Sticky fingers and wasted juice? Let’s fix that.
If you’ve ever pulled your vape out of your pocket only to find a sticky mess where your juice should be… you’re not alone. E-liquid leaks are one of the most frustrating (and surprisingly common) issues we hear about in the shop.
The good news? Most leaks are preventable, and usually down to a simple fix — not a faulty device.
Here’s what might be causing your vape to leak — and how to stop it from ruining your jeans, your bag, or your mood.
🚨 Common Causes of Vape Leaks
1. Overfilling Your Tank or Pod
It’s tempting to squeeze in that extra drop of juice — but overfilling is one of the biggest culprits.
- Always leave a small air gap at the top
- For pods, don’t fill past the max line (if there is one)
2. Incompatible or Worn-Out Coils
Using the wrong coil for your juice? Or maybe your coil’s just done for.
- High-VG e-liquids in small pod coils = slow wicking, potential flooding
- A burnt or degraded coil can also lose its seal
Fix it:
- Match your coil to your juice (e.g. 50/50 for MTL, 70VG for DTL)
- Replace your coil regularly — we recommend every 5–10 days depending on use
3. Heat and Air Pressure Changes
Ever left your vape in a hot car or taken it on a plane?
- Heat thins e-liquid, making it easier to seep through
- Air pressure can push juice out through the coil
Fix it:
- Avoid leaving your vape in hot or sunny places
- When flying, store your vape upright in a sealed bag
4. Damaged O-Rings or Seals
Those tiny rubber rings inside your tank or pod? They matter more than you think.
- Cracked, dry, or misplaced O-rings lead to poor seals
- Result? E-liquid escaping through gaps
Fix it:
- Check for cracked O-rings
- Most tanks come with spares — swap them out if needed
- A light coating of e-liquid can help create a better seal
5. Loose Parts
If your tank or pod isn’t assembled tightly, it creates space for juice to leak through.
Fix it:
- Make sure everything is snug, but don’t overtighten (especially with threaded tanks — that can strip the seal)
- Wipe excess juice before reassembly to ensure a proper connection
6. Incorrect Inhale Technique
Yes — how you vape can affect leaking!
- If you’re drawing too hard on a low-powered device, you might be pulling juice into the coil faster than it can vaporise
- Chain vaping without giving the coil time to recover can also flood it
Fix it:
- Slow, gentle puffs work best with MTL devices
- Let your coil rest between puffs to absorb e-liquid properly
🛠️ How to Stop a Vape Leak in Its Tracks
- ✅ Empty the pod/tank and clean it thoroughly
- ✅ Replace the coil (or check the pod isn’t cracked)
- ✅ Check all seals and O-rings
- ✅ Refill just below max, and let it sit 5–10 mins before use
- ✅ Store your device upright when not in use
- ✅ Avoid heat — don’t leave your vape in direct sunlight or on a radiator
One customer thought their pod was faulty… turned out it had a microscopic crack in the corner. A fresh pod fixed everything.
Bonus Tip: Are You Using the Right Juice?
Juice that’s too thin (high PG) in a big airflow tank can leak easily. Likewise, thick juice (high VG) in a pod system may not wick properly, leading to pooling and leaking.
Check your PG/VG ratio and match it to your coil type:
- Pod kits = 50/50 or Nic Salts
- Sub-ohm kits = 70VG Shortfills
Leaking vapes are annoying — but they’re rarely unfixable. With the right setup, some basic maintenance, and knowing what to watch for, you can enjoy a clean, leak-free vape.
Still stuck? Bring it in. We’re always happy to help you diagnose the issue (and save your pockets from more sticky disasters).