How to Fix a Clogged Vape Cartridge

In the current times, it would be impossible not to encounter people who hold onto their electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, especially in social settings. Even at work, you most likely see colleagues who take quick breaks and bring their e-cigarettes with them.

Electronic cigarettes or vaping devices, after all, have become the modern way of consuming nicotine. While they haven’t reached the popularity of the good old smokes, e-cigarettes have truly become a trend among adults, no matter what generation they belong to.

If you are one of the users of e-cigarettes, then you may have probably encountered some annoying issues with your puffing devices. One of them is the existence of clogged vape cartridges. Do you want to know why your vape clogs and how to fix it? Then this user-friendly guide is for you!

How to Fix a Clogged Vape Cartridge in a Disposable

To keep up with the demand of vape users all over the world, different manufacturers designed and continuously produced different types of e-cigarettes. One popular type of vaping device you can get from your trusted store is a disposable vape.

A disposable vape is comprised of four primary components:

1. Battery: The battery is the component that helps bring power to the whole device. It is usually rated to supply hundreds of puffs before it runs out of battery. If a device has a USB port, it means you can charge the battery when it dies and continue puffing the device until it runs out of e-liquid.
2. Logic board: The key functions of the disposable vape are all controlled by the logic board. It works with the battery and the puff sensor to bring power to the heating coil as you use the device. This component also helps deliver the disposable vape’s safety functions like automatic overheating, short circuits, and low voltage protection. In a rechargeable disposable vape, the logic board is responsible for regulating the charging function, making sure the battery will stop charging once it reaches its intended voltage.
3. Wick: The wick holds the vape’s e-liquid and provides the heating coil with the said juice. Many disposable vapes are equipped with a wick that is wrapped around the coil. When you puff the device, the coil vaporizes the e-liquid in the inner part of the wick. After puffing the device, the process of absorption takes place, transferring more vape juice to the coil from the wick’s outer part. This cycle continues until the wick has become dry.
4. Heating coil: The heating coil, an essential component, plays a crucial role in vaporizing the e-liquid. It’s typically made from a metal or alloy with a high electrical resistance. As electricity flows through the coil, the resistance generates heat, which is vital for processing the e-liquid and transforming it into an aerosol.

All these components operate and work together to make sure the whole vaping device functions optimally and delivers a satisfying puff every time you use it.

Since most disposable vapes are puff-activated, you can expect the device to produce the desired aerosol every time you inhale from the mouthpiece. Between puffs, the wick automatically refills the coil with fresh e-liquid. These internal processes repeat continuously until the wick becomes dry, the battery drains, or the e-liquid tank empties.

Disposable e-cigarettes are now dominating the e-liquid market as they are easy to use, portable, and somehow affordable. If you’ve got yourself a rechargeable one, you can simply charge its battery once it runs out of power. You must then discard the whole thing once its vape juice has completely depleted.

NativeSmokes4Less sells a wide variety of disposable e-cigarettes from various reputable brands, giving vape users like you the option to get your desired nicotine hits without any compromises.

Now, if you notice your disposable vape not giving you your desired puff, it might mean that its vape cartridge or vape cart has been clogged. The vape cartridge is the component that stores your vape e-liquid or juice. For disposables, it is typically non-refillable and non-replaceable. Hence, you don’t have a choice but to either fix it or throw everything away.

Of course, you don’t want to waste your money, especially if your disposable is still new. Fortunately, you can still fix a clogged vape cart with the following tips:

• Breathe in slowly: One way to fix your clogged vape cart is by breathing in slowly when you hit the device. If there’s a button on your device, you should hold it down for a few seconds to warm up the battery. Afterwards, gently breathe in through the mouthpiece. Doing this can help heat the oil buildup. After doing this repeatedly, the clogged cartridge will become free of oil.
• Blow through the mouthpiece: Another way to fix your disposable vape cartridge is to blow through its mouthpiece. When you puff your disposable, you should gently blow into the cartridge instead of inhaling while pressing the button down. This forces any excess oil back into the heating coil, warming and vaporizing it up. If you own a buttonless vape pen, you can gently blow into the battery end that doesn’t contain the mouthpiece. The battery will still activate, warming up the oil to get rid of the clog without breathing in the oil.
• Warm up the vape cart: Melting the clog away through a hair dryer may also be done if the previous tips don’t work. You should set the hair dryer on to the “hot” setting on full power to quickly unclog a vape. Remember to keep the vape cart about 15 cm or 6 inches away from the hair dryer and heat the affected part for about 15 to 30 seconds. Once the vape cartridge has warmed up, you can puff it again to get a smooth pull.

