If your vape is suddenly spitting hot liquid into your mouth or making strange crackling noises, you’re dealing with what’s known as spitback. It’s not just annoying—it can be uncomfortable and off-putting, especially when you’re expecting a smooth, clean draw. Spitback happens when excess e-liquid builds up on the coil and gets heated too quickly, causing it to pop or sizzle and send droplets upwards through the mouthpiece. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward fixing it and preventing it in future.
What Causes Vape Spitback?
Spitback usually starts with flooding. This is when more e-liquid reaches the coil than it can vaporise, causing a small pool to form. When the coil heats up, that pool doesn’t turn into vapour evenly—instead, it pops and spits like water on a hot frying pan. The result is hot droplets of unvaporised liquid shooting up into the mouthpiece and sometimes into your mouth.
One of the most common reasons for flooding is over-priming. When you install a new coil and saturate the wick with e-liquid, adding too much can overwhelm the coil. If the cotton is overly soaked, the excess liquid sits there, waiting to sizzle. Even without over-priming, certain e-liquids—especially those with a thinner consistency—can flood the coil more easily than others.
Another major factor is inhalation style. Drawing too softly on a device that’s designed for more airflow can reduce the heat needed to fully vaporise the liquid. If the coil doesn’t get hot enough, liquid builds up faster than it burns off, causing spitback. This is especially common in mouth-to-lung devices with restricted airflow, where slow draws are typical.
Coil and Wattage Issues
Using your vape at too low a wattage is another reason spitback can occur. Each coil is designed to operate within a specific power range. If your wattage is set too low for the coil you’re using, the liquid heats unevenly or not at all, allowing it to pool on the surface. When you finally increase the wattage or take a stronger draw, that built-up liquid can react suddenly, causing a burst of spitback.
Old or faulty coils can also contribute. As a coil degrades, it may not heat evenly or may develop hot spots. These inconsistencies increase the likelihood of uneven vaporisation and, as a result, more spitting.
Device and Tank Design
Some tanks and pod systems are more prone to spitback than others. Devices with small chimneys, narrow mouthpieces or poor coil positioning tend to trap liquid more easily. E-liquid condensation can build up inside the mouthpiece or chimney and get pulled back into the coil area, leading to more frequent spitback over time.
Poor sealing or loose components can also allow excess liquid into areas it shouldn’t be, resulting in gurgling sounds and hot droplets on inhale. Ensuring all components are properly tightened and cleaning the tank regularly helps reduce this risk.
How to Stop It
The best way to prevent spitback is to manage how much liquid reaches the coil. When priming a new coil, add just enough e-liquid to saturate the cotton without overdoing it. Let the tank sit for a few minutes, then take a few gentle puffs without firing the device to help draw liquid through naturally.
Adjusting your power settings can also help. Make sure your wattage falls within the recommended range for your coil. Increasing wattage slightly can help vaporise any lingering liquid on the coil and stop popping sounds. Just be careful not to go too high, or you risk burning the coil.
Finally, make sure your device is clean and properly assembled. Regularly clear any condensation or pooled liquid from inside the mouthpiece and chimney, and check your coil for signs of wear or flooding. If spitback continues even after cleaning and adjusting, it may be time to replace the coil or consider switching to a different tank design.
Final Word
Spitback happens when too much e-liquid reaches the coil and doesn’t vaporise properly, causing it to pop and send hot droplets upwards. It’s usually caused by flooding, over-priming, low wattage or poor airflow. Thankfully, it’s also easy to fix. With a few simple adjustments—better priming, correct power settings and regular cleaning—you can stop spitback from ruining your vape and get back to enjoying a smooth, satisfying experience.
