Disposable Vapes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Despite their convenience, they can be susceptible to water damage if dropped in a liquid.
This article examines the effects of water on disposable vapes, both in terms of how they may be damaged and how to fix them. It also looks at the importance of purchasing a water-resistant model in order to prevent damage from accidental spills.
Finally, it explores possible methods for salvaging water-damaged disposable vapes. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the risks associated with owning a disposable vape, as well as how to respond if they find themselves in this unfortunate predicament.
Key Takeaways
- Dropped disposable vapes in water can cause the devices to stop functioning.
- Water exposure can lead to battery terminals shorting and loss of charge.
- Prolonged water exposure can result in corrosion and electrical faults in the battery.
- Removing the power source from the device is crucial to prevent potential dangers.
What Happens When You Drop a Vape in Water?
When a disposable vape is dropped into water, the device is immediately exposed to a number of potential damages, including water ingress, short-circuiting, and corrosion. These potential damages can lead to severe damage and malfunction of the device, such as corrosion of the battery and other components, like the tank and coil. Therefore, it’s essential to remove the device from the water as soon as possible, as well as not attempt to use it.
Moisture can easily enter the electronic device, leading to a short-circuit and potentially damaging the device further. To avoid further damage, one should remove the device from the water and not attempt to use it.
After the device is removed from the water, one should then attempt to remove as much water as possible, such as using a paper towel or uncooked rice. This will help reduce the amount of moisture entering the eliquid tank or heating chamber, which may reduce the amount of vapor production from the disposable vape device.
Taking these steps can help avoid severe damage to the device, as well as increase the chances of a successful and effective method of removing the device from water.
A Water-Resistant Vape Can Handle Life’s Little Accidents
Accidents involving liquid are no longer a worry with the introduction of water-resistant vape kits, such as the Innokin Adept Zlide, which gleamingly boast an IP67 standard of protection.
This means that it can be submerged in up to a meter of clean water for 30 minutes and remain dust-proof, giving users peace of mind to take their device with them wherever they go.
The inbuilt lithium-ion battery and contact with water is no longer a problem, as when compared to a disposable vape with a removable battery, the Adept Zlide will not suffer the same level of damage if accidently dropped in water.
Moreover, the device’s heating coils, whether they are mesh, metal or ceramic, will remain unscathed and not be corroded by any water droplets.
By using a water-resistant vape, occasional accidents are no longer a concern and users are free to enjoy their device without fear of water-related accidents.
The rice method is no longer a necessity should liquid enter the device and with the Adept Zlide, users can still enjoy the same level of vapor production, as excess water is quickly vaporized into the same dense clouds.
How to Fix a Vape After Dropping It in Water
In the event of an unexpected water-related incident, this guide outlines the steps needed to fix a vape after it has been immersed in liquid.
Depending on the type of vape, the effects of water exposure will vary. High-powered or an averagely-powered battery types are more susceptible to damage from contact with water. If the battery compartment is open, the internal electronics are at risk of being exposed to water.
Rice is an effective way to draw out any bit of water that may be lingering in the device. For larger amounts of water, submerging the device in warm water can help.
If the vape was dropped in a body of water, like a pool, pond, or puddle, the chances of it being completely submerged and experiencing long-term water exposure are greater. In this instance, it’s best to not risk turning on the device, as the exposure to water will interfere with the device’s components.
What to do if you dropped your vape in water?
When an unexpected water-related incident occurs, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to prevent damage to the vape device.
The first step is to turn off the battery power immediately and remove the battery and any other detachable components.
It is also important to dry the delicate components, such as the internal metal components, using a dry cloth or paper towel, ensuring not to power on the device.
After all of the components have been dried, the vape device should be air-dried in a warm, dry location for at least 24 hours. This will help to ensure all bits of moisture are removed and allow any moisture that is inside the device to exit.
An alternative method to air-drying is to place the device in a container with rice, which acts as a moisture absorber and will help to trap any moisture that may remain inside.
