How Much Water Should You Put in a Bong?

How Much Water Should You Put in a Bong?

How much water do you put in a bong? This is a common question we have been asked many times, so we thought we'd take a little time to help everyone find the perfect water level for their bongs to enjoy the best smoking experience.

Why Is Water Important in a Bong?

Water in a bong has two purposes: to cool and filter the smoke.

Putting too much water in your bong can lead to splash back, where the bong water gets sucked up through the bong and ends up in your mouth. Gross, nobody likes the taste of bong water.  

If the bong doesn't have enough water, it won't filter and cool the smoke effectively, leading to harsher hits that scorch the back of your throat and induce a coughing fit. So, getting the water level just right is crucial.

How Much Water Do You Need?

General Rule

For most bongs, the water level should be high enough to fully submerge the downstem or percolator openings, typically by about half an inch (1-1.5 cm). If your bong has a diffused downstem, ensure that all slits are covered to allow for optimal aeration and filtration.

Ice Bongs

If you're using ice cubes in your bong, keep in mind that the ice will melt and increase the water level during your session. To avoid overflow and splashback, either add slightly less water or periodically adjust the water level as the ice melts by removing the bowl and pouring a little water out of the downstem.

Perc Bongs

For bongs with stacked percolators, make sure the water level is just above all the percolator openings. This may involve adding more water than you would for a simple bong. If you experience splashback, you might need to test the water level by drawing gently through the mouthpiece.

Fixed Downstem Bongs

If your bong has a fixed downstem, keep the water level just above the bottom of the slits in the downstem. Beaker bongs can generally accommodate a bit more water due to their design, making the tokes smoother.

Bongs with Ash Catchers

If you're using an ash catcher, make sure its percolators are submerged. Monitor the water levels to prevent soaking your herbs, especially as water evaporates or gets displaced during use.

How to Fill Your Bong

Simple Bongs

To fill a straight tube or beaker bong, pour water through the mouthpiece until the downstem is submerged. Alternatively, you can remove the downstem and fill it that way, but this method may require some trial and error to find the perfect level.

Percolator Bongs

If your bong has more than one percolator or chamber, then pour the water through the mouthpiece and check if it flows to the percolators. You may need to tilt the bong a little for the water to flow to the bottom of the bong.

If water gets trapped, gently blowing through the mouthpiece can help distribute it evenly.

How to Check the Water Level

The simplest way to check the water level is to take a test drag.

Remove the bowl and inhale steadily through the mouthpiece. If you can see the water bubbling through the percolators and there is no splashback, then the water is at the right level. If you feel the water in your mouth, then remove a little water and test again.

Final Thoughts

Getting the right water level in your bong is crucial for maximizing your smoking experience. It enhances filtration and cooling while preventing unwanted splashback.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure every session is enjoyable, and remember to adjust your water level as needed—especially when using ice or a bong with multiple percolators. Enjoy your smooth hits!

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