A leaking vape tank can ruin the whole experience. You may end up spending more money topping up e-liquids or throwing out pods and coils that flood too often. Sometimes the leak is small and annoying. Other times, it’s bad enough to make you stop using your vape.
If you’re tired of wiping your kit every few hours or losing expensive juice, this guide is for you. We’ll go through the most common causes of leaking vape tanks, how to fix them step by step, and how to keep your device running without constant mess.
Let’s begin.
The Basics of How a Vape Tank Works
A vape tank holds your e-liquid and feeds it to the coil, where it gets heated and turned into vapour. It usually includes a mouthpiece, chimney, e-juice chamber, coil, airflow control and base. Vape juice travels through the cotton in the coil and heats up, which is converted into vapours. If the vape juice is not sealed properly or the wrong juice is used, it can leak. You can find more on this in our Vape Tanks Guide.
Vape Leaking: Common Signs
Sometimes a leaking vaping tank isn’t easy to spot straight away. It can start off slow and quiet, then suddenly you’re wondering why your vape feels slippery or why your jeans smell like your e-liquid. These signs usually mean your tank is leaking:
- Sticky residue near the airflow holes or the bottom
- Liquid on your fingers or pockets
- Gurgling noise when vaping
- Weak vapour and flooded coil
Catching these early signs can help avoid a mess or damage to your device.
Why is Your Vape Tank Leaking?
Here are some reasons:
Overfilling the Tank
Every vape tank has a maximum fill level. Filling above this line or accidentally pouring juice into the centre airflow tube can flood the coil. This is especially common when topping up in a rush.
How to Fix?
Always fill your tank slowly, and keep vape juice away from the chimney.
If you are creating your own e-juice and need help measuring your liquid ratio, use our vape juice calculator for accurate recipes.
Faulty Coil Installation
If your coil is not screwed in properly, it creates small gaps where e-liquid can escape. This is one of the most common reasons for leaking tanks. A loose coil breaks the seal inside your tank, and the juice flows through these spaces.
How to Fix?
Fixing this takes only a few seconds. Just open the tank, remove the coil, wipe down any excess liquid, and refit the coil. For coil compatibility and fitting tips, check out our Vape Coil Guide.
Incorrect Vaping Technique
Inhaling too hard or too fast can pull too much vaping liquid into the coil at once. This is called “overdrawing,” and it can cause leaks, especially with mouth-to-lung (MTL) tanks. The same can happen if you leave the airflow too open or draw without firing the button.
How to Fix?
Take slow, gentle puffs and adjust your airflow control ring. Find a balance that works for your tank.
Damaged or Missing O-Rings
O-rings are small rubber rings that sit at connection points in your tank. They stop juice from leaking out. Over time, these seals can stretch, crack, or fall off during cleaning or coil changes.
How to Fix?
Check your tank for any missing or broken O-rings, especially around the base and top cap. Most tank kits include spare ones. Swapping these out is easy and can save you a lot of mess. To learn how to maintain vape parts, see our blog.
Placing Your Vape Flat
When your vape lies on its side, the e-liquid rests directly on the airflow holes. Over time, this increases the chance of leaking, especially if the tank is full or overfilled.
How to Fix?
Always store your vape upright when not in use. If you carry it in a bag or pocket, use a case or keep the airflow closed.
Using the Wrong E-Liquid
Your vape juice thickness matters. Thinner e-juices (higher PG) run faster through the coil and are more likely to leak, especially in sub-ohm tanks. They work great with starter and MTL kits only. On the other hand, thicker liquids (higher VG) suit tanks with low-resistance coils.
Here is a table for better understanding:
|
VG/PG Ratio |
Ideal For |
Leak Risk |
|
70VG/30PG |
Sub-ohm tanks |
Low |
|
50VG/50PG |
MTL/RTDL tanks |
Moderate |
|
30VG/70PG |
MTL/RTDL tanks |
High |
Check our full e juice Guide for more on choosing the right VG/PG mix for your device.
Pressure and Temperature Changes
Heat makes the liquid expand, which can push it through weak seals. Sudden drops in temperature can shrink seals and create gaps. This can happen if you leave the device in a hot car or take it on a plane.
How to Fix?
Store your vape in a cool, dry place, and never leave it in direct sunlight. If flying, empty the tank before boarding to avoid mid-air leaks.
Coil Lifespan and Flooding
Coils wear out with use. The cotton inside gets burnt or clogged, and no longer holds liquid properly. This can cause flooding, where too much juice pools inside the coil and leaks out of the airflow holes.
How to Fix?
If you notice weak vapour, a burnt taste, or a gurgling sound, your coil probably needs replacement. Regular replacement is the key. Depending on how often you vape, change your coil every 1 to 2 weeks.
Not Fixing? Time to Replace!
If you have tried all the above tricks and still the vape keeps leaking, it’s better to replace the coil or the entire tank. These signs will help you know when to switch:
- Threads won’t hold or feel loose
- O-rings won’t stay in place
- Liquid leaks even with a fresh coil
- The glass section is chipped or cracked
Wrapping Up
A leaking vape tank is annoying, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix. Always check your coil, liquid type, and seals. Keep your tank clean and filled properly. Use the right technique when vaping and store your device upright. Stay consistent with maintenance, and your vape will perform better without any messy leaks to deal with.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix my vape tank leaking?
Start by emptying the tank and cleaning all the parts with a tissue or cloth. Remove the coil and check that it’s fitted and not burnt out. Replace damaged or missing O-rings. Refill the tank carefully, avoiding the central airflow tube, and don’t fill past the marked level. Make sure everything is screwed back together properly but not too tight. Let the coil soak before vaping again.
Is a leaking vape dangerous?
A leaking vape is not usually dangerous, but it can cause problems if ignored. If e-juice reaches the battery or internal circuits, it may damage the device or affect how it works. Sticky liquid around the buttons or charging port can also be a hazard over time. Fixing a leak early helps keep your vape in good working condition and avoids wasting liquid or damaging parts.
Why is my vape tank leaking from the bottom?
Leaks from the bottom usually happen when the coil isn’t fitted properly or the O-rings are damaged. If the tank is overfilled or the liquid is too thin, it can flood the coil and escape through the airflow holes. Another reason could be pressure changes or leaving your vape on its side for too long. Always check that the coil is tight, seals are in place, and the vape juice suits your coil type.
