How can I prevent leaks with my e-cigarette?
A question that comes up relatively often when you are an e-cigarette enthusiast, especially during periods of intense heat.
It can sometimes leak, but beware: if it is constant and there is significant e-liquid loss, you are probably experiencing an issue with your equipment. So, let’s check it together.
What equipment are you using?
Why ask this question? Simply to find out what kind of draw you use on your e-cigarette. Do you prefer a direct or indirect draw? In other words, an open or tight draw? Lots of vapour or little vapour? Large or compact equipment? All these questions aim to identify your vaper profile and the draw you use on your device. At the same time, we will check the resistance value inside your tank, the nicotine strength you use, the thickness of the e-liquid you use, and the charge level and lifespan of your coil.
What nicotine strength do you use?
Why ask about nicotine strength? It affects the way you draw on your device and gives us an indication of the power you use. If you use a high nicotine strength, you will generally have the profile of a vaper using an e-cigarette with an indirect draw, meaning a tight draw with a small coil. If you use virtually no nicotine, you may want to compensate for the throat sensation, so you will use an open-draw model and inhale directly. It is important to draw correctly on your device to avoid leaks or e-liquid spitback. If you do not draw correctly, your e-liquid will not heat up, so it will not turn into vapour when you inhale from the device; you may therefore experience leaks or e-liquid spitback.
What is your coil resistance value?
Your coil resistance value may not suit you, and your e-liquid may leak because you are unable to inhale properly on the device or because you are not setting your power correctly for your coils. The coil is fitted inside your tank. Depending on the model, several coil variants are available, each offering a different resistance and power range, allowing you to choose the power level that suits you from a wide range of values on the same device. For example, if your coil indicates a range between 20 and 25 watts, but you set your power to 15 watts because you prefer that draw, this is not the right solution. You need to change your coil and choose a variant that also fits your device, but whose range includes 15 watts. This way, your draw will be much better suited to your needs and, on the other hand, you will not have leaks caused by the e-liquid being heated incorrectly.
What is the PG / VG ratio of your e-liquid?
All e-liquids for e-cigarettes are made using two main substances: propylene glycol, which makes your e-liquid more fluid, and vegetable glycerine, which is thicker and denser. If you want your e-liquid to turn into vapour, you need to adjust the PG / VG ratio according to your coil and draw. When using coils with a low wattage range, you should opt for e-liquids containing propylene glycol, which are better suited to low-temperature heating. Conversely, when you use large coils and high power, you should opt for vegetable glycerine, which is better suited to high-temperature heating. This will limit leaks caused by e-liquid that is unsuitable for your vaping power and is not heated at the right intensity.
Low battery = e-liquid leaks?
There are two types of e-cigarette battery models: built-in batteries and removable-battery models. With removable-battery models, when the battery runs low, you simply need to change the batteries and you will regain enough power to heat the e-liquid correctly. However, with built-in battery models, when the battery level drops, especially if you use large coils and high power, you will notice that your e-liquid no longer heats as well as before, and you may experience e-liquid spitback in your mouth. Leaks can therefore occur when your battery is not sufficiently charged, as it can no longer heat the e-liquid correctly at the right power. The e-liquid then does not turn into vapour, and you may experience leaks or spitback.
How long have you been using the coil?
What is a coil? It is cotton wrapped in an alloy, which acts as a filter for your e-cigarette. When you vape on your device, the power heats the e-liquid, which turns into vapour when it comes into contact with the cotton. If the coil is too worn, it will no longer act as a filter and, as a result, the e-liquid will not turn into vapour and will leak. So pay attention to your coil's lifespan.
A few basic tips:
We will finish with a few basic tips. Do not leave your e-cigarette near a source of moisture or heat. Do not tilt your e-cigarette. When storing it, make sure you switch it off so that nothing presses the fire button when you are not vaping; otherwise, your e-liquid may leak and could even burn out the coil.
