Common Vaping Problems and How to Fix Them

Fix burnt taste, leaks, no vapour, weak battery, gurgling & more.

Common Vaping Problems & How To Fix Them — Complete Guide

The ultimate VAPESALES troubleshooting guide for disposables, pod kits, coils and sub-ohm vapes.

TL;DR — Fast Solutions

  • Burnt taste: Lower wattage, refill, replace coil, or prime coil properly.
  • Leaking: Avoid overfilling, replace cracked pods, match VG/PG.
  • No vapour: Charge, check coil seating, clear airflow, clean contacts.
  • Weak flavour/clouds: Use fresh coil, high-VG for clouds, hydrate to avoid vaper’s tongue.
  • Spitting/gurgling: Overfilled pod or flooded coil — clean + reassemble.

Why Vaping Problems Happen

Most common vaping issues are caused by one of four things: wicks not saturated, incorrect airflow, old coils, or wrong e-liquid ratio. Whether you use disposables, pod vape kits, or a sub-ohm setup, this guide walks you through every fix step-by-step.

1. Not Getting Enough Puffs (Disposables)

  • Puff count depends on short puffs, not long inhalations.
  • Avoid chain-vaping — it reduces coil lifespan.
  • If cravings persist, switch to a higher strength nic salt (up to 20mg).
  • For best value, move to refillable pod kits.

2. Burnt Taste / Dry Hits

  • Refill or replace pod before the cotton dries out.
  • Ensure new coils are properly primed — see coil priming guide.
  • Reduce wattage to the coil’s recommended range.
  • If flavour is permanently burnt, replace it.

3. Battery Draining Too Fast

  • Choose a higher mAh device — see Vape Kits.
  • Avoid overnight charging and damaged cables.
  • USB-C devices charge faster.

4. Leaking Pods or Tanks

  • Do not overfill — leave a small air gap.
  • Replace cracked pods or tank glass.
  • Store upright, especially in warm temperatures.
  • Use correct VG/PG ratio (MTL = 50/50, DTL = 70/30).

5. Leaking Through Airflow Holes

  • Heat thins e-liquid — avoid direct sunlight.
  • Ensure coil is fully seated and O-rings intact.
  • Increase wattage slightly to prevent flooding.

6. Vape Kit Not Firing

  • Press fire button 5 times (or inhale for auto-draw).
  • Try another charging cable.
  • Clean contacts with a dry cotton bud.

7. No Draw / No Vapour

  • Ensure liquid covers wick holes.
  • Replace dud coil or pod.
  • Charge battery fully.
  • Check airflow.

8. E-Liquid Turning Dark

  • Nicotine oxidises naturally.
  • Store in a cool, dark place.
  • Replace coils regularly.
  • Nic salts oxidise slower.

9. Clouds Too Small

10. Weak Throat Hit

  • Switch to freebase nicotine.
  • Use menthol, citrus or tobacco flavours.

11. Throat Hit Too Harsh

  • Lower nic salt strength.
  • Increase VG ratio.

12. Not Enough Nicotine Hit

  • Increase strength (max 20mg).
  • Use MTL pod kits.

13. Weak Flavour

  • Hydrate.
  • Rotate flavours.
  • Clean tank and replace coil.

14. Spitting / Gurgling

  • Avoid overfilling.
  • Clear excess liquid.
  • Replace old coil.

Need Coils, Pods or a New Vape?

Shop VAPESALES

Final Thoughts

Most vaping issues are easy to fix with the right setup and maintenance. Match your device with the right liquid, replace coils regularly, and keep everything clean.

FAQs — Fixing Common Vaping Problems

Why does my vape taste burnt?

Your wick is dry or wattage too high.

How do I stop leaking?

Avoid overfilling and use correct VG/PG.

Why is there no vapour?

Low battery, dud coil, or airflow issue.

What’s best for clouds?

70/30 VG with sub-ohm coils.