These tips may help you unclog your vape pen cartridge and keep it free from any oil buildup. If you cannot unclog the disposable vape from stubborn oil, it may mean that you need to get rid of it and buy a new one as you might have purchased a low-quality or a compromised disposable e-cig.

How to Fix a Clogged Vape Cartridge With Water

Vaping devices are typically comprised of a vape cartridge, a component that stores e-liquid or vape juice. It is rarely refillable, which is why you should do everything to make it function optimally. Failure to keep your vape cartridge in good condition will only lead to a clogged cart, pushing you to either fix it right away or discard the whole thing.

There are plenty of potential reasons why a clogged vape cartridge exists.

• Condensation buildup: One potential reason why your vape cartridge has clogged is due to the buildup of condensation. Whenever you take a hit from your vape pen, some of the moisture and oil accumulate on the mouthpiece. As the oil builds up over time, it slowly blocks the top part of the mouthpiece, leading to device performance issues. One clear sign of a condensation buildup on your vaping device is the existence of an unpleasant flavour when you puff.
• Thick oil: The existence of a thick oil in your vape cartridge can lead to a clogged cart later on. Remember, pure oil is often more viscous than if it was combined with additives. Since the oil doesn’t flow as easily, you can certainly encounter some difficulties in pulling it through the vape. To avoid encountering this issue, you must only get your vape oil from a trusted seller.
• Extreme temperatures: If you leave your vaping device in a room with a temperature above 70 °F (21 °C) or below 60 °F (16 °C), then you might encounter some issues with its performance as time passes. Storing the device in a hot place or in direct sunlight will only push the oil inside to leak and subsequently harden around the air holes as it cools back down. Placing a vape in a freezing room could then make the oil more viscous, making it harder to pull through the vaping device. Cleaning your device regularly is also crucial to maintaining its functionality. Residue buildup can clog airways and affect the taste and vapor production. Use a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol to clean the mouthpiece, tank, and other removable parts, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.li>
• Chamber flooding: The oil inside your vaping device can thicken and build up around the delicate heating coil in the inner chamber if you don’t use it for a long time. As the oil continues to thicken, the coil won’t be able to heat it up to the right temperature. It might not even generate any vapour, making the device seemingly unusable. Once you notice a burning smell or taste from your e-cigarette, it would be best to discard it right away instead of cleaning the device.
• Chain vaping: One more potential reason why your vape pen has become clogged is due to chain vaping. If you hit your vape every 3 to 5 seconds, then the oil in the vape cart becomes hot. It can then pull through the mouthpiece. Once the oil hardens back up, it will then block the airflow vent. Chain vaping typically happens if you’re sharing your device with others, particularly at social events.

If your vape pen has become clogged, one great way to fix it is through using warm water.

When unclogging a vape cart with water, you need to get a bowl and a zip-top bag. You must seal your vape cart in the bag and place it in the bowl. Then, put some warm water in the bowl and let it run over the cartridge for a couple of minutes.

When you remove the vape cartridge from the bag and spot some air bubbles inside it, it means the warm water method worked. It is an indication that the accumulated oil has begun to be absorbed by the wick. Once you no longer see any bubbles coming from the wick openings, you can use the vape cartridge again and enjoy puffing the e-cigarette.

How to Fix a Clogged 510 Vape Cartridge

Vaping devices require a container so they can store e-liquid or vape juice. Some of the most common containers you can find in the market today are glass tanks, plastic cartridges, and plastic pods. In most cases, the cartridge or tank is attached to the vaping device by screwing it at the device’s top portion. It then allows you to replace the cartridge by unscrewing it and attaching a different one.

During the early years of vaping, each type of vaping device had its own threading for the cartridge. Hence, it would be difficult to somehow pair different devices and cartridges. Apart from the 510 thread, some other threads for vaping devices and attachments in the past included L88, KR-808, 801, and 901. Most of these thread types were not compatible with one another.

As the demand for vaping grows, e-cigarette users want more liberty in terms of the devices they use. They want refillable tanks and cartridges that would work together despite being manufactured by varying brands and manufacturers. 

Vaping manufacturers, fortunately, responded positively to this call, making tanks and cartridges that would work and function well with as many different types of e-cigarettes as possible. Most of the devices would then use the 510 thread, which is still being maximized by many vape makers today.

So, what is threading?

Threading refers to the metal lines that connect the vape cart and the battery component of the e-cigarette. The 510 threading has become the standard for most vaping devices today, making it easier for users to connect a vape cartridge to their vape battery despite sourcing these key components from different manufacturers.

Now that you know the history of threading, it’s time to further dissect 510 vape cartridges.

