A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco, but it can also be a source of frustration if it doesn’t work properly. Whether you have leaks, air bubbles, low pressure, or other issues with your glass bong, there are some simple steps you can take to fix them or replace the parts. In this blog post, we will show you how to troubleshoot some common problems and issues with your glass bong and how to keep it in good condition.
Leaks
One of the most annoying problems with a glass bong is when it leaks water or smoke from the joints, the base, or the stem. This can make your smoking experience less enjoyable and waste your herb or tobacco. Leaks can be caused by cracks, chips, loose fittings, or improper sealing. Here are some possible solutions:
- If the leak is from a crack or a chip in the glass, you can try to seal it with food-grade silicone. This is a non-toxic substance that is resistant to damage and can bond well with glass. You can find food-grade silicone online or at craft stores. To use it, make sure the glass is clean and dry, then apply a thin layer of silicone over the crack or chip. Let it cure for at least 24 hours before using the bong again.
- If the leak is from a loose fitting, such as the downstem or the bowl, you can try to tighten it by hand or use a wrench if necessary. Be careful not to over-tighten or damage the glass. You can also wrap some plumber’s tape around the threads of the fitting to create a better seal.
- If the leak is from an improper sealing, such as between the base and the stem, you can try to re-seal it with food-grade silicone or plumber’s tape. Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry before applying the sealant.
If none of these solutions work, or if the leak is too severe, you may need to replace the part that is leaking. You can find replacement parts online or at head shops.
Air Bubbles
Air bubbles in your glass bong can affect the quality of your smoke and make it harsher on your throat and lungs. Air bubbles can be caused by too much water, too little water, dirty water, or clogged percolators. Here are some possible solutions:
- If there are too many air bubbles in your bong, you may have too much water in it. Try pouring out some water until you have enough to cover the bottom of the downstem by about an inch. You don’t want the water level to be too high or too low.
- If there are not enough air bubbles in your bong, you may have too little water in it. Try adding some water until you have enough to cover the bottom of the downstem by about an inch. You don’t want the water level to be too high or too low.
- If there are air bubbles in your bong that are dirty or discolored, you may have dirty water in it. Try changing the water before every use or at least once a day. Dirty water can harbor bacteria and mold that can affect your health and the taste of your smoke.
- If there are air bubbles in your bong that are stuck or not moving, you may have clogged percolators in it. Percolators are devices that filter and cool down the smoke by creating more air bubbles. They can get clogged by resin and tar over time and reduce the airflow and pressure in your bong. Try cleaning your percolators by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol for a few hours or overnight. Then rinse them with warm water and let them dry completely before using them again.
Low Pressure
Low pressure in your glass bong can make it harder to draw smoke from it and reduce its efficiency and potency. Low pressure can be caused by clogged parts, dirty parts, loose parts, or damaged parts. Here are some possible solutions:
- If your bong has low pressure because of clogged parts, such as the bowl, the downstem, or the percolators, you can try to unclog them by poking them with a pipe cleaner, a paper clip, or a toothpick. Be gentle and avoid breaking or scratching the glass.
- If your bong has low pressure because of dirty parts, such as the bowl, the downstem, or the percolators, you can try to clean them by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol for a few hours or overnight. Then rinse them with warm water and let them dry completely before using them again.
- If your bong has low pressure because of loose parts, such as the bowl, the downstem, or the percolators, you can try to tighten them by hand or use a wrench if necessary. Be careful not to over-tighten or damage the glass. You can also wrap some plumber’s tape around the threads of the parts to create a better seal.
- If your bong has low pressure because of damaged parts, such as cracked or chipped glass, you can try to repair them with food-grade silicone or replace them with new ones. See the section on leaks for more details.
How to Keep Your Glass Bong in Good Condition
The best way to avoid problems and issues with your glass bong is to keep it in good condition by cleaning it regularly and storing it safely. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Clean your glass bong after every use or at least once a week. This will prevent resin and tar from building up and clogging or damaging your bong. To clean your glass bong, you can use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt as a natural and effective solution. Here are the steps:
- Pour out the water from your bong and disassemble it into its parts.
- Pour some alcohol and salt into each part and plug the holes with paper towels or rubber stoppers.
- Shake each part vigorously for a minute or two to loosen up the resin and tar.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse each part with warm water.
- Let each part dry completely before reassembling and using your bong again.
- Store your glass bong in a safe and dry place when not in use. This will protect it from dust, moisture, sunlight, and accidental bumps or drops. You can use a padded case, a box, a drawer, or a shelf to store your bong. Make sure it is stable and secure and out of reach of children and pets.
By following these tips, you can troubleshoot common problems and issues with your glass bong and keep it in good condition for a long time. A glass bong is a valuable investment that can enhance your smoking experience, so treat it well and enjoy it responsibly.
