Dropped Vape in Water? Here’s What to Do Next
It’s a sinking feeling — watching your vape, well, sink beneath the surface of the swimming pool, drown in a puddle, take a ride through the washing machine, or god forbid, fall in the toilet.
The good news? Your vape can survive water exposure. And in most cases, you can still vape safely. This depends on the type of device, how long your vape was submerged, and whether water reached the internal components.
Below, Cartisan provides a quick guide to help you know what to do when you’ve dropped a vape in water. If you fear your vape is beyond repair, check out our vape bars for a quality replacement at an excellent value.
Immediate Steps if You Dropped a Vape in Water
If you’ve dropped your vape in water, follow these next steps:
1. Remove your vape from water immediately
The sooner you get it out, the less water damage it will sustain.
2. Turn off your device
If water gets inside your vape, it could short-circuit and break. Turn it off and do not attempt to charge it or vape.
3. Dry the exterior
Use a dry cloth or paper towel to completely dry your vape device.
4. Disassemble your vape
If your device has removable parts, detach them and gently dry each of them with a cloth or paper towel.
5. Let your vape air dry for 24-48 hours
Keep your device in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry. You can set your device under a fan (but avoid heat sources like a hairdryer) to help it air-dry more quickly.
Please note: You may have heard that you should put your wet device in a bowl of uncooked rice, but we don’t recommend it. It can cause unwanted residue to get into your vape and affect its performance.
Signs of Water Damage
If you are trying to save your vape after dropping it in water, it’s important to know the signs of water damage. Using a device with water damage could lead to health and safety hazards, such as electric shock or contamination from dirty water.
Signs of water damage include:
- Device won’t charge
- Battery drains quickly
- Condensation in the display screen or window
- Device gives off unusual heat when in use or charging
- Weak vapor production while in use
- Inconsistent firing
- Strange tastes, sounds, or smells
Unfortunately, if your device has water damage, it is no longer safe to use. Make sure to dispose of it safely, and replace it with a new vape bar if necessary.
How to Prevent Water Damage in the Future
Travel, festivals, commuting, and accidental drops are all risks for water damage to your vape. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your vape. Here are smart, everyday habits that keep your vape free from water damage:
Empty your pockets before doing laundry
A common way vapes experience water damage is having gone through a cycle of laundry after being left in your pockets. Before doing a load of laundry, check all your pockets, including those in pants, shorts, hoodies, and jackets.
Give your vape a consistent “home”
Designate a specific area in your house where you always place your vape when not in use. This can help prevent accidental falls into the sink, tub, or toilet. It can keep it safe from running through the wash and away from humid areas, such as the bathroom.
Use protective accessories
Invest in protective accessories, such as cases or charging port plugs, to shield your device's electrical components from accidental spills and splashes.
Find a New Vape with Cartisan
Sometimes, no matter how quickly you remove your device from the water or how well you dry it, the water damage is still too great to keep using it. If you find that your vape device is broken, shop for a new battery with Cartisan.
At Cartisan, we know what matters: quality that lasts, gear that works every time, and service that doesn’t leave you hanging. Cartisan’s devices are designed for stealthy vaping. All orders ship in plain, unbranded boxes for ultimate discretion.
Find a reliable, high-quality vape device that’s built to last and won’t break the bank. Shop our vape products today.
Dropped Vape in Water FAQs
How do I fix my vape after it was dropped in water?
If you dropped your vape in water, here are some immediate steps to take:
- Remove the vape from water immediately
- Turn the device off and avoid vaping
- Dry the exterior thoroughly
- Remove any detachable parts, such as tanks, removable batteries, etc.
- Let the device dry in a well-ventilated area
What are the signs of internal water damage for a vape?
Warning signs that a dropped vape in water now has damage include:
- Device won’t charge
- Battery failure or it drains quickly
- Device gives off unusual heat
- Weak vapor production
- Inconsistent firing
- Strange tastes, smells, or noises
How do I prevent water damage to a vape?
You can prevent water damage to a vape by checking your pockets each time you do laundry, keeping your vape in a safe, humidity-free place whenever it is not in use, and investing in protective accessories, such as a case or charging port plugs, to prevent water from getting inside your device.
What are the health and safety risks of using a wet vape?
If you attempt to use a water-damaged vape, you may experience some health and safety risks:
- Electric shock
- Short circuits
- Contaminants from dirty water
- Battery damage, failure, or overheating
- Corrosion over time
If you suspect your vape is damaged in any way, it is best to safely dispose of it and purchase a new one if necessary.
Is it safe to charge a reusable vape after water exposure?
Once you have let a vape that was dropped in water air dry for 24-48 hours, you can attempt to charge or use it again. However, be aware of signs that your vape is water-damaged or is still wet:
- Visible moisture around charging ports or connections
- Condensation inside display screens or windows
- Unusual odor
- Corrosion or discoloration
- Loose, damaged, or swollen battery components
- Poor performance when vaping
If your vape has internal damage, it is no longer safe to charge or use. For a replacement, browse through our collection of vape bars.
Should I put my vape pen in rice after I dropped it in water?
You can, though it’s not recommended. It’s true that putting a vape in uncooked rice can help absorb some moisture, but it’s slow and can leave residue in unwanted places.
Instead, it’s recommended that you dry the exterior with a soft cloth or paper towel, then keep the vape in a well-ventilated area to air-dry. You can also place your vape under a fan to help it dry faster, but avoid heat sources like hairdryers, as these can damage the electronic components.
Can a disposable vape be saved after getting wet?
Unlike reusable vaping devices, disposable vapes are sealed units. This means that if your disposable vape gets wet, there’s no way to disassemble it to dry the inner components or check for water damage.
If your disposable vape has come in contact with water, remove it immediately and dry it as completely as you can with a cloth or paper towel. Then let it air dry for 24-48 hours. When you eventually use or charge it again, inspect it thoroughly for corrosion, leaking vape juice, unusual warmth, poor performance, strange odors, or unusual sounds.
If you suspect your disposable vape is damaged, dispose of it safely and get a new one.
When should I replace a water-damaged vape?
If you think your vape has been damaged by water, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible. Continuing to use a damaged vape poses health risks, potentially leading to issues such as electric shock, short circuits, or device malfunction.
Cartisan offers a variety of dependable, discreet vape products to choose from when you are ready to replace your device.