Seeps by the base orings cause they tear. Put new set on.. I tried to be careful as possible and second or third time I took apart the oring was torn.. then the ports don't line up with the wicks anymore and it starts weeping.
Ahhh, that's why mine doesn't leak. After I put it together, I haven't taken it apart since I started using it...more than 250 ml ago and still doin' great. I believed you when you said it was cotton, but I'm having a hard time reconciling that with the results so far. Maybe it's just a freak thing...a miracle or something. Maybe my wick is blessed.