Article at a Glance:

  • Discover the importance of bong water and when to change it for a better smoking experience.
  • Bong water improves smoke quality and filters out impurities, ensuring a smoother and cleaner experience for your lungs.
  • To ensure optimal smoke filtration and prevent any water splashing into your mouth, keep the bong water level below the downstem.
  • Regularly cleaning your bong ensures a top-notch smoking experience. Simple and hassle-free, it's the key to cleaner hits.

Whether it be medicinal use or recreational, bongs are the best when it comes to smoking cannabis. If you've ever hit a bong, you know there's water in the chamber. That's the bong water and it's pretty much the most important part of the whole bong smoking process. It helps filter the smoke and make it less harsh on your throat.

In this article, we take a deeper look into bong water, when to replace it and how essential it is to the entire bong smoking experience.

WHAT IS BONG WATER?

Bong water in a Bud Matrix Percolator Bong

Bong water is just what you use to fill up your bong chamber and it's totally necessary. It helps make the smoke smoother and cooler before it hits your lungs. Plus, it filters out any ash and particles, making sure nothing gross gets into your smoke.

Tap water, filtered or distilled - it doesn't matter what type you use, just make sure it's clean, because dirty water can bring in bacteria, mould and nasty stuff like that. Not only is bong water essential for achieving the benefits of your medicinal marijuana, but it's also a major part of keeping your bong clean. If you don't change the water often, it'll get cloudy, smelly and can be bad for your health - so don't forget to keep it fresh!

What Does Water In A Bong Do?

Bong water in a round base glass bong

The water within a bong plays multiple vital roles in the act of cannabis smoking.

As you take a breath, the smoke passes through the water, functioning as a filtration system. This process aids in eliminating water-soluble toxins and ash from the smoke, thereby providing a smoother and cleaner inhalation experience compared to other methods such as joints, glass pipes or vapes.

Moreover, the water also cools down the smoke, making it gentler on the throat and lungs. This cooling effect is especially advantageous for individuals who may find conventional smoking techniques to be too harsh.

How Does Water Affect The Bong Smoking Process?

Clean bong water in a percolator glass bong

Having water in a bong has a profound impact on the way smoking occurs in comparison to other methods such as joint or glass pipe smoking.

When the smoke travels through the water, it undergoes diffusion, causing it to break apart into smaller particles that can be inhaled more easily.

This diffusion process not only cools down the smoke but also enriches its taste, resulting in a more pleasant and flavourful smoking experience.

WHAT'S IN BONG WATER?

Water in a Bud Beaker Bong

The water in your bong is just water but it can have all kinds of crap in it. If you're hitting on tobacco, you can get discoloration and nicotine in the bong water. Smoking up some cannabis? Then you're going to get cloudy stuff in the water, plus tar and other elements from the combustion. Oh, and let's not forget the bacteria and mould that can get in there if you don't switch up the water. If you don't watch out, all this junk can get into your smoke, and trust us, it won't be a good time.

How To Put Water In A Bong?

Clean bong water in a beaker bong

For those who are new to it, filling a bong with fresh water is an important part of getting ready for a enjoyable cannabis smoking experience. Whether you have a basic beaker bong or a more complex one with multiple percolators, knowing the right way to add water is essential in order to get the most out of your bong.

Adding Clean Water to a Conventional Bong:

  1. Prepare the Bong: Start by removing the downstem and cone piece from the bong. This will give you easy access to the main chamber so you can add water.
  2. Choose Fresh Water: Select clean and fresh water or Piece Water Solution to fill the bong. It's best to use room temperature or slightly cold water for a smooth smoking session.
  3. Add Water to the Main Chamber: Carefully pour the fresh water into the main chamber of the beaker bong via the downtube or neck. The goal is to fill it up to a level where the water covers the slits of the diffuser located at the bottom of the downstem.
  4. Avoid Overfilling: Be mindful not to overfill the bong. The water level should be enough to ensure proper filtration and cooling, but not so high that it causes any splashing when you inhale.
  5. Reassemble the Bong: Once the water is added, securely attach the downstem and bowl back onto the bong.
  6. Check Water Level: Before using the bong, visually check the water level to make sure it's at an appropriate height for an optimal smoking experience.

