diff --git a/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/holder.dm b/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/holder.dm
index 356ae3c645..e680ba58e0 100644
--- a/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/holder.dm
+++ b/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/holder.dm
@@ -768,7 +768,7 @@
 			del_reagent(R.id)
 		else
 			total_volume += R.volume
-	if(!total_volume)
+	if(!reagent_list || !total_volume)
 		pH = REAGENT_NORMAL_PH
 	return 0