This will help to prevent further damage to the electrical components of the vape device.
Methods to Fix Water-Damaged Vapes
Unfortunately, water damage to vape devices can be devastating if not handled properly, requiring repair or even replacement.
There are various methods to fix water-damaged vapes, such as the rice method, using a blow dryer, and professional cleaning.
The rice method consists of submerging the device in a container of dry rice, as the rice will absorb the beads of moisture. If the vape has a removable tank, it should be taken apart and the individual parts should be submerged in dry rice.
Using a blow dryer is also an effective method of removing moisture, but should be done with caution as there is a risk of further damaging the device.
Professional cleaning is also an option, but this can be costly and may not always be successful.
It’s important to note that not all water-damaged vapes can be repaired and may need to be replaced.
Learning how to prevent water-related accidents is key, and there are many helpful how-to videos available online.
How disposable vapes get affected by water
Water damage to disposable vapes can cause a variety of problems, such as short-circuiting, corrosion, and battery failure.
Short-circuiting occurs when the electrical components of the device come into contact with water, resulting in a circuit that is unable to regulate the electrical current.
Corrosion is an additional problem caused by water damage, as the liquid can erode the metal components of the device.
Finally, battery failure is a risk in the case of water damage, as the water can cause the battery to become overcharged, leading to permanent damage.
Short-Circuiting
Consequently, when a vape device is dropped in water, the natural flow of electricity is disrupted, leading to short-circuiting and the potential for serious damage.
The resulting short-circuiting can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Swelling and bursting of the device
- Vaporized nicotine and propylene glycol being released
- Corrosion of the internal components of the vape
- Electrical sparks, posing a fire hazard
- Shorting out of the device’s electrical system, potentially causing irreparable damage
Short-circuiting can have devastating and long-lasting effects on the device, and understanding how it works is essential for preventing and mitigating potential damage.
With this knowledge, users can be better prepared to protect their devices from a watery fate. Without proper preventative measures, users may find themselves with a damaged device and a hefty repair bill.
And so, it’s important to understand the dangers and preventative steps of short-circuiting in order to avoid potential disasters. From corrosion to electrical sparks, short-circuiting can be a costly and dangerous problem for vape device users.
Corrosion
When it comes to damaged disposable vapes, short-circuiting is not the only risk. Another potential issue is corrosion.
Corrosion of the metal coils found in disposable vapes is a serious concern due to the fact that the coils are constantly exposed to water vapor and e-liquid. When these materials come into contact with the metal coils, they can cause them to rust and congeal the e-liquid, making it difficult to vape.
The consequences of corrosion can be severe, including burnt vape hits and device malfunctions. In some cases, the corrosion may even render the device unusable.
As such, it is important to take steps to ensure that your disposable vape does not come into contact with water. This can help to prevent corrosion and ensure that your device remains in good working order. With that said, it is important to understand that battery failure is yet another issue that can arise from water damage.
Battery failure
The risk of battery failure in a vape device is a serious concern, with up to 60% of devices suffering from water damage immediately ceasing to function.
When a vape device is dropped in water, it can short the terminals of the battery, which can cause it to lose charge and prevent the device from functioning.
The most common type of vape battery is the lithium-ion battery, which can withstand short contact with water, but may experience corrosion and electrical faults with prolonged exposure.
It is essential to remove the power source from the device to avoid potential dangers.
As such, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with battery failure when a vape device is dropped in water.
It is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the device and its users.
Conclusion
Dropping a disposable vape in water can be a disheartening experience. It is important to understand that not all vapes are created equal. Water-resistant vapes are designed to handle life’s little accidents, while non-water-resistant vapes may be damaged.
Thankfully, there are a few methods to fix water-damaged vapes. One method is to let the vape dry out. Another is to rinse the vape in isopropyl alcohol and then let it dry. Lastly, one may disassemble the vape and clean the individual parts.
With these methods, it is possible to save a vape that was dropped in water. Therefore, understanding the importance of water-resistant vapes can be the difference between a lost vape and a saved one.