Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt or Leak? Simple Fixes

A burnt taste, a leaking pod or a gurgling sound are the most common problems with refillable vapes. The good news is that most have a simple cause. Work through the checks below before replacing your whole kit.

Why does my vape taste burnt?

A burnt or harsh taste usually means the cotton inside the coil is dry or worn out.

1. The coil was not primed. A new coil needs a few drops of e-liquid on the cotton and five minutes to soak before the first puff. See how to change and prime a coil.
2. The pod is running low. Refill before the liquid drops below the coil intake holes.
3. The coil is worn out. Most coils and pods last one to two weeks. If the taste stays burnt after refilling, replace the coil or pod.
4. Chain vaping. Taking many puffs in a row does not give the cotton time to re-soak. Leave a few seconds between puffs.
5. The wrong e-liquid. Thick, high-VG shortfills soak into small MTL coils too slowly. Use nic salts or 50/50 liquids in pod kits.
6. The power is too high. If your device has adjustable wattage, lower it to the range printed on the coil.
7. Sweet e-liquids. Very sweet flavours can gunk up a coil faster, so expect to change it more often.

Why is my pod leaking?

1. Overfilling. Leave a small air gap at the top of the pod.
2. The fill port is not sealed. Push the silicone bung firmly closed.
3. Pressure changes. Flying or leaving a pod in a hot car can push liquid out. Store pods upright and out of the sun.
4. Thin e-liquid in a sub-ohm coil. High-PG liquids can leak through low-resistance coils.
5. A worn or damaged pod. Cracks or tired seals mean it is time for a new pod.
6. Hard puffs. Strong, long draws can pull liquid through the coil. Take gentler puffs.

Why is my vape gurgling or spitting?

Gurgling means liquid has flooded the coil or airflow. Remove the pod, wrap the mouthpiece in a tissue and give it a few short, sharp blows to clear it, then wipe the contacts dry. Avoid overfilling and taking very hard puffs.

Why is my vape not firing?

• Charge it fully – a flashing light often means a low battery.
• Wipe the pod and battery contacts with a dry cotton bud.
• Re-seat the pod firmly.
• Check the device is not locked (on button kits, this is often five quick presses).
• Try a new pod or coil.

When to stop using a device

Stop using a device straight away if it gets very hot, the battery swells, or it is damaged or wet. Read our battery safety advice and recycle old devices at a take-back point – never in a household bin.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my coil?

Usually every one to two weeks, or as soon as the flavour fades or tastes burnt.

Can I wash a coil?

Rinsing rarely fixes a burnt coil. Replacing it is the reliable fix.

Which coil fits my kit?

See our coil compatibility guide.

Our products are for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.