Why Is My Vape Bubbling?

Why Is My Vape Bubbling?

If your vape starts making a bubbling or gurgling noise when you inhale, it can be both confusing and annoying. While some bubbling is normal—especially right after filling your tank or pod—excessive noise or spitback may be a sign that something isn’t working as it should. Fortunately, bubbling is usually easy to fix and doesn’t mean your vape is broken.

Understanding the most common causes of bubbling helps you spot the issue early and keep your vape working smoothly.

What Causes a Vape to Bubble?

Bubbling usually happens when excess e-liquid floods the coil or gets trapped in the chimney (the airpath inside your vape). When this liquid heats up, it creates a bubbling or popping sound as it vaporises. In mild cases, it’s harmless—but if too much e-liquid builds up, you may experience spitback, which is when hot liquid pops into your mouth.

This is most common right after refilling your tank or pod, especially if you’ve overfilled it or the coil hasn’t had time to absorb properly. Bubbling can also happen if you draw too hard on the vape, causing more liquid to be pulled into the coil than it can vaporise.

Inhaling Too Hard or Too Often

Drawing too forcefully on your vape can pull more liquid into the coil than it can handle. This floods the chamber and leads to bubbling, gurgling, or leaking. It’s a common mistake for smokers switching to vaping, as cigarette puffs are usually sharper and quicker.

With most modern vapes—especially pod systems and sub-ohm kits—a slower, gentler draw is ideal. If you’re constantly chain-vaping without pause, the wick may not have enough time to re-saturate, causing bubbling and uneven heating.

Overfilling the Tank or Pod

If your tank or pod is filled too close to the top, the liquid may get into the airflow chamber. This restricts airflow and creates bubbling or gurgling as you inhale. Always leave a small air gap when refilling, especially in pods with side or bottom-fill ports.

In shortfill bottles, thicker liquids may take longer to settle, so it’s best to wait a minute or two after filling before vaping. This helps avoid immediate flooding and gives the coil time to soak properly.

Condensation in the Airflow

Some bubbling isn’t caused by overfilling or coil flooding—it can also be the result of condensation. As vapour travels through the chimney and mouthpiece, some of it cools and condenses into liquid. This buildup can create a bubbling noise, even if the coil and wick are fine.

To fix this, remove the mouthpiece and gently blow through the device or wipe the chimney with a tissue or cotton bud. This clears out trapped condensation and usually stops the bubbling.

Coil Age and Wear

Older or worn-out coils are more likely to flood and gurgle. The cotton inside becomes less absorbent over time and may not hold liquid evenly, causing excess juice to sit in the chamber. If you’ve been using the same coil for over a week or notice that the flavour is fading or burnt, it might be time for a replacement.

Changing your coil often fixes bubbling immediately, especially if you’re also experiencing spitback or leaking.

Device Type and Airflow Design

Some vapes are naturally more prone to bubbling than others. Devices with bottom airflow or tight MTL (mouth-to-lung) draws can create more condensation and liquid buildup in the airflow chamber. Similarly, some pod systems with fixed airflow designs may trap e-liquid more easily if overfilled or left to sit for long periods.

On the other hand, open DTL (direct-to-lung) kits with larger tanks and more airflow tend to handle excess liquid better. If your vape regularly gurgles or bubbles, check how the airflow is routed—this can help you understand whether it’s a design quirk or a fixable issue.

Leaving the Device Unused for Too Long

If you’ve filled your vape and left it unused for several hours or days, the coil may become oversaturated. When the wick sits in e-liquid for too long without being used, it can soak up more juice than necessary and begin to leak or bubble on your next puff. This is especially common with high-VG liquids or devices stored horizontally.

To avoid this, give the vape a few short “priming” puffs before inhaling fully—or take it apart and wipe down any visible excess liquid around the coil or chimney.

Using the Wrong E-Liquid for Your Coil

Your choice of e-liquid affects bubbling too. Thinner, high-PG liquids tend to flow more easily and can flood the coil if used in sub-ohm or high-power devices. These setups are designed for thicker, high-VG juices that stay more stable in larger coils. If the liquid is too thin for your setup, you may hear more bubbling and experience inconsistent vapour.

On the flip side, using thick high-VG liquids in a small MTL coil might lead to incomplete wicking, which can also create bubbling or popping as the coil struggles to vaporise uneven liquid.

Temperature Fluctuations and Storage

Storing your vape in a warm environment—like a car, window ledge, or near a heater—can cause the liquid to thin out and leak into the coil, leading to bubbling when you use it. Similarly, rapid temperature changes can cause condensation or create pressure inside the tank, pushing e-liquid into the airflow channel.

Try to store your vape upright and away from direct sunlight or heat. Not only does this reduce bubbling, but it also protects coil life and battery health.

Final Word

Bubbling in your vape is usually a sign of excess e-liquid in the coil or airflow, but it’s rarely serious. In most cases, it can be fixed by adjusting your draw, refilling more carefully, or clearing out condensation. If bubbling persists or is accompanied by spitback and weak flavour, changing your coil may be the best solution. With a few quick checks, you can stop the noise and get your vape running smoothly again.