Why Is My Vape Spitting?

If you've ever taken a hit from your vape and gotten hot e-liquid in your mouth, you're likely wondering: why is my vape spitting? This common issue—often referred to as "spitback"—can affect both new and experienced vapers. It not only disrupts the vaping experience but can also be annoying and messy. This guide breaks down the causes of vape spitting, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

What Is Vape Spitting?

Spitting happens when hot e-liquid pops or sizzles inside the coil and is forced up through the mouthpiece during inhalation. Instead of turning entirely into vapor, some of the e-liquid boils and bubbles, sending droplets into your mouth.

Common Reasons Why Your Vape Is Spitting

1. Flooded Coil

A flooded coil is one of the main reasons your vape spits. When too much e-liquid saturates the coil, it doesn't vaporize efficiently. The excess liquid heats up and bursts, causing spitback.

Causes:

• Over-priming a new coil
• Drawing too hard or too frequently
• Storing the device horizontally

2. Wattage Too Low

Vaping at a lower wattage than recommended can cause poor vaporization. Instead of turning into vapor, the liquid slowly boils, leading to popping and spitting.

Fix: Check the coil’s recommended wattage range and increase the power gradually.

3. Thin or High PG E-liquid

E-liquids with a higher PG ratio (Propylene Glycol) are thinner and can flood the coil more easily, especially in sub-ohm tanks designed for thicker VG e-liquids.

Fix: Use a higher VG e-liquid (e.g., 70/30 VG/PG) if your device supports it.

4. Condensation Build-up

Over time, condensed vapor can collect in the mouthpiece or chimney, and when you inhale, it can be drawn up as liquid.

Fix: Regularly clean your mouthpiece and tank chimney with tissue or cotton swabs.

5. Inhalation Technique

Aggressive or long draws can pull excess e-liquid into the coil faster than it can vaporize.

Fix: Take slower, more controlled puffs to avoid overwhelming the coil.

6. Damaged or Worn-Out Coil

Old coils or poor-quality builds can create uneven heating, leading to spitting or even burnt hits.

Fix: Replace the coil if it’s old, overused, or visibly damaged.

How to Stop Your Vape from Spitting

Here are actionable steps to reduce or eliminate spitting:

• Check wattage settings: Make sure you're vaping at the appropriate power level.
• Pulse the fire button: Briefly press the fire button a couple of times before inhaling to clear excess e-liquid.
• Clear excess e-liquid: Remove the tank, blow gently through the airflow while holding tissue at the base to absorb leaked juice.
• Avoid over-priming: When installing a new coil, apply only a few drops of e-liquid to the cotton—don’t flood it.
• Keep your device upright: This helps prevent flooding, especially when not in use.

How to Prevent Vape Spitting in the Future

• Use the correct e-liquid viscosity for your device.
• Stay within the recommended wattage range for your coil.
• Clean your tank regularly to remove excess condensation.
• Prime coils properly, but not excessively.
• Replace coils as needed—especially if you notice decreased performance or odd behavior.

Conclusion

Spitting is one of the most common vape-related issues but is usually easy to fix and prevent. Whether you're using a sub-ohm tank, pod system, or rebuildable atomizer, understanding your device and e-liquid pairing is key to a smooth vaping experience.

If you’ve been wondering “why is my vape spitting,” it often comes down to coil flooding, low wattage, or excess condensation. Apply the tips in this guide, and you’ll get back to smooth, satisfying hits in no time.

FAQs

1. Why does my vape spit hot liquid into my mouth?

Your vape spits hot liquid—also called spitback—when excess e-liquid collects on the coil and doesn’t vaporize properly. Instead of turning fully into vapor, it heats and pops, sending droplets through the mouthpiece. This often happens due to a flooded coil, low wattage settings, or thin e-liquid.

2. How do I stop my vape from spitting?

To stop your vape from spitting, increase the wattage to match the coil’s recommendation, avoid over-priming, take slower puffs, and keep the device upright. Regularly clean the mouthpiece and chimney to remove condensation, and replace coils if they’re worn out.

3. Is vape spitting dangerous?

While vape spitting isn’t typically dangerous, it can be uncomfortable or startling. The hot droplets may slightly burn your lips or tongue but usually don’t cause serious harm. However, consistent spitback may indicate improper setup or maintenance of your vape device.

4. Why is my vape crackling and popping?

Crackling and popping sounds are normal to a degree and happen when e-liquid is being vaporized. But if the sounds are loud and followed by spitting, it likely means the coil is flooded or the wattage is too low, causing incomplete vaporization.

5. Can a worn-out coil cause spitback?

Yes. A worn-out coil may not heat evenly or efficiently, leading to excess e-liquid buildup and spitback. If you’re experiencing frequent spitting along with poor flavor or vapor production, it’s a sign that your coil needs replacing.