaking?
A leaking vape cartridge can be frustrating and messy. There are several reasons why a vape cartridge might leak:
Poor Quality Cartridge
Suppose you are using a poor-quality vape. In that case, the pod cartridge might be made with low-quality material. It might have defects in its design or construction that lead to leaks.
Faulty Seals or O-Rings
Vape cartridges typically have seals and O-rings to prevent leaks. If these components are damaged, misaligned, or not properly seated, they can allow e-liquid to leak out.
Aging or Wear and Tear
Over time, the materials in the cartridge can degrade, leading to a higher likelihood of leaks.
Improper Storage
Storing your vape cartridge upright and in a cool, dry place can help prevent leaks. If you store it upside down or horizontally, the e-liquid might come into contact with the air hole, causing leaks.
Manufacturing Defects
Poorly manufactured cartridges might have design flaws or defects that contribute to leaking from the bottom.
What Causes a Vape Cartridge to Leak from the Bottom?
Leaking from the bottom of a vape cartridge can be attributed to several factors, which may include:
Faulty Seals or O-Rings
The bottom of the vape cartridge typically contains seals and O-rings that prevent e-liquid from leaking out. If these seals are damaged, worn out, misaligned, or not properly seated, they can allow e-liquid to escape.
Overfilled Cartridge
If the cartridge is overfilled with e-liquid, there might not be enough space for the liquid to expand and contract as temperature and pressure change, leading to leaks from the bottom.
Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the e-liquid to expand and contract, potentially forcing it to leak out from the bottom.
Air Pressure Changes
Changes in air pressure, such as during air travel or changes in altitude, can affect the pressure within the cartridge and lead to leaks.
Not the Right eLiquid
Some vape cartridges contain a thinning agent called propylene glycol that can affect the viscosity of the e-liquid. If the e-liquid becomes too thin, it might have a higher chance of leaking.
Temperature is Too Hot
If the cartridge is warm due to recent use, filling it while it's still warm can cause the e-liquid to expand, potentially leading to leaks.
Moving Around Too Much
Suppose you are moving your vape unnecessarily or won’t maintain or store it properly. There might be chances that your cartridge will be damaged, which is not a good sign.
Crack in Your Cartridge or Pod
If your pod or cartridge is cracked due to your carelessness, it will leak. It might be because you have thrown it intentionally or unintentionally.
Why Does My Juice Leak into the Mouthpiece?
If you're experiencing e-juice leaking into the mouthpiece of your vaping device, it can be quite bothersome and may impact your vaping experience. Several factors could contribute to this issue:
- Condensation
- Improper Assembly
- Overfilling
- Flooding
- Faulty Coil
- Airflow Issues
- Temperature Changes
- Thin E-Liquid
What to Do if My Vape Cartridge is Leaking?
If you find that your vape cartridge is leaking, it's important to address the issue promptly to avoid wasting e-liquid, damaging your vaping device, and experiencing an unsatisfactory vaping experience. Here's what you can do if your vape cartridge is leaking:
Clean Up
If you notice e-liquid leaking from the cartridge, use a clean cloth or tissue to wipe away the excess liquid. Make sure to clean the cartridge, battery, and any affected parts thoroughly.
Check Seals and O-Rings
Inspect the seals and O-rings on the cartridge for any damage or misalignment. Ensure they are properly seated and in good condition.
If you find any issues, consider replacing the cartridge or the damaged components.
Check for Overfilling
If you suspect that you might have overfilled the cartridge, carefully remove a small amount of e-liquid to bring it to the proper fill level.
Check Coil and Wick
If the cartridge has a replaceable coil, make sure it's properly screwed in and seated. If the wick or coil looks saturated or damaged, it might be contributing to the leakage. In such cases, replacing the coil could solve the problem.
Adjust Vaping Technique
If you're taking very forceful puffs, consider adjusting your vaping technique to take gentler and slower draws. This can help prevent flooding and excessive e-liquid buildup.
Store Upright
Make sure you're storing your vape cartridge upright to minimize the chances of leakage. Avoid placing it upside down or horizontally.
Monitor Temperature
Avoid exposing your cartridge to extreme temperatures, as this can cause e-liquid expansion and leakage.
Contact Customer Support
If the leaking continues despite your efforts, consider reaching out to the manufacturer or retailer's customer support for guidance. They might be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps or offer a replacement if the cartridge is defective.
Replace Cartridge
Suppose, you have tried everything, but still, your vape is leaking. In that case, you should change or replace your cartage immediately. If you have a disposable vape, then you will need to change the vape as you can’t replace the cartridge alone.
Remember that some degree of condensation or minor leakage can be normal due to temperature changes and other factors. However, if you're experiencing significant leakage that affects your vaping experience, it's important to address the issue to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vaping session. Always prioritize safety and cleanliness when dealing with leaking vape cartridges.