The moment your vape hits water, the first thing to do is remove it immediately. If your vape doesn’t have water protection, moisture will start seeping into its internal components. Water can damage your vape in two ways:
- Short Circuiting: Water can conduct electricity due to the impurities it contains (such as dissolved minerals), increasing the risk of a short circuit. This could render the device permanently unusable.
- Corrosion: Water exposure can lead to the corrosion of internal metal components, which might not cause immediate problems but can lead to issues over time, like device malfunctions or complete failure.
To reduce the risk of damage, act fast with the following steps:
- Remove the device from water immediately.
- Avoid turning it on or trying to use it, as that could cause a short circuit.
- If your vape has a removable battery, take it out right away and leave the battery cover off to promote airflow.
- Start removing as much water as possible from the inside and outside of the device, as outlined below.
How to Fix a Vape After Dropping It in Water
After removing your vape from water, follow these steps to give your device the best chance of recovery.
- Disassemble Your Vape:
Take the battery out if possible, and set it aside. Also, remove the tank or pod and set it aside to dry. You can rinse the tank or pod with clean water since these parts don’t contain electronics. Disassembling the device encourages airflow through it, which will help it dry faster. - Dry the Device Thoroughly:
Use paper towels to dry the exterior and any accessible interior parts of the device. Pay special attention to the pod chamber or battery compartment to make sure these areas are moisture-free. For disposable vapes, you can blow firmly through the mouthpiece to expel any water that’s entered the air intake hole. Use a paper towel to absorb the water as it comes out.
How to Remove All Water from a Vaping Device
Even after wiping and disassembling your vape, there may still be moisture inside. Before using it again, you’ll want to eliminate any remaining water by placing it in an environment that encourages moisture to evaporate.
1. Use a Desiccant (Like Rice or Silica Gel):
You may have seen recommendations to place water-exposed electronics in a container of dry rice. While this can work, rice isn’t always the best option because it may block airflow. Silica gel packets—like the ones found in electronics packaging—are much more effective at absorbing moisture. You can find these packets online or at home improvement stores.
Alternatively, some cat litters made from silica gel can also work as a desiccant. Be sure to avoid any litter with added fragrances, as these could affect the flavor of your vape’s e-liquid, especially in disposable devices where you can’t remove the liquid.
2. Use a Fan:
If you don’t have access to silica gel or rice, another method is to place the vape in front of a fan for about 24 hours. The airflow will help evaporate the remaining water from the device’s seams and airflow openings.
After a full day of drying, your vape should be ready to use again—provided no short circuit occurred when it was first dropped in water.
Prevent Water Damage with Water-Resistant Vapes
While no one plans to drop their vape in water, it’s a common accident. Luckily, there are water-resistant vapes available that can help reduce the risks associated with water exposure.
Conclusion
Dropping your vape in water isn’t necessarily the end of the world, but quick action is key to minimizing damage. Remove the device from the water immediately, disassemble it, dry it thoroughly, and use a moisture absorber or fan to ensure all water is gone before attempting to use it again. With water-resistant vapes becoming more common, you can also consider upgrading to a device designed to handle accidents like this.
