Nothing ruins a good vape faster than that horrible gurgling sound or, worse, hot e-liquid spitting into your mouth. The culprit? A flooded coil.
TLDR
- Disconnect your tank/pod, wrap a paper towel around the mouthpiece, and give it a few sharp flicks away from you to clear excess e-liquid from the coil. Reassemble, take a couple of short puffs without firing the button, and check if the gurgling has stopped. This resolves most flooding issues instantly
- If the problem persists, try the advanced fixes below or consider replacing your coil
The good news is that it’s one of the easiest problems to fix — most of the time, you can sort it out in less than a minute. Here’s how to clear it and keep it from happening again.
The Quickest Vape Coil Flooding Fix (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the fastest way to fix your flooded coil and get back to vaping:
- Disconnect & Wrap: Remove the tank from your vape mod. Wrap a paper towel or tissue firmly around the mouthpiece (drip tip).
- Flick It Out: Hold the tank securely and give it several sharp, firm flicks downwards (like shaking a thermometer). This forces excess liquid out of the coil’s chimney and into the paper towel.
- Clean & Reconnect: Wipe any remaining e-liquid from the mouthpiece and the connection point. Reconnect the tank to your vape mod.
- Test Without Firing: Take one or two gentle “primer puffs” without pressing the fire button to help normalise the pressure before vaping as usual.
Flooded Vape Coil Symptoms: How to Know for Sure
Before attempting any fix, make sure you’re dealing with a flooded coil. Check for these telltale signs:
- A loud gurgling or bubbling sound when you inhale
- Hot e-liquid spitting from the mouthpiece into your mouth (spitback)
- Significantly reduced vapour production or a “weak” hit
- E-liquid leaking from the airflow holes, especially after refilling
If you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms, your coil is definitely flooded. The flicking method above should solve the problem immediately.
Why Your Coil Keeps Flooding & How to Prevent It
Understanding why coils flood helps prevent future issues. Here are the main culprits and how to avoid them:
- Stop Over-Priming: When installing a new coil, use only a few drops of e-liquid on the cotton. Do not “drown” it.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a small air bubble at the top of your tank when refilling to avoid creating pressure that forces liquid into the coil.
- Check Your Power Settings: Vaping at too low a wattage can cause the coil to not vaporise liquid fast enough, leading to a flood.
- Inhale Correctly: Inhaling too forcefully can pull excess e-liquid into the atomiser chamber. Use a slower, steadier draw.
Advanced Fixes for a Persistently Flooded Coil
If the simple flick method didn’t work, try these more thorough solutions:
- Blow it Out: Remove the tank, place a paper towel over the airflow holes, and blow firmly through the mouthpiece to force trapped liquid out of the airflow.
- Empty and Clean: If flooding persists, disassemble your tank completely. Empty the e-liquid, rinse the tank components (not the coil) with warm water, and dry thoroughly before reassembly. If you have a closed pod (non-removable coil), follow the steps in our How to Get Juice Out of Vape Pod guide.
- Replace the Coil: A coil that floods constantly may be old or faulty. Often, the simplest solution is to replace it with a fresh one.
Remember, coils have a limited lifespan. If yours is more than two weeks old or has been flooded multiple times, replacement might be your best option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you still use a flooded coil?
Yes, once you clear the excess liquid using the steps above, the coil is usually fine to use. If it continues to flood, it may need replacing.
Does leaving a vape overnight cause flooding?
Changes in temperature and pressure overnight can sometimes cause minor flooding or leaking. Store your device upright to minimise this.
How long should a vape coil last?
A standard coil typically lasts 1-2 weeks, depending on usage and the type of e-liquid. Performance will degrade over time.
Conclusion
A flooded coil feels frustrating, but it’s one of the simplest fixes in vaping. A quick flick usually sorts it, and a few good habits — like not overfilling, using the right wattage, and replacing coils on time — will keep your vape running smoothly.
Do that, and you’ll spend less time fighting gurgles and spitback, and more time enjoying the flavour you actually paid for.