Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking in recent years, providing a less harmful way for smokers to satisfy their nicotine cravings. However, like any electronic device, vape pens and mods can occasionally encounter issues that affect their performance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vaper, understanding how to troubleshoot these common vape problems can save you time, frustration, and possibly even money. In this blog, we’ll go over the top five most common disposable vapes problems and how to fix them.

1. Vape Not Producing Vapor

One of the most frustrating problems for any vaper is when the device doesn’t produce vapor at all. This could occur for several reasons, from a simple user error to a more complex issue within the device.

Possible Causes:

• Dead or Weak Battery: One of the simplest reasons for no vapor production is a dead battery. Even if your device has a built-in battery indicator, it may not always be accurate, especially with older devices.
• Disconnected Coil: If the coil is not properly connected, it won’t heat up, which means no vapor will be produced.
• Burnt or Faulty Coil: A coil that is past its prime can either burn out or become clogged, preventing proper vapor production.
• Low E-Liquid: If your e-liquid level is low, the wick may not be properly saturated, resulting in less vapor or no vapor at all.

How to Fix It:

• Charge the Battery: Start by ensuring that your battery is fully charged. Even if it shows a partial charge, try charging it completely to see if the problem persists.
• Check Coil Connection: Open up the vape and check to make sure the coil is firmly connected. If the connection seems loose or corroded, remove the coil and reinstall it.
• Replace the Coil: If your coil has been in use for more than a week, it might be time to replace it. Burnt or old coils can dramatically reduce vapor production.
• Refill the E-Liquid: Make sure that your tank has enough e-liquid. If the wick isn’t sufficiently soaked, the coil can’t vaporize the liquid effectively.

2. Leaking E-Liquid

E-liquid leaking from your vape device can be messy, wasteful, and frustrating. It can also damage the internal components of your device if not properly managed.

Possible Causes:

• Overfilling the Tank: One of the most common reasons for e-liquid leakage is overfilling the tank, which leaves no room for air and results in liquid seeping out.
• Damaged or Worn Seals: Most vape tanks rely on O-rings or seals to prevent leaks. If these become damaged or worn out, leaks are inevitable.
• Improper Coil Installation: If the coil is not screwed in tightly or properly seated in the device, it can cause e-liquid to leak from the tank.

How to Fix It:

• Avoid Overfilling: When refilling your vape tank, leave a small air gap at the top. This allows the pressure to balance and prevents e-liquid from leaking out.
• Inspect and Replace Seals: Periodically check the O-rings and seals in your tank. If they appear damaged, cracked, or loose, replace them with new ones.
• Reinstall the Coil: Double-check to ensure that the coil is tightly screwed into the base of the tank. A loose coil is a common culprit for leaking issues.

3. Burnt Taste

A burnt taste while vaping can ruin your experience, leaving a harsh and unpleasant sensation in your throat. This is often referred to as a “dry hit,” and it happens when the coil is overheated or the wick is too dry to properly vaporize the e-liquid.

Possible Causes:

• Burnt Coil: If you continue using a coil beyond its lifespan, it will eventually burn out, causing a burnt flavor.
• Insufficient E-Liquid: When the wick is dry due to a lack of e-liquid in the tank, the coil will burn the wick instead of vaporizing the liquid.
• Vaping Too Fast: Chain vaping (taking multiple hits in quick succession) can prevent the wick from soaking up enough liquid between hits, leading to dry hits.

How to Fix It:

• Replace the Coil: If you’re experiencing a burnt taste, your coil is likely burnt out and needs replacing. Regularly change your coil to avoid this issue.
• Ensure Proper Wick Saturation: Always make sure your tank has enough e-liquid, and allow a few minutes for the wick to absorb the liquid after refilling.
• Vape Slower: Give your device time to cool between hits. Taking long drags too quickly can cause the coil to overheat, leading to a burnt taste.

4. Spitback (E-Liquid in the Mouth)

Spitback occurs when e-liquid gets into the mouth while inhaling, resulting in an unpleasant and sometimes even painful experience. This problem is especially common with sub-ohm tanks or devices with low-resistance coils.

Possible Causes:

• Flooded Coil: If too much e-liquid is in the coil chamber, it can flood the coil and cause spitback.
• Low Wattage: If your vape is operating at too low a wattage, it might not be able to properly vaporize the e-liquid, leading to excess liquid in the chamber.
• Inhaling Too Hard: Overly forceful inhalation can draw unvaporized e-liquid into the mouth.

How to Fix It:

• Fire the Vape Before Inhaling: Press the fire button a second or two before you start inhaling to ensure the coil has properly vaporized the e-liquid.
• Increase the Wattage: If your device allows for adjustable wattage, try increasing it to see if the spitback diminishes. Be careful not to go too high, as this can cause other issues.
• Clean the Chimney: Disassemble the tank and clean the chimney (the tube that vapor travels through) to ensure no excess liquid is trapped there.

5. Battery Not Holding Charge

If your vape battery drains quickly or refuses to charge, it can seriously hamper your vaping experience. While most modern vape batteries are designed to last a long time, improper care or faulty components can lead to battery issues.

Possible Causes:

• Old Battery: Like any rechargeable battery, vape batteries lose their capacity to hold a charge over time.
• Dirty Connections: If the battery contacts are dirty or corroded, the device might struggle to charge properly.
• Faulty Charger: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the battery but with the charger or charging cable.

How to Fix It:

• Clean the Battery Contacts: Using a cotton swab with a bit of rubbing alcohol, clean the metal contacts where the battery connects to the device or charger.
• Replace the Battery: If your device uses external batteries, consider replacing them if they no longer hold a charge. Always use the recommended type for your device.
• Try a Different Charger: If possible, test your battery with a different charger or charging cable to see if that solves the problem.

Conclusion

Vaping issues can be annoying, but the good news is that most of them have simple solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a lack of vapor, leaking e-liquid, or a burnt taste, these problems are usually easy to fix with a little troubleshooting. By regularly maintaining your device, replacing parts like coils when needed, and taking care of your battery, you can ensure a smooth and satisfying vaping experience.