Adding Clean Water to a Bong with Percolators:

  1. Prepare the Bong: Remove any additional parts, such as ash catchers or extra percolators, from the bong in order to access the main chamber for adding water.
  2. Choose Fresh Water: Select clean and fresh water to fill the bong. Opt for room temperature or slightly cold water to ensure a comfortable smoking experience.
  3. Fill the Main Chamber: Take caution while pouring water into the main chamber of the bong via the downtube, making sure it covers the diffuser slits at the bottom of the downstem. The water level should be enough to effectively filter and cool the smoke.
  4. Fill Percolators and Attachments with Water: If your bong has multiple percolators or attachments, fill each one with water, ensuring they are fully submerged but not overflowing.
  5. Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the bong or any of its attachments. The water level should be just right for proper filtration and cooling, without causing any splashing during use.
  6. Reattach Percolators and Attachments: Once you've added the water, securely reattach any percolators or attachments to the bong, making sure they are properly in place.
  7. Check Water Level: Before using the bong, it is important to visually check the water level in the main chamber and all attachments to ensure that they are at the right heights for the best smoking experience.

HOW MUCH WATER DO I PUT IN MY BONG?

Three clean Bud bongs

How much water you want to chuck into your bong is all reliant on the size and shape of your bong. If you fill it too full, your smoke won't get filtered properly and there's a high chance (excuse the pun) you'll get a face full of water when you take a hit.

On the other hand, if you go too light on the H20, the smoke's going to be way too harsh as there won't be enough liquid to filter it. A good rule of thumb is to keep the water level below the downstem. This will help make sure the smoke is filtered just right and you'll avoid any water splashing up the tube and into your mouth.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY BONG WATER?

Water in a Bud Gripper Bong

It's crucial you stay on top of your bong water situation. To avoid any of that nasty bacteria and other gross stuff, it's best to switch it up every few days or, for the cleanest bong experience, after every sesh.

If you're not hitting your bong all that often, you might be alright if you change it once or twice a week. But, just check the colour and smell of the water before you smoke as it's not a big deal to dump it out and start fresh if it's looking or smelling suspicious.

Also, it's highly recommended to deep clean your bong every couple of weeks. That'll help get rid of any old smoke residue and resin buildup, which can mess with the taste and performance of your bong hit. The better you take care of your bong, the easier it'll be to give it a good clean.

How To Get Rid Of Bong Water Smell?

Clean bong water in an ash catcher

Many individuals who use bongs often find themselves concerned about the unpleasant odour that can arise from the bong water. Fortunately, there are straightforward and effective ways to address this problem and guarantee a pleasant smoking session.

  • Change Bong Water

A simple and effective way to get rid of the unpleasant odour of bong water is to regularly replace it. When water sits stagnant for a long time, it can develop a foul smell that can affect the overall enjoyment of smoking. By changing the dirty water with fresh and clean water or Piece Water Solution before each use, users can greatly reduce the chances of encountering unpleasant odours. This small step can make a big difference in ensuring a more pleasant smoking experience.

  • Add Ice Or Lemon

Some bong smokers choose to incorporate ice or a couple of dashes of lemon into their bong water. The chilled temperature of the ice can effectively conceal any odours, while the citrusy fragrance of lemon can impart a revitalising aroma and potentially neutralise any unpleasant smells.

  • Use Air Fresheners or Incense

To reduce any persistent odours in the vicinity, consider placing odour-neutralising products, such as air fresheners or incense, near the location of the bong. However, it is crucial to select an air freshener that will not disrupt the smoking experience or leave behind any unwanted taste or scent on the bong or its parts.

  • Regular Cleaning

Ensuring the thorough cleanliness of your bong is essential to prevent the accumulation of residue and minimise the chance of unpleasant odours. By using cleaning solutions specifically formulated for bongs, such as Formula 420, you can effectively eliminate any lingering smells and keep your bong in a pristine condition.

