The e-cigarette is leaking – what helps with a leaking tank?

Liquid on your fingers, a damp battery or gurgling when you draw: a leaking tank is one of the problems customers most often bring to our shop in Freiburg. Usually there is a simple cause. In this guide we show you why tanks and pods leak and what you can do about it.

Why is my e-cigarette leaking?

The most common causes are damaged or displaced sealing rings, a poorly fitted coil, a tank cap that isn’t closed tightly, temperature or pressure differences and a liquid that is too thin.

A tank is only leak-proof as long as all parts sit cleanly on each other. Even a small gap is enough for liquid to escape through the air holes. The manufacturer Vaporesso names exactly these points in its support FAQ as typical reasons for a leaking tank.

How do I check the sealing rings?

Take the tank apart and look at every O-ring: it must be complete, undamaged and in its place.

The small rubber rings seal tank, coil and cap against each other. They wear over time, especially if you open the tank often. If a ring is torn, flattened or missing, replace it. Many atomizers come with spare seals.

Is the coil seated correctly?

A coil that is crooked or not fully screwed in is a common cause. Screw or push it in straight and firmly, but without force. With pod systems with a replaceable coil the same applies: the coil must click into place audibly or noticeably.

Is it the way you fill it?

Yes, often. Close the tank immediately after filling and don’t fill above the mark.

If the tank stays open after filling, air can get in and push liquid downwards. If the tank is too full, the air cushion is missing and liquid is pushed through the air holes. Hold the tank at a slight angle when filling and leave some space at the top.

What does the airflow have to do with it?

With some atomizers it helps to close the airflow when filling. This prevents liquid from running out through the air holes while the tank is open. Whether your device allows this is stated in the user manual.

Do heat and air pressure play a role?

Yes. Heat, direct sunlight and pressure differences, for example on a plane, can push liquid out of the tank.

Vaporesso advises against exposing the device to great heat or blazing sun and points out that a pressure difference between inside and outside can make the tank leak. A fall can also displace seals or damage glass.

What if I don’t use the device for a while?

According to the manufacturer, a filled tank left unused for several days leaks more easily. If you won’t use the device for a while, empty the tank and store tank and battery separately.

Can the liquid be to blame?

Yes. Very thin liquids with a high PG content leak more easily with some coils.

According to Vaporesso, liquids with less VG than 60/40 are more likely to lead to leaks with some coils. Above all, sub-ohm atomizers with large liquid openings are intended for thicker liquids. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for your atomizer. More about PG and VG can be found in the guide Which base for vaping?.

What is the difference between leaking and condensation?

Condensation is a small amount of liquid that collects in the mouthpiece or at the pod contact while vaping. This is normal.

If you find just a few drops on the contacts or in the mouthpiece, wipe them off with a paper towel. If, on the other hand, liquid visibly runs out of the tank or the fill level drops without you vaping, the tank is leaking.

Which questions do we hear most often in the shop?

My pod bubbles and gurgles. Is it broken?

Often the coil is flooded with liquid, for example because of very strong draws. Remove the pod, blow carefully through the mouthpiece onto a paper towel and dry the contacts. If that doesn’t help, replace the pod or the coil.

Is leaked liquid dangerous?

Nicotine-containing liquid should not get on the skin or in the eyes. Wash it off with soap and water. Wipe leaked liquid off the battery and contacts so that no moisture gets into the electronics.

Does a new tank help?

If the glass is cracked or the housing is warped, yes. In most cases, however, checking the seals and coil is enough.

Note: This guide is intended exclusively for adults. We sell all products only to persons aged 18 and over. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. This article does not replace medical advice. If you want to quit smoking, you can find free help on the rauchfrei portal of the German Federal Institute for Public Health.

About the authors – Team Dampfstelle Freiburg: We are an owner-managed specialist shop in Freiburg-Zähringen and have been advising customers in our shop every day since August 2022. Our team has been vaping for over 10 years and knows the devices, liquids and typical problems from personal experience.

Last updated: 14.10.2026

Which sources is this article based on?

1. Vaporesso: Vapes FAQ – “What should I do if the tank keeps leaking?” (manufacturer FAQ, in English). https://www.vaporesso.com/vapes-faq
2. Vaporesso Blog: Tackling Leaks in Vape Devices (manufacturer, in English). https://www.vaporesso.com/blog/basic-vaping-tips/vape-leak-prevention-guide
3. German Tobacco Products Act § 14: Composition of electronic cigarettes and refill containers (leak-free refilling) (in German). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tabakerzg/__14.html
4. German Federal Institute for Public Health: rauchfrei portal (in German). https://www.rauchfrei-info.de/