Vape pen clogged again? Here’s how to fix it

Taking a puff from your vape only to find that the cartridge isn’t working is incredibly disappointing. If you can’t inhale properly, that’s a sign something’s wrong – most likely your vape is clogged. The worst part? A clogged vape can result in a gulp of vape juice and sticky hands instead of the smooth, flavorful THC hit you were expecting.

Causes of clogs in vape cartridges

Clogged vape cartridges can be caused by two main reasons: condensation and chamber flooding. But no worry! These issues can be easily prevented and fixed with the simple solutions described below.

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condensation

A clogged cartridge is often the result of a build-up of condensate in the airways. When this condensation builds up, it can eventually block the mouthpiece, making it difficult to inhale. The result? A clogged mouthpiece and an unpleasant surprise in the form of a gulp of bitter vapor juice instead of the delicious THC you were expecting.

Condensation usually gives you warning signs before it becomes a full-blown problem. If you’ve ever experienced tiny drops of liquid on your tongue during a puff, that’s a sign of this buildup. Don’t wait for it to escalate into a frustrating problem – take action to clear your clogged cartridge as soon as you notice the liquid touching your tongue as you inhale.

chamber flooding

The second reason for a clogged cartridge is chamber overflow. This occurs when the carriages have not been used for a long time. Delta-8-THC Distillate thickens when stored at room temperature. Over time, this causes the distillate to sink to the bottom of the cart, saturating the wick and “drowning” the coil. In this case, the heating element (coil) struggles to reach the right temperature, making it difficult to vaporize the liquid effectively.

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Chamber flooding becomes apparent when your vape is not producing enough vapor or hitting as expected. You might also notice a foul, burnt taste and smell while taking a puff. If you notice a burning smell or taste, it is best to stop vaping immediately. Continuing to heat a soaked wick can cause irreparable damage, rendering the cartridge and its contents unusable.

Step-by-step process to fix a clogged vape cart

No need to panic if you’ve clogged your vape cartridge. This is a common problem and our no-fuss troubleshooting guide will have you back vaping in no time. With a few quick steps, you’ll soon be enjoying your THC again.

Method #1: Unclog minor clogs (condensation buildup)

• Step 1: Draw firmly through the mouthpiece

The first step to removing a cartridge that is clogged with excessive condensation is to take a sharp draw through the mouthpiece without activating the vaporizer. This will help remove excess liquid that has built up in the mouthpiece. While this is a quick fix, the cartridge will likely clog again if you don’t proceed to step two.

• Step 2: Remove excess liquid

To fully clean the cartridge, you must remove excess liquid from the mouthpiece. You can accomplish this with a thin wire, needle, or paper clip. Gently insert the tool into the mouthpiece and scrape out the accumulated residue by moving it back and forth and up and down. Be careful not to damage the interior of the car. Most buildup can be removed this way as delta-8 THC is thick, dense, and sticky. It is recommended to carry out this task when the cartridge has cooled down, as the liquid will then have a higher viscosity.

• Step 3: Remove trapped dirt

The third step to unclog your vape cart is to apply heat to dissolve any residue trapped in the mouthpiece. This can be accomplished by using a hair dryer on low heat, or placing the carriage in a sealed bag and submerging it in warm water. The heat will help loosen the clog, causing the sticky liquid to flow back into the chamber. After heating, leave the carriage upright to allow the liquid to settle. This final step should get your vape cart unclogged and ready to go.

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Photo by Christian Wiediger via Unsplash

Method 2: Clearing a Severe Car Jam (Flooded Chamber)

• Step 1: Gently shake the cart back and forth.

A quick shake is your first line of defense when dealing with a major clog from a flooded chamber. Gently rock the cart to redistribute the liquid and help loosen and remove debris.

• Step 2: Blow air into the car.

The next step in repairing a primarily clogged carriage with a flooded chamber is to remove the excess fluid. This can be accomplished by either blowing air through the carriage or the bottom of a disposable pen to remove the liquid from the wick and coil. If you have a refillable cart, disassemble the chamber, manually remove excess liquid from the wick and coil, and reassemble. Remember, only blow to clear the tide and never inhale to pull it through as this will only make the problem worse by further saturating the wick.

• Step 3: Turn on the vape device.

To finally fix a flooded chamber in your vape cart, gently press the button to heat the device for a short time. Be careful not to inhale during this process as it will only make the problem worse. A quick 1-2 second burst of heat should vaporize the remaining liquid and clean the chamber. If all else fails, it might be time to invest in a new cartridge or coil and wick if your tank is refillable.

Diploma

If you find yourself with a clogged vape cart, don’t despair. With a little know-how and patience, you can get your vaporizer working again.

Whether it’s minor condensation or a flooded chamber, the two methods above should help you clear the blockage and get back to enjoying your Delta-8 THC experience.

Remember to always be careful when handling the cart, as overheating or inserting objects too deeply can damage it beyond repair. If all else fails, consult your local vape shop or a professional. Happy vaping!

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.