This article is intended for adult vapers only. Vaping is not risk-free, and non-smokers, young people and pregnant women should not vape.
Few things are more annoying for a vaper than a device that spits hot droplets of e-liquid into your mouth or makes loud popping and crackling noises. The good news is that spitting and popping are common problems with simple fixes. Whether you use refillable tanks, rebuildable atomisers or products such as CBD vape oil, understanding how your device works will help you get a smoother experience.
What are spitting and popping?
“Spitback” happens when small droplets of liquid are heated so quickly that they boil and jump up through the mouthpiece. It is usually accompanied by popping or crackling sounds. It often happens when there is too much liquid around the coil, a situation known as flooding, but it can have other causes too. Users of rebuildable dripping atomisers, often called an RDA coil setup, tend to experience it more often because they add liquid directly to the coil.
Common causes
- Power too low: if the wattage is too low for your coil, liquid is not vaporised quickly enough and pools around the coil.
- Flooded coil: over-priming, overfilling or drawing too hard can soak the wick with more liquid than it can handle.
- Narrow or dirty chimney: condensed e-liquid can collect in the chimney or mouthpiece, especially if it has not been cleaned for a while.
- Coil design: twisted, braided or tightly wound coils can trap small pockets of liquid between the wraps, which then pop when heated.
- Thin e-liquid: liquids with a high proportion of propylene glycol (PG) are thinner and can flood some coils more easily.
How to fix spitting and popping
- Don’t over-prime new coils. When priming, add a few drops to the wick and let it soak for several minutes rather than drenching it.
- Inhale more gently. Hard, long draws can pull extra liquid into the coil. Take steadier puffs, and reduce airflow slightly if the problem continues.
- Use a thicker liquid. Choosing a liquid with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio, if it is compatible with your device, can reduce flooding.
- Pulse the fire button. If you hear gurgling, tap the fire button a couple of times without inhaling to burn off excess liquid before taking a puff.
- Increase the wattage slightly. If your device allows it, raise the power by a few watts, staying within the coil’s recommended range.
- Try an anti-spitback drip tip. Some drip tips include a spiral or mesh design that stops droplets reaching your mouth.
- Clean the chimney and mouthpiece. Remove the tip and wipe away condensation regularly with a tissue or cotton bud.
Consider your device type
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, which use lower power and tighter airflow, tend to suffer from spitback less than high-powered direct-to-lung setups. If the problem persists, replace the coil, as old or faulty coils are a common cause.
Conclusion
Spitting and popping are usually caused by excess liquid, low power or a dirty device. With careful priming, gentle draws, regular cleaning and the right settings, most users can solve the problem quickly. Always follow your device manufacturer’s instructions, and buy liquids from reputable suppliers.
