Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking in recent years. It has many advantages over smoking, such as being less smelly and not producing smoke. However, one of the common issues that can arise with vaping is popping or cracking when taking a hit. This can be a worrying experience for a vaper, as it is not only unpleasant but can be dangerous. As the saying goes “forewarned is forearmed”, understanding why this happens can help prevent it from occurring.

This article will discuss five of the most common reasons why a vape can pop or crack on the first hit, as well as two ways to prevent it from happening and six reasons that can cause spit back. By understanding the causes of popping and cracking and how to prevent them, vapers can enjoy their vaping experience worry-free.

5 Top Reasons Your Vape Is Popping & Cracking

Vaping can produce a variety of sounds, some of which can be disconcerting.

There are several key reasons why your vape can be popping and cracking on the first hit, including low wattage level, the need for chimney cleaning, a narrow chimney, a twisted or braided coil, and changing the liquid.

Understanding the underlying causes of these issues will help you resolve them and enjoy a better vaping experience.

1. Low Wattage Level

The low wattage level of a sub-ohm device can often lead to e-liquid overflow, spitback, and popping noises.

To address this issue, users can increase the wattage level of their device by up to 10 watts. Additionally, it may help to narrow the airflow adjustments by loosening the air pressure on the tank’s collar. As a result, users will experience an improved vaping experience with less popping noises.

A few other reasons for popping noises include:

1. Coil: A coil that is too hot due to a too-high wattage level, or an old coil not able to handle the wattage, can cause the popping noises.
2. Wattage: Too low or too high wattage can lead to popping noises.
3. Tank: A tank that is too full of juice can cause popping noises as the juice is heated up too quickly.

The low wattage level of a device, when not correctly adjusted, can be the main culprit for popping noises. Adjusting the wattage level and airflow, users can enjoy a more pleasurable vaping experience with less noise.

2. Chimney Needs Cleaning

Accumulation of e-liquid in the chimney can lead to oversaturation and spitting. To avoid this issue, users must clean the chimney of their atomizer or vape device regularly.

This can be achieved by removing the drip tip and inserting rolled paper towels or tissue paper into the chimney to soak up any excess liquid. Additionally, using a device with a larger chimney can help prevent e-liquid accumulation and oversaturation.

When adjusting the wattage level of a vape device, it is important to consider the surface area of the coil and the type of e-liquid being used. Thinner e-liquid such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin will require a lower wattage level, while thicker liquids like high VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquid will require a higher wattage level.

Maintaining a device with proper airflow adjustment, anti-spitback drip tip, and using a wide angle drip tip can also help prevent an excess of e-liquid from accumulating in the chimney.

A regular maintenance routine involving cleaning the coil with a cotton bud or replacing it with a higher end coil can also help prevent the popping sound that comes with coil flooding.

With these tips in mind, users can enjoy a better vaping experience and avoid the dreaded popping sound.

3. Chimney Is Narrow

Using a device with a too narrow chimney can cause condensation and block airflow, leading to unpleasant popping noises. This is a common issue with vapes and can be addressed by using a tank with a wider chimney or a rebuildable dripping atomizer (RDA) setup.

Here are some of the most common causes of vape spitting:

• Size: The size of the chimney affects the amount of vapor produced and increases the chance of spitting.
• Heating surface: If the coils are too close to each other, it can cause the vape juice to spit.
• Vape juice: Too thin or old vape juice can cause the device to spit.
• Twist or braid: Coils that are twisted or braided can reduce the surface area and result in spitting.
• Share: Sharing a vape with someone else can increase the chance of the device spitting.

These are just some of the most common causes of vape spitting. By understanding why your device is spitting, you can make the necessary changes to make it stop.

This can help you enjoy a smooth vaping experience without the unpleasant popping noises.

Coil Is Twisted or Braided

Twisting or braiding coils can drastically reduce the surface area of the heating element, leading to excessive popping sounds. This can result in an unpleasant vaping experience due to the water vapor and hot e-juice creating a popping sound when it is heated. The popping sound is caused by the rapid expansion of the heated liquid, which requires a larger surface area for the heat to dissipate.

To address this issue, it is recommended to either tighten the coil if braided personally, or consider purchasing regular coils. Additionally, high-quality coils like Vaporesso’s c-cell technology coils are designed to perform well at all temperatures and can provide a better vaping experience. By using larger coils, the heat can be dissipated more efficiently, providing a smoother and more enjoyable vaping experience.