CAN I DRINK BONG WATER?

Bong water bubbling in a Bud Matrix Percolator Bong

Nope, don't even think about it! Don't drink bong water, not even if someone dares you. It's got harmful bacteria, mould, toxins and other yucky stuff in it that'll make you sick. Some folks think it'll get you high, but it won't. Bong water doesn't have any drugs in it, just nasty and potentially dangerous water. So don't do it.

ARE THERE BONG WATER ALTERNATIVES?

Two bottles of Piece Water Solution

Tired of that same old-tasting tap water in your bong? Check out Piece Water Solution - All Natural Bong Water and Cleaner Alternative, it's a cleaner and bong water alternative made special for bongs!

It comes packed with natural ingredients, like mineral, vegetable and fruit extracts, that help break down the gunk inside your bong, dab rig or bubbler. Plus, you won't get a nasty chemical taste or finish, so it's a fresh and fun way to spice up your next smoke sesh.

And customers say they can get up to 40 uses out of the same bong water before they need to clean it - so you get to spend more time puffin' and less time scrubbin'!

THE PROS OF USING CLEAN BONG WATER

Woman pouring Piece Water Solution into a bong

If you want your bong sesh to be top-notch, use clean water or Piece Water Solution. Not only will it be much smoother and gentler on your throat, but it'll also keep your bong sparkling clean and free of any yucky bacteria, mould or other contaminants.

Plus, it'll help lower the temp of the smoke, making it more comfortable to take in, even if you're a bong newbie or if you're puffing something with a high THC content - it'll make the smoke much less intense.

Clean bong water also ensures that you don't end up inhaling any harsh or nasty stuff that could have a negative impact on your health.

HOW DO I REPLACE MY BONG WATER & CLEAN MY BONG?

Woman pours Piece Water Solution into a beaker bong

Keeping your bong free of dirty bong water is a relatively simple and painless process. The more consistent you are with cleaning your bong, the better your smoke sessions will be.

When you’re ready to replace your bong water and clean your bong, we recommend following these steps:

1. Pour Out Old Water

Put on some kitchen cleaning gloves and pour your dirty bong water down the sink.

2. Rinse Bong

Give your bong a quick rinse with warm water to remove any light residue and resin build up.

3. Pour In Cleaner

Pour your desired amount of formulated liquid bong cleaner, such as Formula 420 or Orange Chronic, into your rig. Cover all openings with a cleaning cap or plug and give it a good shake and swirl for at least one minute.

4. Use A Cleaning Brush

Use a soft cleaning brush or pipe cleaner to reach those nooks and crannies that have heavier caked on resin while being careful not to scratch your bong material.

5. Submerge Bong Parts

Place your bong parts such as cone pieces, downstems, bangers or nails and ash catchers into a zip-lock bag, pour some of the same liquid into the bag and give it a good but careful shake. Again, brush off any stubborn residue with a soft brush.

6. Empty, Rinse & Dry

Once you’re happy with the results, empty your liquid bong cleaner from the bong and zip lock bag down the sink. Give your bong and bong parts a rinse under warm water and let them dry.

7. Refill With Water

Once they’re dry, fill your bong up with tap water or Piece Water Solution, place your bong parts back in place and get ready for the cleanest, smoothest and most satisfying bong smoke of your life.

CONCLUSION: THE BENEFITS OF CLEAN BONG WATER

Put simply, it's essential to keep your bong water fresh. Not only does it make the smoke smoother and easier on your throat and lungs, but it also keeps nasty stuff out of your smoke, like bacteria, mould and other junk. If you don't change out your bong water, you won't get the full flavour of your bud and it's bad for your health. So, if you wanna enjoy your smoke sesh for longer, follow these tips and keep your bong water fresh!

Vincent James

About Vincent James

Vincent James isn't just your everyday marijuana enthusiast. He's a true connoisseur who's all about exploring the boundless benefits of medicinal cannabis for thousands of fellow Australians. In his articles, he dives into every facet of smoking, from the coolest bongs and vapes to the essential accessories like grinders and cleaners.