Introduction
Vape spitback is a common yet frustrating issue many vapers face. If you’ve ever experienced sudden bursts of hot e-liquid splattering into your mouth, you know just how uncomfortable and distracting it can be. Fortunately, understanding why vape spitback happens and how to fix it can greatly improve your vaping experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the causes of vape spitback, practical solutions, and tips to prevent it from happening again.
What Is Vape Spitback?
Vape spitback refers to those unexpected pops or bursts of hot e-liquid that shoot up from your coil and into your mouth when you inhale. It often feels like tiny droplets of juice hitting your tongue or lips, sometimes accompanied by a sudden hot sensation. This problem is common among both beginners and experienced vapers, and while it’s not dangerous, it can be unpleasant and disrupt your enjoyment.
Why Does Vape Spitback Occur?
Understanding the root causes of vape spitback is the first step in fixing it. The phenomenon usually happens because of how the e-liquid interacts with the coil and wick inside your vape device. Here are the main reasons spitback happens:
Excess E-Liquid on the Coil
When too much e-liquid saturates the coil, it can’t vaporize evenly. Instead, the liquid forms small pools on the coil wire. As the coil heats up rapidly, this liquid quickly turns into vapor and expands, causing little explosions that send droplets flying into your mouth.
Coil Flooding
Flooding happens when the coil’s wick becomes oversaturated and can’t wick away the juice fast enough. This excess liquid accumulates on the coil surface, creating the perfect condition for spitback when heated.
Low-Quality or Incorrect Coil Resistance
Coils that don’t match your device’s wattage or are made from lower-quality materials may heat unevenly or too quickly. This sudden heating can cause rapid vaporization of pooled juice, resulting in spitback.
Improper Inhalation Technique
Taking very quick or overly hard draws can cause liquid to splash up the airflow path. Vaping too aggressively increases the chance of liquid spitback because it disturbs the balance between vapor production and juice absorption.
Using High VG E-Liquids Without Proper Setup
High VG (vegetable glycerin) juices are thicker and flow more slowly through the wick. If your coil and wick are not designed for high VG, they can flood easily, leading to spitback.
How to Fix Vape Spitback
Fixing vape spitback involves adjustments to your device, e-liquid, and vaping habits. Here’s how you can tackle the problem effectively:
Adjust Your Wattage Settings
If you’re running your device at a wattage that’s too high for your coil, it can cause excessive heating and liquid popping. Lower your wattage gradually until the spitback reduces. Find a balance where you get good vapor production without the bursts of juice.
Use the Right Coil for Your Setup
Ensure you are using coils compatible with your device and wattage range. Sub-ohm coils designed for high power might require thicker wicks or specific airflow to prevent flooding. Using recommended coils helps avoid uneven heating.
Prime Your Coil Properly
Priming means soaking your coil with e-liquid before use to prevent dry hits and flooding. When installing a new coil, drip a few drops of e-liquid directly on the cotton and let it absorb for a few minutes. This reduces the chance of spitback caused by dry or flooded coils.
Modify Your Inhalation Technique
Instead of sharp, aggressive puffs, try slow and steady draws. This allows the coil to vaporize the liquid smoothly without pushing excess juice into your mouth. Controlled inhales help keep liquid in the tank and vapor in your lungs.
Use Thinner E-Liquids or Adjust VG/PG Ratio
If you’re using very thick high VG juices, consider switching to a blend with more PG (propylene glycol) to improve wick absorption. Thinner juices flow better through the cotton and reduce flooding, which in turn minimizes spitback.
Clean Your Device Regularly
Residue buildup in the airflow channels or on the coil can trap extra liquid and cause spitback. Clean your tank, drip tip, and coil contacts regularly to ensure smooth vapor flow and avoid liquid pooling.
Check for Leaks and Tighten Connections
Sometimes, leaks can cause excess juice to enter the airflow path, leading to spitback. Make sure your tank is assembled correctly, seals are intact, and all parts are tightened without overdoing it.
Use Devices with Adjustable Airflow
Devices that let you customize airflow allow better control over vapor density and temperature. Increasing airflow can cool the coil slightly and reduce liquid boiling too rapidly, which helps prevent spitback.
Tips to Prevent Vape Spitback from Happening Again
- Once you’ve fixed the immediate issue, take these preventive measures to enjoy a spitback-free vape:
- Choose coils and wicks designed for your preferred e-liquid type and vaping style.
- Allow new coils to soak properly before use.
- Adjust wattage settings slowly to find your sweet spot.
- Avoid chain vaping, which overheats the coil and causes flooding.
- Keep your device clean and maintained.
- Experiment with airflow settings to balance vapor and temperature.
- Use high-quality e-liquids from reputable brands for consistent viscosity.
Common Questions About Vape Spitback Fix
What causes vape spitback?
Vape spitback happens when excess e-liquid pools on the coil and rapidly vaporizes, creating bursts of hot liquid that splash into your mouth.
How can I stop vape spitback immediately?
Lower your wattage, prime your coil properly, and take slower, gentler puffs. Cleaning your device and checking for leaks also helps reduce spitback.
Does vape spitback damage my device?
Spitback won’t usually harm your vape, but the hot e-liquid can be uncomfortable or burn your mouth. Frequent spitback may indicate coil flooding or improper setup, which could shorten coil life.
Is spitback more common with certain e-liquids?
Yes, thick high VG liquids can cause more spitback if your coil and wick aren’t designed to handle them, as they flood more easily.
Can adjusting airflow reduce spitback?
Increasing airflow can cool the coil and reduce liquid popping, helping to prevent spitback. Adjustable airflow devices offer better control to minimize this problem.
Vape spitback is a common annoyance, but with the right knowledge and adjustments, you can easily fix and prevent it. By understanding why spitback happens and applying the fixes like adjusting wattage, priming coils properly, and modifying your vaping technique, your vape sessions will become more enjoyable and spitback-free. Don’t let spitback ruin your vaping experience—take control today and vape smoothly.


