Thanks to the recent development of pod mod systems, vapers can enjoy their e-liquids in a more convenient way than ever before. These vaping devices are extremely easy to use and require minimum knowledge of how vaping technology works, which makes them highly appealing to those looking for an extremely hassle-free way to get their nicotine fixes throughout the day. Because these devices are so minimalistic in terms of technological design, it’s far less common to run into problems compared to using the more advanced box mod systems that once dominated the industry.
However, that doesn’t mean that pod systems are immune to issues. One of the most annoying issues by far is a jammed pod cartridge. After all, if that cartridge is jammed, there’s no way you’re going to be able to take a hit. At least with a dead battery, you can simply charge it and resume vaping.
The good news, luckily, is that a jammed pod cartridge isn’t necessarily the end of the world, or even your vaping session. We’re going to be talking about the main culprits behind a jammed pod cartridge while helping you figure out what to do so that you can get back to vaping in no time. But first, we have to explore the way in which a pod cartridge works to better understand the ways in which this common issue can occur in the first place.
What is a Pod Cartridge, Anyway?
A pod cartridge is what attaches to the pod mod device. It contains the e-liquid and a coil. The coil sits at the base of the tank and consists of a wire and a wick. The wire receives power from the battery so that it can heat up the e-liquid, allowing the liquid to become vapor. In order for this process to happen, the wick must be saturated with e-liquid so that the coil doesn’t burn the vape juice.
There are two types of pod cartridges: closed and open. Closed pod cartridges are pre-filled with e-liquid by the manufacturer of the pod mod. They’re disposable, meaning that as soon as the e-liquid runs out, the user throws it out and replaces it with a new one. Typically, closed pod cartridge systems come in only a small array of flavors.
Then, there are open pod systems. These pod systems are refillable, meaning that users can fill them with any e-liquid that contains nicotine salts. They have a fill port located on them so that the user can easily inject their vape juice into the cartridge well. Open pod cartridges aren’t meant to last forever, but most users will be able to get around two weeks of usage out of one before it’s time to replace it.
Reasons Why Your Pod Cartridge Might be Jammed… And How to Fix Them
First, it’s important to note that a jammed pod cartridge is not an unusual occurrence, so there’s really no need to worry. Let’s get into the reasons why this may happen, and what you can do to both fix it and prevent it.
You Let Debris Get into the Mouth Holes
Do you have a habit of leaving your pod system in a pocket or a purse when you’re not using it? As you know, pockets and purses collect a good amount of debris throughout the day. And, pod cartridges have those tiny mouth holes that allow you to inhale vapor. So, it’s only natural that debris can get into those mouth holes, creating a clog.
How to Prevent: When you’re not using your pod system, try to keep it somewhere open as much as possible. Perhaps you can let it sit on a table or a shelf. This will reduce the risk of debris getting into that mouthpiece, which means that you won’t have to deal with those annoying clogs.
How to Fix: The first thing that you should try to do is locate the airholes on the base of the pod cartridge. Then, gently blow into them in an effort to dislodge any debris that’s in the mouthpiece. Hopefully, you’ll blow that debris right out. If not, you can try using a tiny poking device like a safety pin to carefully scoop out any debris.
Pod Cartridge is Leaking
Leaking pod cartridges aren’t uncommon, but they sure are annoying. Besides causing you to waste vape juice and making a mess, they can result in annoying clogs as that sticky sugar becomes harder and harder over time.
How to Prevent: Whenever you refill your pod cartridge, make sure that you close the fill port carefully. And, never fill your pod cartridge past the maximum fill line as too much e-liquid can result in a leak.
How to Fix: Carefully look around the pod cartridge for any areas that are open so that e-liquid can seep out. If there’s a spot on the cartridge that’s particularly sticky, investigate that area to figure out why vape juice is leaking out of that section. And, after each refilling session, take the time to make sure that the fill port is completely closed.
Using the Wrong Kind of E-Liquid
Sure, with sub-ohm setups you can use max VG vape juices, but certain pod cartridges might not be able to handle that. VG is a thick substance that must be heated to a very high temperature to turn into vapor. Your low-wattage pod system might not be able to handle such a viscous liquid, meaning that all of that VG can result in a clog.
How to Prevent: Always go with e-liquids that are designed for pod systems. Salt nic vape juices have the right VG/PG balance to work with the pod mod device that you’re using.
How to Fix: If your pod cartridge contains the wrong type of vape juice, pour it out, rinse the cartridge out and use a salt nic e-liquid instead.
Operating a Faulty Pod Cartridge
Once in a while, you might end up with a dud. If your pod cartridge just won’t stop clogging no matter what you do, there might be something wrong with the actual structure of the cartridge.
How to Prevent: Always buy pod cartridges from the manufacturer to avoid picking up a counterfeit. And, remember that even the manufacturer can produce a dud from time to time.
How to Fix: If your pod cartridge is the issue, you have no choice but to replace it.
Air Bubbles in Your Cartridge
This isn’t actually a clog, but it will still produce the same effects. Once in a while, your pod cartridge will have a large air bubble in a location that interferes with your ability to draw vapor into your mouth. You can easily look into the cartridge and see the air bubble. So, if you’re having a hard time pulling and you see a large bubble, assume that that’s the culprit.
How to Prevent: Unfortunately, there’s really nothing that you can do about air bubbles in terms of prevention. However, some believe that pulling too hard on the mouthpiece can cause them to get larger, and, therefore, cause even more problems.
How to Fix: One tried-and-true method is flicking the pod cartridge with your fingers until the air bubble dissipates. If that doesn’t seem to work, you can try gently tapping the cartridge against a hard surface like a table. If all else fails, some users gently squeeze the sides of the pod cartridge so that the pressure can be released, causing the bubble to pop.
Don’t Let Your Pod-Based Vape Sessions Get “Jammed” Up
Sure, a jammed pod cartridge is annoying, but it doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck. Fixing a jammed cartridge is fairly easy, and likely doesn’t require that you run out and buy a new one.