Vape Troubleshooting Guide: Burnt Taste, Leaks, Battery Problems and How to Make Your Vape Last Longer

Few things are more frustrating than a vape that suddenly tastes burnt, leaks into your pocket or dies halfway through the afternoon. The good news is that almost every common vape problem has a simple cause and an easy fix.

This guide covers the issues we hear about most often: burnt taste, leaking, gurgling, weak flavour, a device that will not fire and a battery that drains too fast. We finish with practical tips to make your pods, coils and e-liquid last longer, which matters more than ever now that e-liquid is taxed at 50 cent per millilitre in Ireland.

Problem 1: My vape tastes burnt

A burnt or harsh taste, often called a dry hit, means the coil is heating without enough liquid in the cotton. Common causes and fixes:

• New pod not primed. After filling a refillable pod, wait five to ten minutes before vaping so the cotton can soak.
• Chain vaping. Taking puff after puff without a break does not give the wick time to resoak. Leave 20 to 30 seconds between puffs.
• Liquid too thick. High VG e-liquids struggle to soak into small pod coils. Use a 50/50 nic salt instead.
• Coil is worn out. Every coil has a lifespan. If the taste stays burnt after a refill and a rest, replace the pod or coil.
• Pod is empty. With prefilled pods, a burnt taste is usually the sign it is time for a new one.

Problem 2: My pod is leaking

Leaking is the most common complaint with refillable kits. Check these in order:

1. Overfilling. Leave a small air gap at the top of the pod.
2. Fill port not sealed. Make sure the silicone plug is pushed fully home after filling.
3. Cracked pod. Look closely for a hairline crack, especially if the device was dropped.
4. Temperature and pressure changes. Leaving a pod in a hot car or taking it on a flight can push liquid out. Store pods upright and keep them out of direct heat.
5. Pulling too hard. Very strong draws can pull liquid through the coil. Gentle puffs are best.

A little condensation in the mouthpiece is normal. Wipe it out every day or two with a tissue.

Problem 3: Gurgling or spitting

Gurgling sounds and drops of liquid in your mouth usually mean the coil is flooded. Remove the pod, wrap a tissue around the base and give it a couple of firm flicks to clear the excess. Then take two or three short puffs without inhaling to clear the airflow. Avoid sucking hard on the device when it is not firing, as this floods the coil.

Problem 4: The flavour is weak or muted

• Flavour fatigue. Your taste buds get used to one flavour over time. Swap to something different for a day, or try a menthol flavour to reset.
• Low battery. Many pod kits lose power as the battery runs down, which mutes flavour. Charge it up.
• Old coil. Coils gunk up over time, especially with very sweet liquids. A new pod brings flavour back instantly.
• Dirty contacts. Gently wipe the metal contacts on the pod and battery with a dry cotton bud.

Problem 5: My vape will not fire

1. Check the battery is charged. Plug it in for a few minutes and try again.
2. Remove and reinsert the pod firmly. A loose connection is the most common cause.
3. Clean the contacts with a dry cotton bud. A drop of liquid on the contacts can stop the device recognising the pod.
4. Check for a lock mode. Some devices lock if you press the button five times quickly. Check the manual.
5. Try a different pod. If a new pod works, the old one is faulty.

If none of this works, get in touch. Our battery safety and warranty information explains what to do next.

Problem 6: The battery drains too fast

Lithium batteries naturally lose capacity after hundreds of charge cycles, so an older device may simply be wearing out. To keep a battery healthy for longer:

• Charge with the cable supplied and a standard USB plug, not a high power fast charger.
• Avoid running the battery completely flat every time.
• Do not leave the device in hot places such as a car dashboard.
• Never charge on a bed, sofa or anything that could trap heat, and do not leave it charging unattended overnight.

How to make your vape last longer

With e-liquid prices higher since the 2025 tax, a few simple habits make a real difference to how long your pods and bottles last.

Pick the right nicotine strength

If your nicotine strength is too low, you will vape almost nonstop and burn through liquid. The right strength satisfies you in fewer puffs. Our guide to nic salt vs freebase explains how to choose.

Take shorter, gentler puffs

Long, hard draws use more liquid and wear coils out faster. Two to three seconds is plenty for most pod kits.

Choose less sweet flavours sometimes

Very sweet e-liquids leave sugary residue on coils, shortening their life. Mixing in fruit, menthol or tobacco flavours helps your coils last.

Store liquids properly

Keep bottles and spare pods upright, sealed and in a cool, dark place. Heat and light break down flavour and nicotine over time.

Consider a refillable kit

If you use a lot of prefilled pods or disposables, a refillable kit is almost always cheaper to run. Our pod kit buying guide compares the options, and our nic salt e-liquids come in 10mg and 20mg.

A quick daily care routine

You do not need to spend long looking after your vape. Thirty seconds a day is enough to avoid most of the problems above.

• Glance at the liquid level each morning and top up or swap pods before you leave the house.
• Wipe the mouthpiece and the pod base with a dry tissue.
• Check the contacts are dry and clean whenever you change a pod.
• Charge in the evening while you are around, rather than overnight.
• Keep your device in a pocket or bag compartment of its own, away from keys and coins that can scratch or short the contacts.

It sounds basic, but customers who follow a simple routine like this report far fewer leaks and much longer coil life.

When to replace your device

Replace your battery or kit if you see any of the following: a swollen or bulging battery, a device that gets hot without firing, a cracked casing, a damaged charging port or a battery that will not hold charge for more than an hour or two. Stop using it straight away and bring it to your local civic amenity site, telling the staff it is damaged. Never put a damaged lithium battery in your household bin. Our vape recycling guide explains where to take it.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my pod or coil?

For most people, every five to ten days on a refillable kit. Prefilled pods are replaced when the liquid runs out.

Why does my vape crackle?

Light crackling is normal as liquid heats. Loud popping or spitting usually means the coil is flooded.

Can I rinse a pod with water?

You can rinse an empty refillable pod with warm water, but it must be completely dry, inside and out, before you refill it.

Still having trouble?

If your device is still misbehaving, contact our team with the make, model and what is happening. We will help you sort it, and if it turns out to be faulty we will explain your options.

Our products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance, and are for adults aged 18 and over only.