Why Is My Vape Gurgling? Causes & How to Fix It

A gurgling vape almost always means there is excess liquid sitting in the coil or chimney that should not be there. The gurgling sound is liquid being bubbled through by the airflow rather than being properly vaporised. It is distinct from a leaking vape (liquid escaping the device externally) and has its own set of causes and fixes.

Is Gurgling Dangerous?

Gurgling itself is not dangerous, but spitback — where hot liquid droplets travel up the mouthpiece into your mouth — is an unpleasant consequence of a gurgling coil. It will not cause serious harm but it is a clear sign something needs attention. Do not continue using a device that is spitting liquid.

The Most Common Causes of Vape Gurgling

Comparison of a correctly wicked coil vs a flooded coil causing gurgling.

1. Flooded Coil

The most frequent cause. A flooded coil has more liquid than it can vaporise — the coil is saturated beyond capacity. This typically happens from:

• Over-priming (too many drops applied during installation)
• Leaving a tank sitting without use for an extended period
• Drawing too slowly or too gently — not generating enough heat to vaporise the liquid

Fix: Remove the coil/pod, flick the device downward sharply (over a sink or tissue) to eject the pooled liquid, and dry the chimney/mouthpiece with a folded piece of tissue pushed through the top. Reinstall and fire at a slightly higher wattage.

2. Condensation Buildup in the Chimney

Over time, vapour condenses back into liquid on the inner walls of the airflow tube (chimney). This liquid then drips back down into the coil, causing gurgling when you fire the device.

Fix: Unscrew the mouthpiece or top cap, roll a piece of kitchen tissue into a narrow tube and push it into the chimney to absorb pooled condensation. Do this every few days as part of routine maintenance.

3. Wrong E-Liquid Ratio for Your Device

High VG (70VG/30PG) liquids are thick and designed for high-powered sub-ohm tanks with wide wicking ports. Using them in a small MTL pod kit or a tight-draw device forces too much liquid through narrow ports, overwhelming the coil.

Fix: Use a 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid in any MTL pod kit or starter device. Reserve High VG shortfills for sub-ohm tank setups with low-resistance coils.

4. Overfilling the Tank

Most tanks have a clear maximum fill line. Exceeding it creates positive pressure inside the tank when you close it, which forces liquid down into the coil chamber faster than the coil can wick it.

Fix: Always fill to just below the maximum fill line, leave a small air gap at the top, and ensure the tank is sealed correctly before inverting it.

5. Drawing Too Softly

A very slow, gentle draw generates less airflow across the coil, which produces less heat. If the heat is not sufficient to fully vaporise the liquid being drawn into the coil, the unvaporised liquid accumulates. This is especially common with beginner vapers transitioning from cigarettes who instinctively draw slowly.

Fix: Take slightly firmer, more consistent draws. You do not need to draw hard — just consistently enough to pull airflow through the coil properly.

Gurgling in Pod Kits Specifically

Pod kits have a closed coil system and can gurgle for the same reasons above, but with one additional cause: a worn coil that can no longer maintain proper liquid uptake. A deteriorating coil wicks inconsistently, flooding one moment and running dry the next. If your pod kit is gurgling and the coil is over a week old, replacing the coil or pod is usually the fastest fix.

When Gurgling Is a Sign of a Bigger Problem

If you consistently experience gurgling despite clearing the chimney and replacing the coil, the issue may be a cracked or damaged pod/tank allowing liquid to enter the airflow channel. In this case, the tank or pod itself needs replacing rather than the coil. Refer to our guide on Why Is My Vape Leaking for guidance on external leaking specifically.