Why is My Vape Popping, Spitting, and Crackling?
If your hits don’t come out smooth and seamless, something is wrong somewhere, but well, it’s not always that serious. Mod vapes do pop or crackle, some disposables do that too. In a similar sense, the vape might be spitting too. If you experience any of these, you’re not the first, and there are workarounds. Usually, these issues – spitting, popping, and crackling – are a result of coil-related problems, hence, some of the most effective fixes require you to tweak your coil or get another one. Now, let’s get to the details.
What Causes A Vape To Pop?
Popping sounds occur when e-liquid hits a hot coil and instantly vaporizes, which is actually how vapes work, but excessive popping might point to specific issues with the coil or atomizer in your vape tank. A vape may pop when you’re using high PG e-liquids or a lower wattage that doesn’t provide sufficient power for the vaping device to function. Some common reasons why vapes pop include:
· Flooded Coil: When the coil is flooded with e-liquid, it can make popping sounds as you hit.
· Low Wattage: If your wattage is set too low, the coil might not heat up fast enough, causing more liquid to linger and pop.
· High PG E-Liquids: E-liquids with a high Propylene Glycol (PG) content are thinner, making them more likely to flood a coil.
· Airflow Settings: Slightly opened airflow can trap vapor, creating more pressure inside the tank and causing the vape to pop.
· Dirty or Damaged Coils: This is the last possible scenario. A bad coil won’t heat up your liquids faster, which can lead to uneven vaporization.
How to Fix a Popping Vape?
Well, it’s just to look into the possible causes mentioned above and then take appropriate steps to solve the related issue. That being said, if you are on a low wattage level, step up to a higher wattage recommended for the coil you’re using. Also, allow more air by opening the airflow vent; this will foster swift vaporization.
On the other hand, check the ratio of your e-liquid, you might want to opt for e-liquids with a balanced VG/PG ratio, like 50/50 or 70/30, to reduce flooding. Then, of course, make sure the coil you use is compatible with your vape mod or battery. Lastly, prime your coils before hitting, but do not over-saturate the coil during the priming; a few drops are okay.
What Causes A Vape To Spit?
Spitting or spitback is when you taste raw e-liquid as you hit your vape, in clearer terms, it refers to when e-liquid droplets escape from the coil and drop on your tongue or lips when making a draw. Yeah, it’s not pleasant at all, even though it’s harmless (unless the liquid was too hot when it dropped on you). Again, this can be caused due to a flooded coil or the e-liquid type you’re vaping. Common causes include:
· Flooded Coil: Too much e-liquid in the coil can result in liquid being pushed out in raw form instead of being vaporized.
· Draw Pattern: Your draw pattern plays a role here. Taking quick, sharp puffs instead of steady draws can cause spitting.
· Cold Coils: When a coil has not reached its required temperature for e-liquid atomizing, it might not vaporize the liquid fully, resulting in spitting.
· E-Liquid Rating: Thinner e-liquids are more prone to spitback, especially in sub-ohm tanks.
How to Fix a Spitting Vape?
Spitting isn’t a big deal, but its continuous reoccurrence can make vaping uninteresting. So, some tips on how to avoid this include:
· Avoid Overfilling Your Tank: Stick to the recommended fill line to prevent liquid from flooding the coil.
· Change Your Draw Pattern: Maybe you should be making steady, slow inhales to allow the coil to heat properly.
· Increase Wattage Gradually: Allow the coil to reach its optimal temperature for consistent vaporization.
· Bow the Vape: Flip the vape upside down and blow through the mouthpiece to clear any excess liquid that may be inside.
What Causes A Vape To Crackle?
A crackling vape is doing so due to too much cotton used in the wick, high wattage settings, or restricted airflow. Of course, there could be other reasons to cause a vape to crackle, but these are the most common. Notwithstanding, you may hear crackle sounds when the e-liquid is vaporized, due to the bursted air bubbles.
How to Fix a Crackling Vape?
There are a few recommended fixes for a crackling vape. First, start with stepping down to lower power and wattage usage to see if it stops. Then open up your airflow to balance the pressure inside the tank. Then after, check your coil to see if it’s old or damaged; damaged coils can’t maintain smooth hits. If the crackling still happens, then you might want to opt for e-liquids with moderate VG content to reduce intensity.
Does Popping and Spitting Only Occur With Advanced Vape Mods?
No, these issues can occur with all types of vapes, including disposable vapes with adjustable wattage levels and detachable pods. These issues, if not factory fault, are caused due to personal customizations you probably did on the vape. You know it’s a factory fault if the spitting, popping, or crackling happened right after you unboxed the vape; aside from that, it’s usually due to misconfiguration of the vape settings or a damaged coil.
Is E-Liquid Spitback Dangerous?
Spitback can ruin your vaping experience but it’s not dangerous; the spitback makes you taste your e-juice in its raw form. Yeah, the liquid might feel hot on your tongue or lip and may cause burns if you’re too sensitive to such, but it’s not particularly a health hazard. Fixing what causes your vape to spit will allow you to enjoy a smooth vaping experience.
Does E-Liquid Type Affect Popping and Spitting?
Yeah, it does. The VG/PG ratio plays a significant role, which is why vape mode brands always indicate which VG/PG ratios should be used with their stock and replacement coils.
- High PG liquids are more prone to popping and spitting due to their thinner consistency.
- High VG liquids can cause crackling but are less likely to spit.
- Nicotine salt e-liquids – used in disposables – are smoother, with fewer popping or spitting issues.
You should stick with the e-liquid recommendation by your vape mod kit manufacturer to avoid having these issues. Also, make sure to use the recommended wattage too.
Is Crackling a Sign of a Problem?
Not always. Crackling is often normal in vaping, especially when you use sub-ohm devices and vape high VG e-liquids. However, excessive crackling combined with other issues, like leaks or poor vapor production, could indicate a problem with the coil or device settings. If your device wasn’t crackling and suddenly started doing that, you should check your recent settings and then the coil.
What Happens if a Vape Pops in Your Mouth?
If your vape pops in your mouth, it might feel startling but isn’t usually dangerous. The sensation is caused by hot vapor or liquid hitting your lips. So yeah, you will feel the hotness and that’s because a vape is designed to burn e-liquids to produce the vapor you puff. That said, when you notice your vape is popping too often, check for flooding or improper wattage settings, and replace the coil if necessary.
Verdict
Popping, spitting, and crackling are somewhat common in vaping, but that doesn’t mean you should let it continue happening. This article highlights several causes of this incidence and the various ways you can fix the issues. Loud crackling sounds could mean your wattage is too high, or you’re using a thick e-liquid, so you should lower the wattage and check your airflow settings.
For either of these issues discussed, one of the most effective fixes is to disassemble the tank, remove the coil, and gently blow out excess liquid. Then let the coil dry before reassembling. This should fix the issues in most cases, but if you keep getting spitbacks, trust me, it’s not a health hazard, vaping e-liquids are a lot safer than you think, but remember to stick with the PG/VG ratio recommended for the coil you’re using on your vape, and always set the wattage carefully.