Vape Guide
Why Is My Vape Leaking? Common Causes and How to Stop It
A leaking vape is one of the most common complaints — and almost always fixable once you know the cause. Here are the seven most common reasons your vape leaks and exactly what to do about each one.
7 reasons your vape is leaking (and how to fix them)
- Overfilling the tank. Every tank has a fill line — going past it leaves no air gap, and the excess liquid gets pushed down through the coil. Fix: fill to just below the max line, leave a small air space at the top.
- Worn or spent coil. A coil past its useful life — burnt cotton, degraded wick — can't properly absorb e-liquid, causing it to flood and leak. Fix: replace the coil. If it tastes burnt or weak, it's done.
- Loose or cross-threaded components. A tank base or coil that isn't seated snugly creates a gap for liquid to seep through. Fix: disassemble fully, let it dry, then reassemble hand-tight — firm but not over-torqued.
- Damaged or missing O-rings. O-rings are the small rubber seals that keep liquid contained. They crack or deform over time, especially with rough handling or citrus-heavy e-liquids. Fix: inspect all O-rings; replace the tank or get a spare O-ring kit if any are cut, stretched, or missing.
- Sucking too hard on the mouthpiece. Taking long, strong drags floods the coil faster than it can vaporise the liquid. Fix: take slow, steady draws and allow a second between puffs for the coil to recover.
- Temperature and pressure changes. Going from an air-conditioned room to summer heat, or high-altitude flights, changes the pressure inside your tank and can force liquid through the coil. Fix: empty the tank before flying, and keep the device in a consistent-temperature environment where possible.
- Storing the device on its side or upside down. Tanks are designed to sit upright. On its side, gravity pulls liquid toward the airflow holes and out. Fix: always store your device upright. If you carry it in a bag, make sure it can't roll.
Quick leak checklist
- Tastes burnt too? — Coil is dead; replace it
- Gurgling sound? — Coil is flooded; remove excess liquid from the mouthpiece with a paper towel and take a few dry puffs (without firing) to clear it
- Leaking from the bottom? — Check coil fit and O-rings; reassemble firmly
- Leaking from the top? — Tank is overfilled; remove some liquid and ensure the cap is sealed
- Just started leaking after weeks of normal use? — Most likely a worn O-ring or a coil that's reached the end of its life
- Leaking after a flight or temperature change? — Pressure differential; empty slightly before travel next time
If you've worked through the checklist and it's still leaking, the tank itself may have a hairline crack — run your finger around the glass under bright light to check. Replacement glass and O-ring kits are available at all Krem branches.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my vape leaking from the bottom?
Bottom leaks almost always mean the coil is either loose, cross-threaded, or has a damaged O-ring at its base. Disassemble the tank, let it dry, inspect the O-rings and coil threads, then reassemble firmly. If the coil is old, replace it.
Why is my vape gurgling and spitting?
Gurgling means the coil is flooded — there's more liquid than the coil can vaporise. Take a few dry draws (don't press the fire button) to pull excess liquid out, and blot the mouthpiece with a paper towel. Check that you're not overfilling and that your draw technique is slow and steady rather than hard and fast.
Can a leaking vape be fixed permanently?
In most cases yes — a new coil, fresh O-rings, or adjusting your fill level and storage habits stops the leak for good. Persistent leaking from a properly maintained tank usually means a cracked glass or a fundamentally worn-out tank that needs replacing.
Why does my vape leak in my pocket?
The device is probably on its side for extended periods. Tanks are designed to be stored upright — gravity pushes liquid toward the airflow holes when they're horizontal. Use a case or dedicated pocket where the device stays upright, or switch to a pod system, which tends to be more leak-resistant than traditional tanks.
