What Happens if You Drop a Disposable Vape in Water?

Accidents happen, and with vapes being so easy to fall out of pockets or bags, it's hardly a surprise that your vape may come into contact with water. But this doesn't necessarily mean the end of your vaping experience. Instead, you can learn how to salvage your device if it's fallen into the water and when buying a new disposable vape is best.

More and more individuals lean toward choosing and using disposable vapes mainly because they love their portability and are very easy to use. Nonetheless, it is also true that these relatively diminutive devices may easily be dropped accidentally, such as when the vaper is basking in the sun at the beach or walking near water fountains when traveling, among other scenarios. This article will seek to address the question, “What happens if I drop my disposable vape in water?” and tell you how to deal with this situation.   

If your vape has been in contact with water, you can salvage most of the device’s functioning by allowing it to dry thoroughly before you try using it again. 

Many vapes aren’t waterproof. Disposable vapes will differ in their ability to work after getting wet — and your disposable vape may pose safety risks after being exposed to water. 

Below we’ll cover some of the aspects of your disposable that can be impacted by water exposure:

If your vape is a rechargeable device, you must consider its battery. Lithium-ion batteries are not alkaline, meaning the recharging risks differ. 

Suppose you accidentally submerge the batteries in water. Lithium-ion batteries might work only if the contact with water is brief and the battery has been dried thoroughly and quickly before reuse or recharging. 

However, if the disposable device is in the liquid for long enough or submerged deeply enough, the water might cause the batteries to corrode. The difficulty with these devices is that there’s no way to remove a battery, so you can’t dry it. 

Another electronic component to consider is the chipset. The little chips regulate the output of vapes, such as the automatic draw, LED light, and overall experience. Much like a battery, if the chipset gets wet, the problem lies in not drying.

However, the chipset cannot be removed in a disposable vape, making it challenging to dry this component.

In the disposable vape, an absorbent filler material soaks in the vape juice. If the vape gets wet, water could get through the filler material and mix with the fluid, diluting the e-liquid. 

While e-liquid is miscible in water, this will ruin its purpose as a vape liquid. 

Maybe you don’t mind the e-liquid being diluted. However, the water will vaporize at a lower temperature than the other chemicals, meaning you’ll be boiling water inside the disposable device. Whenever people or circumstances tamper with vapes, and even when not, dangerous accidents can occur.

If water mixes with the e-liquid, the chances of pops and mouth burns increase.

Every individual who uses disposable vapes should, as much as possible, prevent the vape from coming into contact with water—just like some smartphones and smartwatches—as this could affect their vaping experience. 

Some of the effects of water exposure for these disposable vapes are: 

Some disposable vapes are simply not waterproof and are designed for single use. If a vape of this kind comes into contact with water, moisture can affect the exterior casing, bringing sogginess into the device.  

Water may also infiltrate the absorbent filler material that vapes usually have, compromising its use and integrity.

This is one of the last things you want to happen to your vape. You don’t want to keep splurging your money on a device just because the former device malfunctioned, do you? 

Because of the unnecessary contact with the vape, particularly its battery, the device can malfunction, making it unusable no matter what else you do.

Here, the water isn’t the immediate culprit, but its impurities. These are capable of conducting electricity, giving rise to short circuits. Such impurities may specifically be dissolved minerals in the water.

Aside from the malfunctioning of its parts, the vape’s internal metal components may also corrode when they come into contact with water. This can be a long-term problem, which makes things even worse. 

But know that all hope isn’t lost in case you accidentally drop your disposable vape in water. Some vapes that came into contact with water can still be salvaged. 

To do so, first disassemble the vape right away and inspect for any signs of damage. Look for corrosion and rust, among other signs. You may also seek others’ opinions, such as from people around you, like those in your house. 

If the damage is severe and irreversible, it is time to buy a new device. But if the damage is minor, all it takes is one repair. 

The secret is immediate action when you drop your disposable vape in water. You can still salvage your device and minimize damage. Here are some tips:

• Of course, you’ll need to remove your vape from water contact immediately. Ideally, you should remove it before the water contaminates its internal parts. 
• As previously discussed, the next step is to assess the parts and repair them when necessary. Never inhale from a vape that has just been submerged in water, as a short circuit may occur. 
• Remove as much water as possible from the vape’s interior and exterior. 
• The rice method is also effective. Scientifically, submerging gadgets and devices, such as your vape, in a rice container, helps absorb moisture. If you decide to take this route, leave your vape submerged in uncooked rice grains for two days. 

Note these long-term risks and dangers when a disposable vape gets submerged in water.

• Electric shock: Like mobile phones, vapes run on batteries. If they come into contact with water, electric shocks may occur, which is unsafe.  
• Battery malfunction: Batteries often consist of positive and negative terminals where current flows through. Water may short these, causing the battery to malfunction. In other words, even if the batteries are present, they won’t be able to power up the coils.  

• Explosion: The short-circuiting may cause overheating and, worse, an explosion.  

To avoid having your disposable vape come into unnecessary contact with water and avoid having you spend double just because you can’t make your device work, it’s all about preventive action.

First, always be mindful if you have a vape in your bag or pocket. Some vapers make this mistake, taking things for granted.

Then, store your vape properly. Sometimes, it isn’t enough to just deliberately and loosely place the device inside your pocket or bag. You can invest in vape cases that can help protect the device not only from water but also spillage and leakage.

You’ve just learned that disposable vapes coming into contact with water won’t just affect its performance but your safety. The best way is to practice the greatest care when bringing a vape, especially when outdoors. However, if, in any case, the device has been dropped in water, know that you can still take immediate action so you can salvage your investment.