The water pipe or bong is the number-one alternative to smoking a joint or a regular pipe. Marijuana enthusiasts use many types of bongs for smoother and juicier hits. However, all the water pipes work on the same principle, and you can quickly master their usage.
Let’s dive in and teach you how to take water pipe hits like a pro!
Table of Contents
What Is a Water Pipe and Where to Begin
If you’ve decided to treat yourself with a bit of kush and a water pipe, you must first learn the basics, a.k.a. how the device works. Simply put, water pipes are all about filtration. Marijuana lovers use them to get smoother hits than a regular pipe or a joint.
This is because when you light up the water pipe, the smoke goes through the water before it reaches your lungs. This way, the smoke is cooled down, and the filtration makes the hits juicier and smoother.
The bong is usually made of five components: a mouthpiece, a bowl, a carb, a chamber, and a downstem (a tube that connects the bottom with the slide of the bong). Each one of these is essential when using the water pipe.
Nonetheless, there’s nothing simpler than enjoying your favorite strain by lighting up a water pipe. All you have to do is learn how to add some fresh water to the bowl, pack it up, light the weed, and take a hit!
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to use a bong like a pro:
Step One: Adding Water to Your Water Pipe
Firstly, if you haven’t already found your favorite water pipe, don’t hesitate to shop for bongs online on Olofly! There, you’ll find some great water pipes with different features and an array of tastes and gadgets.
Now, adding water to your water pipe is the first step to a smooth and juicy hit. You should pay attention here, because many newcomers make the same mistakes. They are usually poured in too much or too little water. That’s why you may go through some trial and error before you figure out the ideal amount.
The reason for this is that different water pipes have different requirements. For example, if you’re using a capsule bong, you’ll have to add water until you submerge the silicone bottom. On the other hand, if you’re using a percolator bong, you’ll have to make sure that the percolator is half-full.
However, the generally accepted rule is that you pour water until you cover the downstem of the water pipe. The easiest way to do this is by removing the downstem and filling the bowl until you cover all the holes in the downstem.
Regarding the water temperature, each smoker has their own preferences. Some like it cooler, while others like it hotter. Don’t hesitate to try different temperatures and stick with your favorite one.
Step Two: Packing Your Bowl
After filling your bong with water, packing the bowl is the next thing you should do. However, there’s a trick in packing it. If you pack the bowl too tight, you won’t be able to draw clean and juicy hits. Moreover, if you pack the bowl too loose, you won’t be able to light up the weed.
That’s why we suggest that you use a grinder. Even though this small yet helpful machine can be really effective when rolling a joint, it can also work miracles for packing your bowl. Put your favorite strain into the grinder and carefully mince it. Once it’s ready, take the bowl in your other hand and fill it with the minced weed.
The easiest way to do this is by placing the bowl up to the edge of the grinder and shoving the weed in with your finger. You can do this over a counter or a smooth surface to catch any potential spillage. In the end, gently place the bowl back into its place.
Mind that you don’t pack your water pipe bowl too tight. If you overpack your bowl, you won’t be able to draw hits through the downstem.
Step Three: Light the Weeds & Take Some Hits
After you’ve filled your bowl with water and packed it properly, it’s time to light the herbs and take a hit. Place the water pipe in front of you on a table or a counter to avoid any spills. Next, take your lighter, place your mouth on the mouthpiece, and blaze the herbs.
While lighting the weed, try to inhale slowly and evenly. You’ll hear a bubbling sound, and that’s about it–you’ve taken your hit!
You can regulate the density of the rips with the intensity of your inhalations. The harder you inhale, the bigger the hits, and vice versa! Furthermore, if you’re using a carb bong, you can regulate the airflow by pressing the carb hole.
Step Four: Remove All The Parts & Clean the Water Pipe
The last step is to remove all the parts and clean the bong for the next smoking session. Water pipes are usually made of glass and other fragile materials. That’s why you should be careful when removing all the elements and cleaning the bong.
First of all, remove the bowl from the downstem and get rid of all the ash. Next, empty the remaining water of the chamber–simple as that! Now, you can clean your water pipe.
Start the cleaning process with the water chamber. Pour some hot water over the water chamber and gently rub it from inside. Then, put some isopropyl alcohol, shake the water chamber, and leave it like that for a few minutes. Afterward, rinse it again with hot water.
You can clean the bowl and the downstem in the same way. Just fill them with hot water and a little bit of isopropyl alcohol, gently rub them from the inside, and rinse both parts. Make sure that you clean your bong at least once a month.
To Wrap Up
Water pipes are easy to use and provide smoother hits than any other smoking device. They all work on the same principle, and you’ll master their usage after the first few hits. You only need to find the right amount of water, learn how to pack the bowl, and regulate the airflow.
You can also use a grinder and other helpful devices in the process. Moreover, you can have fun and experiment depending on the type of water pipe you use and the potency of the buds.
Follow the steps we’ve listed and be careful when cleaning your device. Once you learn how to use your water pipe, you’ll immediately fall in love with it!