As vape technology continues to progress, so do the number of things that can go wrong with them. Vapes can be as simple as a battery with a juice reservoir or complex electronic devices with all kinds of safety features, LED lights, and fully-functioning touchscreens. By no means will we be able to compile an exhaustive list of issues and fixes here, but let’s take a look at some of the most common issues you’re likely to encounter and simple DIY fixes for each of them.
Leaking
If your tank is leaking e-juice, it can quickly become a messy disaster. The first step is to make sure everything is put together properly. Double-check with all the appropriate documentation, consult the manual and re-assemble everything step by step. In some cases, it can be as simple as making sure each individual part is properly threaded into the other. If you’ve re-assembled your vape and are 100% sure everything is properly connected, move on to the next step.
Check your glass for integrity. Even the slightest hairline fracture can leave you with e-juice all over your hands, so be sure to look carefully for any breach in the hull of your tank glass. Take special care to check the end caps for any tiny fractures or cracks. If you detect any cracks, it’s time to replace the glass immediately. You can find plenty of replacement glasses on websites.
The last step is to check your seals and o-rings. If they’ve become worn down or cracked, this is likely the cause of your leak. Most vape tanks have a number of seals in place, so be sure to check them all. You’ll find them at both the bottom and top of the glass, as well as on the coil itself in many cases. If these are looking suspect, you’re better off replacing them immediately. They’re inexpensive and easy to replace, so check if this fixes your issue.
Gurgling, Noisy Vape
There are a couple of reasons your vape might be making that awful gurgling noise. Typically, this is a sure sign that you’re flooding your coil, but the reason behind it might vary. A common reason for a flooded coil is simply overfilling your tank. While most tanks are meant to be filled up to the top, sometimes a vacuum effect can be created which will suck excess juice into the chimney part of the tank. This causes flooding, which in turn causes that gurgling noise.The other reason you may be flooding your coil is that you’ve over-primed your coils. Priming is a good practice, but it’s important not to overdo it.
Fortunately, no matter why your coils are flooded, the fix is simple. Turn the tank upside down, drip tip facing down onto a paper towel. Gently tap the bottom of your tank while shaking it a little bit and you should be able to get some of the excess e-juice out. Next, open your airflow all the way and cover your airflow holes with a paper towel. Blow into your drip tip and the rest of the overflow should come out easily.
Weak Throat Hit
If your vape isn’t producing the throat hit that you’re looking for, there’s a couple of things to take a look at. First, if this is a new phenomenon and you haven’t changed juices, coils, or anything else about your setup, you may be looking at a weak battery. Typically, however, you’re going to be considering the juice and coil interaction.
Throat hit comes from that little nicotine burn at the back of your throat on the inhale. If you’re vaping on high-resistance coils (think 1.2ohm – 1.8ohm), you’re going to need high nicotine percentage e-juice to really feel any kind of throat hit. Broadly speaking, the higher the resistance, the more nicotine you’re able to put through it. So, if you’re not getting a solid enough throat hit, consider either increasing the strength of your e-juice or switching to a lower resistance coil.
Spitback
One of the most common issues with vaping of all kinds, spitback is when you get e-juice in your mouth during vaping. For some vapers, this is an almost enjoyable or preferable experience, but for many others, it is disgusting and ruins the vaping experience. The first thing to try is filling your tank up a little bit less. Over-filling the tank can lead to spitback similarly to the way in which it causes a gurgling vape.
You may also be vaping a bit too aggressively. Sharp, protracted inhales are much more likely to pull e-juice into your coils faster than it can be vaporized, allowing the excess juice to be pulled through the coil still in liquid form. Try taking slower, more controlled puffs and see if this resolves the issue. Consider the angle you’re vaping at as well. While it’s tempting to hit that vape while you’re laying down in bed, not all vapes are designed to accommodate this. If you find that you’re getting a mouthful of e-liquid when vaping at odd angles, try hitting your vape with its body perpendicular to the ground. You may find that this easily resolves your issue.
Battery Charging Issues
If your battery isn’t holding a charge or you find yourself having to charge it more often than you used to, there may be some hard news to hear. The time comes in every battery’s life when it’s just got no more life left. Rechargeable batteries are only good for so many cycles, and when its time has come – it’s over. If you have an external battery, this news isn’t quite so bad. Just go ahead and pick up a new battery and keep it moving. On the other hand, if you’re using an AIO or any device with an internal battery, you’re probably going to have to scrap the whole thing. Fortunately, these devices should last you quite a long time. But once the battery goes, it’s best to accept its fate, bid it a fond adieu, and take it as an excuse to pick up that shiny new vape you’ve had your eye on!