You puff out on your vape, hoping a sweet, easy hit is going to come, and you hear a wet, bubbly, almost, like, straw-in-a-drink, sort of sound. It feels off. The flavour might feel weak. You even get a drop of liquid in your mouth.
One of the common issues of the vape is that gurgling sound. The good news? Once you know what is really going on with whatever is in your device, it is often simple to correct.
I will translate it into simple language, as I would address a friend who is having a bad time with his or her vape.
First, What Does a Gurgling Vape Actually Mean?
Your vape gurks like it sounds like it is about to burst almost all the time:
The coil chamber has too much e-liquid in it.
Your coil is so constructed as to receive some portion of liquid into the cotton wick. That is then heated and converted into vapor. However, when additional liquid is pumping into the coil area rather than attaching to it and being evaporated correctly, you get the sound of the bubbles.
Think of it like this:
- When you pour a sufficient amount of water in a sponge it absorbs it.
- Exceeding the limit, water will drip and slop around.
That was what was going on in your pod or tank.
Main Reasons Why Your Vape Is Gurgling
And here we will have a look at the actual reasons, one after the other.
Flooded Coil (Most Common Reason)
This is the reason why vape devices gurgle first.
A coil floods when:
- The amount of e-liquid penetrating the wick is too large.
- The machine is not evaporating the liquid quick enough.
- The pod has long been lying idle.
- You have puffed up very light and short.
In cases where the liquid accumulates at a higher rate than what can be vapored, it accumulates in the coil chamber. And that is what makes the bubbling sound.
Flooding is very common in:
- Prefilled pod systems
- Low-wattage devices
- Tight airflow setups
When the vape starts to sound like it is boiling rather than giving a nice clean vape, it is probably a flooded coil.
Inhaling Too Softly
This is not known by most people.
You can be too gentle with the coil, and, in such a case, you do not use very soft and tender puffs. You are not completely evaporating the liquid, but are simply forcing out more liquid into the chamber.
Owing to this a slow accumulation of liquid develops.
Puffs which are also very light may lead to flooding with time especially with auto-draw pod systems.
Attempt to make slightly more sustained and steady draws rather than rapid little ones.
Change in temperature (Unrated Cause)
Have you ever left your vape somewhere in a cold car? Or took out of a cold place into a warm room?
E-liquid responds to the temperature changes.
When it gets warmer:
- The liquid becomes thinner
- It is easier flowing into the coil.
In case your vape can suddenly heat, there is a possibility of an excess of liquid escaping into your coil area and gurgling.
This is very common in winter.
In Refillable Devices, the term is overfilling.
In the case of a refillable pod or tank, when overfilled, the liquid may get into the airflow chamber.
The slightest presence of additional liquid may bring about bubbling noises.
This should always be filled with a small air gap.
Condensation Buildup
This is what the majority overlooks.
You exhale the vapour on behalf of which a portion of it condens every time you do it, returning to the chimney or the mouthpiece in liquid form. With time this condensation accumulates.
This moisture drips down eventually into the coil area resulting in gurgling.
This happens more if:
- You vape frequently
- You take long draws
- You do not clean your gadget on a regular basis.
Worn Out Coil
Unless you have a new coil the cotton inside begins to wear out.
When that happens:
- It absorbs liquid unevenly
- It is unable to control e-liquid adequately.
- It enables concentration of funds in some locations.
Gurgling Sometimes this is an indication that your pod/coil is nearing end of life.
And in case you are also experiencing weaker flavor or unstable vapor, you may change it.
How to Fix a Gurgling Vape (Step-by-Step)
Now let's fix it properly.
Step 1: Remove the Pod or Tank
Take it off your device.
Step 2: Clean the Bottom
Wipe may be used with tissue or paper towel:
- The base of the pod
- The battery connection area
- The airflow holes
You would not think how often it gets filled up there with liquid.
Step 3: Blow Mouthpiece Gently through.
Blow through on the bottom and blow through the top of the tissue.
This expels surplus water in the coil chamber.
Don't blow aggressively. Clear liquid Strong enough, not hard.
Step 4: Make a Couple of More Strong Puffs.
Reassemble and take 2-3 pulls a little bit harder.
This will vaporize the remaining excess liquid.
Step 5: In case of a continued one, change the pod or coil.
The coil may be broken down in case the sound does not stop, and the flavor is weak.
In that case, it is normally better to change it.
Preventions of Gurgling in the Future
It is better to prevent than to cure it several times.
The following is what really works in the long term:
- Never leave your vape lying down and leave it longer.
- Always hold it in an erect position.
- Do not use extreme changes of temperature.
- Do not leave it in the direct sunshine or in the cold vehicles.
- Take Puffs, Steady, Take Control Puffs.
- Not too soft. Not aggressive. Smooth and consistent.
- Clean the Mouthpiece Weekly
- Condensation is eliminated by quick wipe.
- Carbide Replace Pods Before they burn out completely.
- Old coils increase the chances of flooding.
Is Gurgling Dangerous?
Usually, no.
It is more of a performance problem than a safety problem.
However, if you're getting:
- Hot liquid in your mouth
- Constant leaking
- Mouth is burnt and gurging.
Then you shouldn't ignore it.
That mixture implies that the coil is pushing its limits and will fail in the nearest future.
The Difference between Gurgling and Leaking.
People confuse these two.
Gurgling:
- Bubbling sound
- Reduced vapor
- Wet airflow
Leaking:
- Outside device seen as liquid.
- Sticky battery contacts
- Fluid based on holes in the airflow.
Gurgling may cause leaking when it is left too long.
Final Thoughts
A gurgling vape isn't random. It is a gadget that informs you that something went wrong with the liquid balance.
It is mostly simply a flooded coil or the development of condensation. Nothing dramatic.
The trick lies in the fact that vaping is a matter of balance:
- Liquid absorption
- Heat production
- Airflow control
When such balance is disrupted, minor problems such as gurgling begin to emerge.
Repair it before it is too late, clean your equipment, and watch the way you breathe. Your vape will also remain smooth and quiet and consistent.
And truthfully, having knowledge of what makes it, you will never get scared again of that fizzling noise.
