Vaping has become a widespread alternative to traditional smoking, celebrated for its variety of flavors and reduced health risks. However, vapers often face annoying issues such as spitting, bubbling, leaking, and gurgling. These problems can dampen the vaping experience, making it less enjoyable and potentially hazardous. This article delves into the causes of these common issues and provides practical solutions to mitigate them, ensuring a smoother and more pleasant vaping experience.
Understanding Vape Spitting and Bubbling
Spitting, also known as spitback, occurs when hot droplets of e-liquid shoot from the vape pen, often ending up in the mouth. This happens when the e-liquid pools on the coil, causing it to cook rather than vaporize. When the device is fired, these droplets are propelled in all directions. While not dangerous, it is unpleasant and can deter users from vaping.
Bubbling, on the other hand, is often a precursor to spitting. It occurs when excess e-liquid causes the coil to flood, resulting in a boiling sound and, eventually, spitback. Understanding these phenomena is the first step toward resolving them.
Common Causes of Vape Spitting and Bubbling
Over-Priming the Coil
Priming the coil involves soaking the wicks with e-liquid before the first use to prevent dry hits. However, over-priming can lead to flooding, where too much e-liquid saturates the wick and coil, causing spitting.
High Airflow and Forceful Inhalation
High airflow settings or forceful inhalation can draw too much e-liquid into the coil chamber, leading to flooding and subsequent spitting.
Incorrect E-Liquid Viscosity
E-liquids come in various VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol) ratios. High VG liquids are thicker and less likely to flood the coil, whereas high PG liquids are thinner and can lead to spitting if the wicking process is too efficient.
Low Wattage Settings
Using a device at a wattage lower than recommended can cause the coil to vaporize e-liquid too slowly. This results in excess liquid pooling on the coil, leading to bubbling and spitting.
Improper Drip Tip Design
The design of the drip tip can also contribute to spitback. Short, straight drip tips provide a direct path for e-liquid to reach the mouth, while angled or longer drip tips can mitigate this issue.
Accumulation of E-Liquid in the Chimney
The chimney is the central airflow tube of a vape tank. Accumulated e-liquid in this tube can eventually make its way back to the coil, causing spitting and gurgling.
Use of Twisted or Multi-Strand Coils
Coils with complex designs, such as twisted or Clapton coils, have more surface area and can trap more e-liquid, leading to spitting.
Improper Wicking
For rebuildable devices, improper wicking can cause spitback. If the wick is not packed densely enough, it can lead to flooding and spitback.
Solutions to Prevent Vape Spitting and Bubbling
1. Avoid Over-Priming Your Coil
When priming your coil, apply only a small amount of e-liquid to the wicks and allow it to saturate slowly. Avoid filling the chamber too much, as this can lead to flooding. Waiting for a few minutes before firing the device ensures that the wick is adequately saturated without being overfilled.
2. Reduce the Airflow
Reducing the airflow can help prevent excessive e-liquid from being drawn into the coil chamber. This can be achieved by taking slower, more controlled inhales. Additionally, adjusting the airflow settings on your device to a lower setting can help, but avoid compensating with forceful inhalation.
3. Opt for a Thicker E-Liquid
Switching to a high-VG e-liquid can reduce the likelihood of flooding the coil. VG is thicker than PG, which means it wicks slower, preventing excess e-liquid from pooling on the coil. Look for e-liquids with a VG content of 70% or higher for best results.
4. Pulse the Fire Button
If you over-prime or notice bubbling, try pulsing the fire button a few times before inhaling. This allows the excess e-liquid to vaporize without being drawn into your mouth. Wait for the popping sound to subside before taking a puff.
5. Increase the Power
If your device allows for variable wattage, increasing the power by up to ten watts can help vaporize e-liquid more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of flooding. Ensure the wattage is within the recommended range for your coil to avoid burning the wick.
6. Swap Your Drip Tip
Using an anti-spitback drip tip with an angled or curved design can prevent e-liquid from reaching your mouth. Longer drip tips or those with a screen at the bottom can also be effective in reducing spitback.
7. Clean the Vape Device’s Chimney
Regularly clean the chimney of your vape device to remove any accumulated e-liquid. Use a rolled-up tissue paper to soak up the excess liquid. This simple maintenance step can significantly reduce spitting and gurgling.
8. Avoid Using Twisted Coils
If you are using a rebuildable atomizer, consider switching to simple round wire coils. Twisted or multi-strand coils have more surface area and are prone to trapping e-liquid, leading to spitback. Simple coils are less likely to cause this issue.
9. Re-Wick Your Coil
For rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs), re-wicking your coil can solve spitback problems. Ensure that the wick is densely packed but not blocking the channels completely. Proper wicking allows for efficient vaporization without flooding.
Conclusion
Vape spitting, bubbling, and related issues can detract from the vaping experience. However, by understanding the causes and implementing the solutions outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce these problems. Whether it’s adjusting your priming technique, choosing the right e-liquid, or maintaining your device regularly, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable vape.
By taking a proactive approach to manage these issues, you can enjoy the myriad benefits of vaping without the annoyance of spitback and gurgling. Happy vaping!
