If you are new to using a bong, you might be wondering how much water you need to put in it. After all, water is an essential part of the bong experience, as it filters and cools the smoke, making it smoother and more enjoyable. But how do you know how much water is enough, and how much is too much?
In this blog post, we will answer this question and give you some tips on how to use a bong properly. We will also explain why using a bong is one of the cleanest, healthiest, and most effective ways to consume your favorite herb or tobacco.
What Is a Bong and How Does It Work?
A bong, also known as a water pipe, is a device that is used for smoking herb or tobacco. It usually consists of four main parts:
- The mouthpiece: This is the opening at the end of the tube where you place your mouth. When placing your mouth on the inhale hole, place your lips inside, not over, the hole. Purse them slightly and force them gently into the hole so that the outside of your lips creates an airtight seal.
- The chamber: This is where the smoke accumulates, ready to be inhaled. Smoking a bong is a two-part activity — you fill the chamber of smoke, then “clear” it with quick inhale at the end.
- The bowl: This holds your smoking material. It is sometimes called a slide because you remove it from the downstem as the final step before inhaling the smoke in the smoke chamber.
- The downstem: A small tube that connects the water in the bottom of the bong to the bottom of the slide. It may be defused (notched at the bottom) or a simple tube. The smoke travels through the downstem and into the water. Some bongs do not have downstems and instead have a molded glass tube leading from the slide into the chamber.
Some bongs also have a hole somewhere above the water level, known as the “carburetor”, “carb”, “choke”, “bink”, “rush”, or “shotty,” which helps to clear the smoke when released. Most water bongs, however, do not have a carb, unless they are wooden or porcelain.
Bongs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are simple and functional, others are handmade, stained-glass works of art. They can be made out of plastic, silicone, bamboo, and a variety of other materials, but most bongs sold today are made of glass.
How Much Water Do You Need to Put in a Bong?
The amount of water you need to put in a bong depends on the size and shape of your bong, as well as your personal preference. However, there is a general rule of thumb that you can follow:
**The water level should be above the base of the downstem but below the bowl.**
This means that all the holes in the downstem should be covered by water, but not so much that it spills out of the carb or reaches the bowl. You can also put ice cubes in the water if you’d like to make it colder.
The temperature of the water is also a matter of preference– some people love cold water, some warm, and many are fine with room temperature.
Contrary to popular belief, more water does not lead to a better experience. It takes your lungs effort to pull air through water, so more water just means you are working harder to pull the smoke through. Too much water can also cause splashing or gurgling noises that can ruin your enjoyment.
The best way to find out how much water works for you is to experiment with different levels and see what feels comfortable and satisfying.
How to Use a Bong: Step by Step Instructions
Now that you know how much water to put in your bong, let’s go over how to use it properly. Here are some simple steps to follow:
- Place the bong firmly on a flat surface.
- Fill the bowl with ground herb or tobacco. Loosely pack it by pressing it down with one finger. Add more ground material if needed.
- Place your mouth inside the mouthpiece, creating a tight seal.
- Hold a flame over the bowl and inhale strongly and steadily. Using a lighter can result in low levels of butane inhalation, which is non-toxic but may present health problems in large quantities. You can also use a hemp wick, which is a natural alternative that burns cleaner and slower.
- When the chamber starts to fill with smoke, pull out the bowl or take your finger off the carb and inhale forcefully, clearing the smoke into your lungs.
- Exhale and enjoy the effects of your herb or tobacco.
- If desired, repeat steps 2-6.
- Clean your bong regularly by changing the water and rinsing it with hot water and soap or alcohol. A dirty bong can harbor bacteria, mold, and residue that can affect the taste and quality of your smoke.
Why Use a Bong? Pros and Cons of Smoking a Bong
Using a bong has many advantages over other smoking methods, such as joints, pipes, or blunts. Here are some of them:
- Bongs produce large hits of thick smoke that can make it a more potent option than most other smoking methods.
- Bongs filter and cool the smoke through water, which reduces the amount of tar, toxins, and irritants that reach your lungs. This can make the smoke smoother, less harsh, and more flavorful.</li