510 threaded cartridges are made of various components, which often include a heating element, atomizer, reservoir, and internal components needed to vaporize substances into an aerosol or vapour. Most 510 threaded cartridges you can buy in the market today are comprised of the following:

• Mouthpiece: Mouthpiece is the opening of the 510 threaded cartridge. It is where the vapour is inhaled by a user whenever they puff the device. It can be made from metal, ceramic, or plastic.
• Airflow holes: Airflow determines the size and density of vape clouds as well as vape intensity. A 510-threaded cartridge may contain either static or adjustable airflow apertures, which are found in either the top or bottom of the vape component.
• Tank or reservoir: The tank or reservoir is the cartridge component that serves as the storage or housing chamber for extracts and oils. It is typically made from a variety of materials that are chemical-resistant, thermal-resistant, and durable.
• Oil intake holes: The oil intake holes are small openings that allow fluid to flow from the tank or reservoir into the heating chamber. The heating or combustion chamber consists of the heating element, which is responsible for vaporizing the fluid.
• 510 threading: The 510 threading serves as the connection point between the cartridge and the battery. It is often found in most vape cartridges today.

While most 510-threaded cartridges are meant to last for a long time, they may often encounter clogging issues due to the following potential causes:

• Improper storage: Your 510 vape cartridge and the rest of your vaping device must be stored properly to avoid any oil leakage. If you store the cartridge upside down or horizontally, it will only cause the oil to leak into the mouthpiece or airflow channels, which can then cause a blockage.
• Chain vaping: Chain vaping may also be the main cause of clogged 510 vape cartridges. If you draw too hard, for too long, or too fast, it will only cause excess oil to pull into the coil. This then hardens and clogs the vape’s airflow.Puffing the device excessively in just a few seconds likewise leads to a clogged 510 vape cartridge.
• Thick oil: The oil stored inside the 510 threaded cartridge may have become thick or solidified due to exposure to cold temperatures. It then becomes harder for the oil to flow through the cartridge.
• Oil buildup: Oil buildup is another potential cause of a clogged 510 vape cartridge. Small amounts of vapourised oil may condense inside the airflow holes or mouthpiece, which then creates blockages. This may happen due to frequent use without cleaning the device regularly.

To fix a clogged 510 vape cartridge, one of the few things you can do is to inhale slowly from your vaping device. Doing so will help you heat the oil first and clear any existing blockages. You can also preheat your vape pen by pressing the button for up to 10 seconds before puffing it. When you do this, it will warm up the oil and ensure optimal production of vapour.

The next thing you can do to fix your 510 vape cartridge is to store it at room temperature. When you store it in a cool, dry place, it will stabilize the oil and make your vaping experience easier.

You must then keep the vape pen upright whenever you don’t use it to unclog the 510 vape cartridge. This trick works best if you cannot preheat the vaping device or if the cartridge is very cold.

Lastly, you can remove any visible clumps or blockages in the air holes through a straightened paper clip, floss pick, cotton swab, or alcohol wipe.

If all these tricks don’t work, it only means that you have a defective vape cartridge or a poor-quality oil. The best thing you can do is replace your 510 vape cartridge with a new one. And if you rely on oil for vaping, invest in a cartridge that is designed for oil vaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to fix a clogged vape cartridge?

To fix a clogged vape cartridge, you must gently heat it by using a hair dryer on low heat to loosen any thickened oil. If the clog is in the mouthpiece or airflow path, you should use a needle or a paperclip to clear it. You must then store the cartridge upright to prevent residue buildup.

How do you clear a clogged vape cartridge?

To clear a clogged vape cartridge, you should take small, gentle puffs to dislodge the blockage. You can also blow gently through the bottom airflow hole to clear everything out. You can then clean the mouthpiece and airflow path with a cotton swab or a small pin.

Can you fix a vape cartridge that won’t hit?

Yes. You can fix a vape cartridge that won’t hit by making sure the connection between the cartridge and the battery is clean and secure. If it is still not working, you should gently heat the cartridge to loosen any thick oil and clear any blockages in the air holes.

How to fix a clogged disposable vape?

To fix a clogged disposable vape, you must blow gently into the mouthpiece or use a thin pin to clear the airway. You can then warm the device slightly to gradually loosen the thick oil that may be causing the clog. You can likewise loosen any debris or excess liquid that is blocking the airflow by tapping the vape cartridge lightly.

Summary

A clogged vape cartridge exists for many reasons. Failure to store at the proper temperature can cause the stored fluid or oil to leak or harden. Your cartridge may also be clogged due to improper storage orientation, wrong vaping practices, lack of cleaning and upkeep, and many more.

Fixing your clogged vape cartridge, fortunately, is possible with the right tricks and tips. But if your vape cartridge cannot be saved anymore, it’s time to buy a new one from your trusted retailer.

If you’re unsure about where to buy vaping products and accessories in Canada, visit this page to discover the top online retailer in the country.