Spitback is the unpleasant phenomenon where hot droplets of e-liquid shoot up through the mouthpiece. This occurs when the coil inside your device becomes oversaturated or “flooded,” meaning there is more liquid present than the heat can vaporize efficiently. Instead of turning into a smooth vapor, the excess e-liquid rapidly boils and pops, similar to cooking oil, expelling these hot droplets. This issue is nearly always fixable by addressing the immediate liquid buildup and adjusting your device settings and maintenance routine.
Quick Fixes for Immediate Spitback
The immediate cause of spitback is excess liquid pooling on the heating element, so the quickest solutions focus on physically removing that buildup. One effective method is the “paper towel trick,” which involves carefully inserting a small, twisted piece of paper towel into the mouthpiece. This action allows the absorbent material to wick away any collected condensation or unvaporized e-liquid.
Another simple technique is the “flick” or “spin” method, which uses centrifugal force to clear the atomizer. By holding the device firmly and flicking your wrist downward a few times over a sink or tissue, you can force the excess e-liquid out through the airflow vents. You can also try the gentle “blow out” technique, where you briefly fire the device while blowing gently into the mouthpiece for one or two seconds before inhaling.
Optimizing Your Device Settings
Spitback often occurs because the coil is not generating enough heat to vaporize the e-liquid as quickly as the wick delivers it, leading to a flooded state. The primary adjustment to correct this imbalance is increasing the wattage or voltage output on your device. Firing the coil at a higher power setting causes the liquid to flash-vaporize more rapidly, clearing the excess e-liquid from the heating surface.
Confirm that your adjusted power level remains within the manufacturer’s recommended wattage range, which is typically printed on the coil housing. Starting at the lower end of the recommended range and gradually increasing the power until the spitting stops is the best practice for finding the optimal heat level. Using too little power causes flooding, but using too much can lead to a burnt taste and reduce the coil’s lifespan.
Airflow adjustment also plays a role in regulating the vaporization process and preventing condensation. Too little airflow can cause the vapor to condense quickly within the chimney, allowing liquid to drip back down onto the coil. Conversely, too much airflow can overwhelm the heating element by pulling excessive liquid into the chamber. Taking shorter, more consistent draws prevents the vacuum created during inhalation from pulling an excessive amount of e-liquid into the heating chamber.
Long Term Prevention Through Maintenance and Liquid Choice
Preventing chronic spitback requires consistent device maintenance and an understanding of e-liquid composition. Regular cleaning of the tank is important, focusing on the area beneath the coil where condensation and residual e-liquid collect. Disassembling the tank and wiping down the contact points and condensation wells ensures that old liquid does not continually flood the coil from below.
A proper seal is also required for long-term prevention, meaning the coil must be seated tightly and correctly into the base of the tank. A loose coil can create small gaps that allow liquid to seep through and oversaturate the wicking material. The wicking material itself degrades over time, losing its ability to absorb and hold liquid efficiently, which signals that the coil needs replacement.
The ratio of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) to Propylene Glycol (PG) in your e-liquid directly affects the likelihood of flooding. PG is a thin, less viscous carrier fluid, and high-PG liquids are much more likely to oversaturate the wick and cause spitback because they flow too freely. VG is a thicker substance that slows down wicking, which helps prevent flooding in devices with larger wicking ports. Switching to a higher VG e-liquid, such as a 70% VG to 30% PG blend, is an effective long-term solution, provided your coil is designed to wick thicker liquids.