Leak-free vaping: common causes and simple solutions

04-15-2025

E-juice and Nicotine

Equipment

News

Vaping without leaks is the dream of all vapers! A leaking electronic cigarette can be frankly annoying... and messy.

Here is a clear and simple guide to the most common causes of leaks—and, most importantly, easy solutions:

Incorrect tank filling

Overfilling or pouring liquid into the "central chimney" (the outlet from which the steam comes and where you put your lips) causes leaks.

The trick: always leave a small space at the top of the tank and pour the liquid only on the walls, never in the central tube.

Worn or unscrewed resistance

A too old, burned or poorly installed resistance can let the liquid pass.

The tip: change the resistance regularly (about every 1 to 3 weeks depending on your use) and check that it is well screwed, without being too tight.

Damaged gaskets

Small rubber seals can crack over time.

The trick: visually inspect the seals, especially those of the top cap and base, and change them if necessary. They are often supplied as a replacement with the clearomizer.

Draw too hard or suction too dry

Aspirating too hard creates an overpressure and causes the liquid to rise.

The trick: pull slowly and long, like on a cigar — not like on a regular cigarette.

Bad PG/VG ratio

Very fluid (PG-rich) liquids leak more easily.

The trick: choose an e-liquid with a good balance, for example 50/50 or 70/30 VG/PG, especially if your clearomizer is designed for direct inhalation.

Outdoor temperature or transport

Excessive heat, pressure (plane) or horizontal transport can cause leaks.

The trick: keep your vape upright, avoid leaving it in the sun or in a hot car, and think about closing the airflow during trips.

✅ Simple solutions: 

1. Always fill correctly (not too much and not in the central tube)
2. Replace resistors regularly
3. Clean and maintain your electronic cigarette: a good wipe or tablecloth around the joints and base!
4. Adapt your e-liquid to the type of vape (choose a good ratio VG/ PG)
5. Vaper gently and at room temperature

Focus: frequent errors, e-liquid selection and settings

1. Common mistakes (even experienced vapers)

Filling at "the pull"

Overfilling the tank or pouring liquid into the central tube: classic... but it often ends up leaking.

Solution: fill calmly, avoid the central tube and leave 1 to 2 mm of air at the top of the tank.

Force on suction

An excessive suction makes the e-liquid go up in the chimney = spatter or leaks.

Solution: adopts a soft and long suction. The less you force, the more fluid the vape is... and without leaks.

Resistance not adapted or worn

Resistance not adapted to your style of vape (ex: too much VG in a MTL resistor), or too old resistance = guaranteed escape.

Solution: respects the ranges of use (recommended watts) and changes the resistance as soon as the taste weakens or the liquid flows.

2. Choosing your e-liquid: viscosity and compatibility

PG/VG ratio: it changes everything!

• Too fluid (ex: 80/20 PG/VG)   perfect for small pods, but goes through the resistors too fast = leaks
• Too thick (ex: 80/20 VG/PG)   ideal for heavy clouds, but not for small tight resistors

Tip: adapt your liquid to your equipment:

Pod or MTL: 50/50 or 60/40 max

Subohm (direct vape): 70/30 VG/PG minimum

Avoid too sweet liquids

They clog resistors, cause premature leaks and reduce the life of your equipment.

Smart choice: a well-balanced e-liquid, not too loaded in flavors or sweeteners.

3. Miscalibrated settings = leaks on the horizon!

Power too low

Not enough heat = e-liquid badly vaporized it accumulates... and leaks.

Tip: respect the recommended watt range on your resistance.

Airflow set incorrectly

Too open in indirect inhalation = loss of pressure leaks.

Tip: adjust your airflow according to your resistance and your style of vaping:

• Open for direct inhalation
• More closed for indirect inhalation

No regular monitoring

Accumulation of liquid in the tank base, joints that move...

The trick: dismantle and clean your equipment regularly, especially if you hear gluttons or feel a drop in performance.

In short,  the anti-leak winning trio! 

⚙️ The Setting: 

Power: meets the specified range

Airflow: adapt it to your type of draw

✅ Good choice of liquid

PG/VG ratio adapted to your hardware