You take a draw from your vape pod, expecting smooth, flavorful vapor. Instead, you hear it: that unmistakable gurgling sound, followed by a mouthful of hot e-liquid. Not exactly the experience you signed up for.
If your vape sounds wet or starts spitting liquid, you're dealing with a flooded coil. It's one of the most common issues vapers face, but the good news? It's also one of the easiest to fix.
This guide will walk you through exactly why your pod vape is gurgling, how to clear it right now, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again. Let's get your vape device back to delivering the clean, satisfying hits it was designed for.
What Causes That Gurgling Sound in Your Vape?
A flooded coil happens when too much e-liquid saturates the coil or collects in the airway. Instead of vaporizing cleanly, the liquid gets trapped and creates that wet, bubbling sound. Here are the most common culprits.
Over-Priming Your Coil
When you install a new coil or pod, priming is essential. It involves adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil or letting the pod sit for a few minutes after filling. This helps the cotton wick absorb liquid and prevents dry hits.
But add too much, and you've gone too far. Over-priming saturates the wick beyond its capacity, leaving excess e-liquid pooling in the coil chamber. The result? Gurgling, spitting, and poor vapor production.
Drawing Too Hard
Your pod system is designed for a specific airflow and wicking speed. When you inhale too aggressively, you pull e-liquid into the coil faster than it can be vaporized. This overwhelms the heating element and floods the coil.
Think of it like drinking through a straw. A gentle, steady pull works perfectly. A hard, fast suck? You're going to get more than you bargained for.
Improper Filling or Overfilling
Filling your pod might seem straightforward, but doing it too quickly or past the maximum fill line can cause problems. Overfilling leaves no room for air pressure to equalize, which forces e-liquid into the central airflow tube.
Filling too fast can also create air pockets that disrupt proper wicking. Both scenarios increase the risk of flooding and leakage.
Old or Worn-Out Coils
Coils don't last forever. Over time, the cotton wick inside degrades from heat and repeated saturation. Once the wick loses its ability to hold e-liquid properly, it starts leaking into areas where it shouldn't be.
If your pod vape has been performing well but suddenly starts gurgling, an aging coil is often to blame.
Incorrect E-Liquid
Not all e-liquids work well with all devices. Pod systems, especially lower-wattage ones, are typically designed for e-liquids with a balanced PG/VG ratio, usually 50/50.
If you're using a liquid that's too thin (high PG), it can flow too freely through the wick and flood the coil. Always check your device's recommendations to ensure compatibility.
Quick Fixes: How to Clear a Flooded Pod Vape Right Now
If your vape sounds wet, you need to clear the excess e-liquid before it gets worse. Here are three simple methods that work fast.
The "Flick" Method
This is the quickest way to remove trapped liquid from the airway and mouthpiece.
- Remove the pod from the battery
- Wrap the pod in a paper towel or tissue
- Hold it firmly and flick your wrist downward several times, as if you're shaking down a thermometer
The centrifugal force pushes excess e-liquid out through the mouthpiece and airflow holes. Check the paper towel, you'll likely see drops of liquid.
Blow Through the Pod
Sometimes liquid gets stuck deep in the airway. Blowing through the pod can help dislodge it.
- Detach the pod from the device
- Place a folded paper towel over the airflow holes at the bottom
- Gently blow through the mouthpiece
You should see e-liquid come out onto the paper towel. Don't blow too hard, as this can push liquid further into the coil chamber.
Fire It Up (With Caution)
If there's still liquid in the coil, you can try vaporizing it directly.
- Press the fire button in short, 1-2 second bursts
- Do not inhale during this process
- Repeat 2-3 times, allowing a few seconds between each pulse
This method can help burn off the excess e-liquid, but use it sparingly. Firing the device without airflow can overheat the coil and shorten its lifespan.
Long-Term Solutions: Preventing Your Vape from Gurgling
Once you've cleared the flood, it's time to make sure it doesn't happen again. These preventive steps will keep your pod vape in top condition.
Perfect Your Puffing Technique
The way you inhale matters more than you might think. Here's how to optimize your draw:
- Take slow, steady puffs instead of sharp, forceful ones
- Allow 2-3 seconds between hits to let the coil reset
- Match your draw strength to your device's airflow design (tighter for mouth-to-lung devices, looser for direct-lung)
A controlled inhale gives the coil time to vaporize e-liquid evenly, preventing flooding and delivering better flavor.
Master the Art of Filling
Proper filling technique can eliminate a lot of vape maintenance headaches. Follow these tips:
- Don't overfill: Leave a small air gap at the top of the pod (about 10% empty space)
- Fill slowly: Pour e-liquid in a steady stream, not all at once
- Avoid air bubbles: Tap the pod gently on a surface after filling to release trapped air
- Wipe the connections: Clean any excess liquid from the pod's contact points before inserting it
Taking an extra 30 seconds to fill your pod properly can save you from leaks, gurgling, and wasted e-liquid.
Choose the Right E-Liquid
Not every e-liquid is suitable for every device. Pod systems generally work best with:
- 50/50 PG/VG ratio: This balanced blend provides good flavor, throat hit, and wicking performance
- Higher nicotine strengths: Salt nicotine e-liquids (20-50mg) are ideal for low-wattage pod devices
- Medium viscosity: Too thin, and it floods; too thick, and it can't wick properly
Check your device's manual or product description for recommended e-liquid specifications. If you're unsure, look for liquids labeled as "pod-friendly" or "salt nic."
Explore our e-liquids category to find the perfect match for your device, including popular 50/50 options from top Canadian vape brands.
Regular Maintenance is Key
Keeping your pod vape clean and up-to-date prevents most performance issues, including flooding. Make these habits part of your routine:
- Clean connection points weekly: Use a cotton swab or tissue to remove e-liquid buildup from the pod and battery contacts
- Replace coils or pods on time: Most coils last 1-2 weeks, depending on usage. If you notice reduced flavor, burnt taste, or persistent gurgling, it's time for a new one
- Store your device upright: Leaving your vape on its side can cause e-liquid to leak into the airflow
- Check for damage: Inspect pods and seals regularly for cracks or wear
Whether you're using a refillable system or switching from disposable vapes, we have what you need. Browse our selection of replacement pods and coils for popular brands like STLTH, Smok, and Oxbar. Keeping spares on hand means you're always ready for a fresh, flood-free vape.
Keep Your Vape Running Smoothly
A gurgling pod vape is annoying, but it's not a mystery. Over-priming, hard draws, old coils, and improper filling are the usual suspects. Once you know the cause, the fix is simple: clear the excess liquid, adjust your technique, and stay on top of maintenance.
Regular care makes all the difference. A well-maintained device delivers better flavor, longer coil life, and a more enjoyable vaping experience overall.
Is it time for a fresh pod, a new coil, or a complete vape kit upgrade? Explore our wide selection of best vape products from top brands like Allo, Rocky Vapor, Uwell, Vaporesso and more. Find everything you need for a perfect vape, with free delivery on orders over $100.