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Accidents happen, especially when using vapes in our daily lives. One of the most frustrating incidents is when you drop a vape in water. If your vape gets submerged for an extended period, it's best not to use it again due to potential damage. However, if your vape got wet or fell into the water briefly, it might still be usable after thorough drying and cleaning.
Understanding what happens when a vape gets wet is crucial. Water can damage the battery and chipset and even mix with the e-liquid. Next, let's explore the specific effects of water on vapes and how to deal with such situations effectively.
Although vapes are sealed units and offer some level of waterproofing, prolonged submersion can still allow water to penetrate the internal components, causing the vape to stop working. This is true for all vape brands.
Battery - Short-Circuiting
The primary component inside a vape is the lithium-ion battery. When a lithium battery is exposed to water for an extended period, it can short-circuit. However, the battery might still function if the vape only had brief contact with water and is dried thoroughly and quickly. Sometimes, after a vape falls into water, it may overheat. This overheating is often due to a short circuit caused by water exposure. Once you find a vape overheating after a drop in water, please stop using it immediately; in extreme cases, the overheating vape may explode.
Chipset - Corrosion
When a vape is dropped into water, the electronic components and metal parts, such as the circuit board and coils, can submerge. Contact with water can lead to corrosion, which affects the vape's functionality. Corroded components may no longer work correctly, causing the device to fail.
Water Mixing With E-Liquid
Another concern when a vape is dropped into water is the impact on the e-liquid. Water can enter through the mouthpiece and mix with the e-liquid, diluting its flavor and reducing the overall vaping experience. This mixture can also affect the vapor production and consistency of the e-liquid.
As we have seen, if a vape falls into water briefly and is not completely submerged, it might still work. The best thing you can do is quickly retrieve the vape from the water and dry it thoroughly using a paper towel or a hair dryer. However, if your vape falls into the toilet or a puddle, we strongly recommend that you discard it for hygiene and safety reasons.
What to Do if Your Disposable Vape fell in Water ( How to Fix it)
If your vape has only briefly fallen into the water, how to fix it? You can try to dry it using the following steps:
Immediately dry the device thoroughly using a paper towel: Pay special attention to small openings like the air vents and USB ports.
Use a hair dryer to dry the device multiple times: Ensure that you use a low heat setting to avoid damaging any components.
Avoid charging or using the device until it is scorched: Turning on while it's still wet can cause irreversible damage. To ensure the vape is fully dry, place it in a well-ventilated area for at least 3-5 hours after cleaning.
These methods are suitable for vapes that have briefly come into contact with water and have not been fully submerged.
To prevent your vape from getting wet, treat it like any other electronic device. Be extra cautious in environments where electronic devices are likely to be damaged. Here are two tips:
Use a Protective Pouch
A protective pouch can help shield your vape from accidental exposure to water.
Avoid Using the Vape Pen Close to Water Vessels
Keep your vape pen away from sinks, bathtubs, pools, or any other water vessels. Using your vape near water increases the risk of accidental drops.
When a vape falls into water, it doesn't necessarily mean it has to be discarded. Vapes are designed with some water resistance and can often still function after brief water exposure.
The key is to dry the vape thoroughly using a paper towel and a hair dryer and to avoid using or charging it until it is scorched. However, if you notice your vape overheating after it has been in the water, stop using it immediately and replace it with a new one. Overheating indicates battery malfunction, which can lead to severe issues like explosions.
A final piece of advice: if your vape or pod system has been submerged in water for a long time or falls into unsanitary places like a toilet or a puddle, it's best to discard it and get a new one. The risks associated with using a heavily water-damaged vape are not worth it.