Common Vaping Issues and Solutions

Vaping can be a very satisfying experience, but not without its challenges. Whether you are dealing with e-cigarettes making you cough or wondering why your vape liquid is turning brown, these issues can dampen your experience. This guide is meant to solve all the issues that might make you not enjoy your vaping moments as you should. It is also meant to share the best practices for maintenance to ensure your vape is in the best condition daily. By the end of the guide, you will have a deeper knowledge of all the tips and tricks you need to enjoy a smooth vaping experience.

1. E-Cigarettes Making Me Cough: Causes and Solutions

• High Nicotine Strength: Taking vapes with high nicotine levels can cause throat irritation that leads to coughing. Consider switching to vapes with a lower nicotine concentration of 6mg or 3mg. This way, you will have reduced the amount of nicotine you inhale, which will eventually help you avoid coughs.
• PG/VG Ratio: Higher Propylene glycol(PG) content can result in a harsher throat hit that might make you cough. Go for an E-liquid with a higher Vegetable Glycerine (VG) content, like 70/30 VG\PG, for a more gentle throat hit.
• Vaping Techniques: Inhaling quickly or deeply can irritate your throat. This is common in the DTL vaping technique. Refining your technique by taking slower, gentler puffs will help reduce throat irritation and enhance flavor.

2. Why Is the Liquid Coming Out of My Vape?

Causes and Solutions:

• Overfilling the Tank: Filling the vape tank or pod to the brim leaves no room for air, causing leaks. Leave space at the top of the tank to allow room for pressure changes, which helps prevent leakage.
• Seal or O-ring Issues: Worn-out seals or O-rings can cause liquid to escape. Regularly inspect and replace O-rings and seals to maintain a tight fit.
• Incorrect Coil Installation: A poorly installed coil may not create a proper seal, leading to leaks. Ensure the coil is properly screwed in, or replace it if necessary. Always ensure you only use coils compatible with your specific device model.

3. Vape Liquid Going Brown in the Tank: What’s Happening?

Causes and Solutions:

• Oxidation: Exposure to air causes nicotine in the e-liquid to oxidize, turning it brown. This natural process does not necessarily mean the liquid is unsafe, but it may alter the taste. Keeping your e-liquids in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight will help slow oxidation and preserve their quality.
• Heat Exposure: Excessive heat can also cause the liquid to change color. Especially if the vape is left in a hot environment for too long. You can avoid this by not leaving your vape in hot environments. Excessive heat accelerates the browning process.
• Old E-liquid: E-liquids degrade over time, especially if stored improperly. Your e-liquid turning brown could mean it has expired or its shelf life is nearing its end. Regularly replace old e-liquid to maintain flavor and quality. Constantly check for expiration dates on your bottles and discard any past their prime.

4. Vape Liquid Leaking into Mouth: How to Stop It

Causes and Solutions:

• Overfilling: As with tank leaks, overfilling can lead to liquid getting into the mouthpiece. You can easily avoid this by always filling your tank just below the top to keep the liquid from spilling into the mouthpiece.
• Damaged or Misaligned Coil: A damaged or misaligned coil can allow excess liquid to seep through, causing the vape to leak into your mouth. To avoid this problem, regularly inspect the coil and replace or realign it to ensure a proper fit.
• Inhaling Too Hard: Forceful inhalation can draw liquid into the mouthpiece, causing an unpleasant experience. Relax and take slower, softer puffs to avoid drawing the liquid into your mouth.

5. How to Fix a Leaking Vape

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Check the Tank: This is the first thing you do once you notice your vape kit leaks. The leak could be due to loose connections at different vape tank parts. Carefully look for cracks, holes or gaps to identify where your vape may be leaking from. Once you notice any form of damage, it is best to replace your vape mod instead of trying to repair it. You might be able to fix the leak, but that is not a long-term solution. After a few days, the problem might be back again.
• Inspect Seals and O-rings: O-rings and seals prevent leaks. So, if they are damaged or worn out, your vape kit will leak. After inspecting the tank, this is the next area that you need to check. Take your time and inspect each O-ring and seal on your tank. If you notice any sign of damage or if any of them are missing, replace them with new ones.
• O-rings can sometimes shift out of place during the assembly or use. Ensure they are correctly seated at their grooves; this is the only way to create a proper seal. Lightly lubricate your O-rings with just a small amount of e-liquid to help them slide into place more easily.
• Adjust Your Inhalation: After you have checked your vape tank and the seals and you are confident they are okay, you need to consider your vaping technique. Don’t inhale too forcefully, as this can create too much pressure within the tank, forcing the e-liquid into the airflow chamber and out of their vents. Practice nice and slow, steady draws to allow the coil to heat the liquid properly, reducing the chances of leaks.
• Check Airflow Settings: Ensure the airflow isn’t too open if your vape has an adjustable airflow. An uncontrolled airflow can cause leaks, especially when using thinner e-liquids. Keep your airflow in a moderate setting that balances vapor production and leak prevention.
• Avoid Overfilling: Leave a small gap when filling your tank. Resist the urge to fill the tank to the top. Understandably, you want to have uninterrupted long vaping sessions, but overfilling your tank will leave no room for air, which is necessary for proper pressure regulation. You will do more harm than good by overfilling your tank.
• The curve at the liquid’s surface will always guide you. If it is bulging upwards, you are more likely to have filled and need to reduce your liquid to the recommended level.

6. Troubleshooting Common Vape Problems

Problem-Solution List:

• Vape Device Not Turning On: Check the battery, ensure it’s charged, and verify that the device isn’t in lock mode. Try replacing the battery if the issue persists, or consult the manufacturer for further guidance.
• Burnt Taste: Replace the coil, check your wattage settings, and ensure the tank has enough e-liquid. Priming the coil with a few drops of e-liquids before use can help prevent dry hits.
• Weak Vapor Production: Charge the battery, check the coil’s condition, and adjust the airflow. Try using higher VG E-liquid for denser clouds if you are still experiencing weak vapor.

7. Best Practices for Vape Maintenance

Regular Cleaning:

• Clean the tank regularly to prevent build-up of residue. Ensure you completely disassemble the tank, wash the inner parts with warm water, and let them dry completely before reassembling them.
• Soak parts in warm water and dry thoroughly before reassembling. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any build-up gently.

Proper Storage:

• Store your vape in a cool, dry place to help preserve the battery life and prevent the e-liquid from degrading due to heat exposure.
• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures to preserve battery life and e-liquid quality. Storing your vape in an upright stature helps prevent leaks and spills.

Coil Care:

• Replace coils every 1-2 weeks or as needed based on use. Frequent vapers might need to replace their coil more often, especially when the vapor production decreases.
• Prime new coils by soaking them in e-liquid before use to prevent dry hits. After priming, take a 5-minute break to allow the coil time to soak until it is fully saturated before you start vaping.

8. Why Vape Liquid Turns Brown and How to Prevent It

• Keep E-liquid Sealed: Limit exposure to air to reduce oxidation. This can be done by using tightly sealed bottles and by not letting the e-liquid in the tank stay for too long without using it.
• Store in Cool Conditions: High temperatures accelerate the browning process. You must store your e-liquid in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and quality.
• Use Fresh Supplies: Avoid using e-liquid sitting in the tank for extended periods. Try to ensure that you refill your tank with fresh liquid to ensure the best vaping experience.

Final Thoughts

Vaping is meant to be enjoyable and free from frustrating issues. By understanding the causes of the common vaping problems you might encounter on your journey and the solutions, you prepare yourself for a pure, fun and smooth vaping experience. Happy vaping!