Change The Liquid

The previous section discussed how a coil that is twisted or braided can cause the popping sound that vapers experience when they take a hit. Another common cause of popping is the type of e-liquid used.

When vapers use a thin e-liquid, it can cause a variety of issues, including coil flooding and spitback. To reduce this popping sound, it is important to choose a thicker e-liquid with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content. Here are some of the reasons why this should be done:

1. Thin e-liquids can easily flood the coil, leading to a decrease in flavor and an increase in popping.
2. Thin e-liquids do not have enough viscosity to properly vaporize, resulting in spitback and popping.
3. Thicker e-liquids with higher VG content are better at filling the wicking holes in the coil, enabling a better flow of vapor.
4. Thicker e-liquids are less likely to cause popping due to their higher viscosity.

By choosing a thicker e-liquid with higher VG content, vapers can reduce the popping sound they experience when they take a hit.

This transition into the subsequent section about ways to prevent vape popping.

2 Ways To Prevent Vape Popping

Vape popping, or crackling, is an issue that can be disruptive and annoying. It is important to understand why it occurs and how to prevent it.

This discussion will cover two key strategies for preventing vape popping: taking short inhales and priming the coil. By following these strategies, users can enjoy an enjoyable vaping experience without the interruption of popping and crackling.

1. Take Short Inhales

Taking short, purposeful inhales will effectively address the issue of leaking and spitting, while simultaneously avoiding a dramatic eruption of vapor.

This can be accomplished by allowing the coil and wick to heat the e-liquid, and then inhaling gently.

When an e-cigarette is filled with e-liquid, long, deep inhales can push the liquid into the chamber and into the mouth, resulting in a leaking and spitting issue.

To prevent this from occurring, taking short inhales will help to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce the risk of leaking and spitting.

Furthermore, this will also prevent the device from producing large clouds of vapor.

As such, taking short inhales is an effective way to prevent leaking and spitting, and can be used to minimize the occurrence of vape popping.

To further reduce the chances of vape popping, the next step is to prime the coil.

2. Prime The Coil

Priming the coil before use is a necessary step to prevent excessive priming and reduce the risk of vape popping. To properly prime the coil, only a small amount of e-juice should be dropped onto the coil, enough to wet it without causing it to drip.

Here are some key points to remember when priming the coil:

• Ensure the coil is wet enough to reduce the risk of vape popping
• Press the fire button two or three times if there is spitback from excessive priming
• Use only enough e-juice to wet the coil, not enough to cause it to drip
• Monitor the coil’s wetness to avoid excessive priming
• Keep an eye out for signs of spitback

By following these steps, vapers can properly prime their coil to prevent excessive priming and unsafe vape popping. Moving forward, the reasons that cause spitback should be explored in order to gain a deeper understanding of the vaping process.

6 Reasons That Causes Spit Back

Vaping can be a great experience, but sometimes it can have its drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is vape popping, or spit back.

Spit back occurs when liquid is forced back up the chimney and into the mouth. This can be caused by several factors, including:

• Juice viscosity and VG/PG ratio
• Incorrect priming of the coil
• Tank temperature change
• Incorrect coil installation
• Vape coil burn out

Each of these factors can have a significant influence on the occurrence of spit back and should be considered when addressing the problem.

1. Juice Viscosity VG/PG Ratio

The optimal VG/PG ratio for different tanks is an integral factor in determining a vape user’s experience, as it directly affects the juice viscosity and vapor density.

When using a ratio thinner than 50%-50%, issues can arise which include:

• Juice Viscosity:
• If the VG level is too low, the juice will be too thin and will not be able to adequately saturate the wick.
• If the PG level is too low, the juice will be too thick and will not have enough flow to be efficiently vaporized.
• Vapor Density:
• If the VG level is too low, the vapor will be airy and will not have enough density.
• If the PG level is too low, the vapor will be too dense and will lack flavor.

By understanding the importance of the VG/PG ratio, vape users can better control their experience and avoid the potential issues that arise from incorrect priming of the coil.

2. Incorrect Priming of the Coil

Incorrectly preparing the coil can lead to unsatisfactory vaping experiences. Priming the coil is a crucial step in achieving optimal performance and flavor from the device.

