VAPE PEN CARTRIDGE NO AIRFLOW? HOW TO FIX A CLOGGED CART/DISPOSABLE

Going to take a hit on your vape and finding that your cartridge isn’t working can be frustrating, to say the least.

If you’re struggling to inhale, something isn’t right — your vape is most likely clogged.

Making matters worse, when a vape cart clogs, you might get a mouth full of vape juice and sticky hands instead of a silky smooth hit of delta 8 THC.

Here, we’ll explain how this can happen and how to fix it.

WHAT CAUSES VAPE CARTS TO CLOG?

Two main factors contribute to clogged vape cartridges — condensation and chamber flooding.

Both causes can be prevented and resolved quite easily with the methods described below.

1. CONDENSATION BUILDUP

The most common cause of a clogged cart is condensation buildup inside the cart’s airway. Over time, this condensation can block the mouthpiece, preventing vapor from passing through as you take a hit.

Instead of a tasty hit of delta 8 THC, you get a clogged mouthpiece and a mouth full of bitter vape juice.

You’ll usually notice condensation buildup before it becomes too much of a problem. If you’ve ever felt tiny droplets of liquid hit your tongue as you take a hit, this is due to condensation buildup.

Save yourself the future hassle and take action to unclog your cart as soon as you notice liquid hitting your tongue when inhaling.

2. CHAMBER FLOODING

The second cause of a clogged cart is due to chamber flooding.

Chamber flooding occurs when vape carts sit around for a long time. Delta 8 THC distillate thickens at room temperature. Over time, the distillate works its way to the bottom of the cart, oversaturates the wick, and “drowns” the coil.

When this happens, the heating element (the coil) struggles to get up to temperature and vaporize the liquid effectively.

You’ll notice this issue if your vape isn’t producing a thick enough vapor and isn’t hitting correctly. You might also get a fowl burnt taste and smell burning when you go to take a hit.

If you notice a burning smell or taste, you should stop vaping immediately. Continuing to heat a saturated wick can lead to permanent damage, rendering the cart and its contents useless.

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR VAPE CART FROM CLOGGING

Prevention techniques differ for each problem, but implementing the following methods should reduce your chances of condensation buildup and chamber flooding.

Use these techniques to improve your vaping experience, reduce frustration, and ensure you get the most out of each delta 8 THC vape cart.

PREVENTING CONDENSATION BUILDUP

Preventing condensation buildup is simple. However, you’ll need to get into a strict routine when using your vape to ensure you get the best results.

1. TAKE SMALLER HITS

The first step starts with your usage. Keeping your hits under three seconds significantly reduces the chances of condensation buildup. Instead of taking fewer large hits, take smaller hits with rest times in between to allow the mouthpiece to clear effectively.

Smaller hits on your vape reduce the time vapor sits in the mouthpiece. This decreases the chances of condensation buildup since the cooler mouthpiece isn’t exposed to warm moisture long enough to condensate.

2. TAKE “DRY” HITS

The second step in preventing condensation buildup is to clear the mouthpiece before each hit. Take a “dry hit” on the cart before heating the coil to produce vapor. Pulling on the cart first — without firing it up — clears any moisture out before the vapor comes through.

Just be sure not to pull too hard on the cart while the vape isn’t fired up. Doing so can flood the chamber, saturating the wick.

3. CLEAN THE MOUTHPIECE

The last prevention technique is to use a small cotton pad or Q-Tip to wipe the mouthpiece periodically. You don’t have to do this after every hit, but regularly doing this helps keep the cart clean and clog-free.

PREVENTING CHAMBER FLOODING

Preventing chamber flooding relies on careful usage of your vape. When we look at the leading cause of chamber flooding (leaving a full cart inactive for long periods), we can see how to prevent it. Here are some simple steps to take to ensure your coil and wick stay saturation-free.

1. HIT THE VAPE EVERY FEW DAYS

Avoid leaving your vape sitting around at room temperature for long periods with a cart full of delta 8 THC. Once you use the cart, try and hit the vape every day or two to ensure the chamber doesn’t have time to flood.

The longer a primed cart is left unused, the more likely it is for the wick and coil to become overly saturated.

2. MAKE SURE IT ISN’T PRIMED

Make sure the cart isn’t primed if you won’t hit it every few days or need to store it for an extended period. Don’t store a primed cart without use for longer than a week. Make sure it’s disconnected from the pen and left in a cool, dark place to avoid deterioration.

3. TAKE SMALLER HITS

As with condensation buildup, the way you hit your vape is an important factor in reducing the chances of chamber flooding. Taking large, deep, and powerful hits on your vape cart can overwhelm the wick and coil.

When you pull too hard on your vape, the coil may struggle to vaporize the liquid fast enough to be inhaled. This can cause the wick to become saturated and the coil to become flooded. Make sure to take quick, light hits rather than large, heavy hits.

4. CHECK FOR LEAKS

Sometimes, your vape cart can become loose, leading to air leakage. The cart must be completely airtight to work effectively. A small leak can quickly flood the chamber, making sure your cart is tightened fully before use. This is especially important if you have a fillable cart.

If you’re using a refillable vape cartridge, incorrectly filling it can lead to chamber flooding. If your tank has an open center tube, make sure you don’t spill any vape juice inside. This will instantly lead to a flooded chamber.

Over priming your wick can also lead to chamber flooding. Before using a new vape cart, saturate the wick first by pulling the vape juice through without firing it.

If you don’t pull enough liquid, you’ll burn the wick; if you pull through too much, you’ll flood the chamber.