The correct process for priming the coil depends on the type of tank and device being used. Sub-ohm tanks should have three drips of e-juice added to each wicking hole before the coil is installed. Mouth-to-lung kits with thinner e-liquids do not require individual coil priming.

After the coil is installed, it should be allowed to soak for 15 minutes before use. Failing to properly prime the coil can lead to burnt flavors, reduced vapor production, and a popping sound on the first hit.

To ensure a positive vaping experience, it is essential to correctly prepare the coil.

Transitioning to the next section, the tank temperature may also affect vaping performance.

3. Tank Temperature Change

Temperature fluctuations can have a dramatic impact on vaping, drastically changing the vaping landscape like a shift in the tides.

Low temperatures can have a number of impacts on the device, such as:

• Tank etiquette: Lower temperatures can result in an increase in condensation buildup, leading to potential clogging and leaking of the tank.
• Temperature change: Vaping in colder temperatures can cause the tank’s coil to heat up too quickly, leading to a pop sound when first inhaling.
• Cleaning: Colder temperatures can also make it more difficult to clean the coil properly, leading to a buildup of residue and a decrease in flavor.
• Clogging: Low temperatures can decrease the flow of juice to the coil, leading to clogging and increased resistance in the device.
• Low temperatures: An overall decrease in temperature can lead to a decrease in the vapor production, making the experience less enjoyable.

These issues related to temperature changes can lead to a decrease in the overall performance of vaping devices.

It is important to be aware of the potential issues related to temperature fluctuations and take appropriate steps to ensure that the device is functioning at the optimum level.

4. Incorrect Coil Installation

Failing to correctly install the coil can lead to serious consequences in vaping, such as flooding and spit back.

Incorrect coil installation can cause air to enter the chamber, leading to overflowing and spit back. This can also result in oversaturation of the wick, which can cause the coil to burn out more quickly.

To avoid these issues, it is important to ensure that the coil is securely and tightly screwed onto the base of the tank. Furthermore, it is essential to check that the o-ring seals are in place and that the coil is seated properly.

Taking these steps will help to ensure that the coil is correctly installed and avoid any potential flooding and spit back.

5. Vape Coil Burn Out

Burnout of a vape coil is a common issue for vapers that can result in an unpleasant vaping experience. The best way to prevent coil burnout is to ensure proper maintenance and preparation before vaping.

Priming the coils by adding a few drops of e-liquid is essential to prevent dry firing, which can damage the coils and lead to burnout. After priming, users should wait a few minutes before firing up the device to allow the e-liquid to properly saturate the wick.

Additionally, replacing the regular round wire coils with mesh coils can eliminate noise and improve vapor production. Proper maintenance and preparation of the coils can significantly reduce the incidence of coil burnout.

6. Oversaturation

The previous subtopic of ‘Vape Coil Burn Out’ discussed the issue of heat causing worn out coils, leading to malfunctioning and/or burning of the coil.

Oversaturation is another issue that can lead to malfunctioning of vape coils, and is caused by accumulation of condensate and other liquid within the atomizing coil and cotton material. This can lead to ‘popping’ on the first hit, where the coil is flooded with liquid and is unable to vaporize it properly.

In order to address this issue, it is important to be aware that accumulation can occur over time, and regular cleaning can help prevent it. Alternatively, ceramic rings can be used instead of cotton to absorb liquid, as they are not affected by oversaturation. However, if oversaturation occurs, the only solution is to replace the coil.

Keeping the atomizing coil and cotton material clean and free of accumulation is the best way to prevent oversaturation from occurring.

Conclusion

Vape popping and cracking can be a nuisance for many vapers. It is important to understand the causes of this phenomenon, as well as how to prevent it.

Generally, the main causes of vape popping are related to the coil, wicking material, and the e-liquid. In addition, the air flow, battery temperature, and the wattage settings can also affect the popping tendency.

To prevent vape popping, it is important to keep the coil clean and to use the right type of wicking material. Setting the wattage settings correctly, and using the optimal battery temperature, can also help to prevent vape popping.

For example, one vaper found that the popping and cracking stopped when they set the wattage to the recommended level for their coil. This case study demonstrates the importance of understanding the causes of vape popping, as well as how to prevent it.