Glass bongs are a popular way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco, but they also come with some challenges. Whether it’s a crack, a chip, a clog, or a dirty piece, glass bong users may encounter some problems and issues that can affect their smoking experience. Fortunately, there are some easy and effective solutions to fix and prevent these common problems. Here are some of the most common problems and issues that glass bong users face and how to solve them.
Cracks and chips
One of the most frustrating problems that glass bong users may face is a crack or a chip in their piece. This can happen due to accidental drops, bumps, or mishandling during cleaning. A crack or a chip can compromise the integrity of the glass, affect the airflow, and even cause leaks. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, you may be able to repair your glass bong with some products that are easy to get your hands on.
One of the best options for repairing a crack or a chip in your glass bong is food-grade silicone. Food-grade silicone is a non-toxic substance that is often used to make molds for various food items. It is also highly resistant to damage and does not crack, crumble, peel, or dry out. It is great for use as a sealant. You can use food-grade silicone to fill in the cracks or chips in your glass bong, or to stick back a clean-cut piece of glass that broke off. Just make sure to apply it evenly and let it dry completely before using your bong again.
Another option for repairing a crack or a chip in your glass bong is duct tape. Duct tape is not glamorous or discreet, but it is handy and cheap. You can use duct tape to wrap around the damaged area of your glass bong, creating a tight seal that prevents leaks and improves airflow. However, duct tape is not very durable or heat-resistant, so you may need to replace it often and avoid exposing it to high temperatures.
Poor choices for fixing a crack or a chip in your glass bong include superglue, putty sealants, and similar products. Superglue does not bond well to glass, which is a problem when trying to repair a bong. It also may contain chemicals that are harmful to humans when heated up and inhaled. Putty sealants and similar products may also contain toxic solvents that can leach into your water and smoke. They are also not very aesthetically pleasing or effective.
Clogs
Another common problem that glass bong users may face is a clog in their piece. A clog can happen due to resin build-up, ash accumulation, or debris from your herb or tobacco. A clog can restrict the airflow, make it harder to draw smoke, and affect the flavor and potency of your smoke. To prevent clogs, you should always use a screen or a filter in your bowl, empty your ashtray regularly, and avoid overpacking your bowl.
To fix a clog in your glass bong, you need to clean it thoroughly. Cleaning a glass bong is easy and cheap. All you need is some isopropyl alcohol and some coarse salt. Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful solvent that can dissolve resin and tar from your glass bong. Coarse salt is an abrasive agent that can help dislodge chunks of resin and ash from your glass bong.
To clean your glass bong with alcohol and salt, follow these steps:
- Pour out the water from your bong.
- Pour some alcohol and salt into your bong.
- Plug the holes of your bong with some paper towels or rubber stoppers.
- Shake your bong vigorously for a minute or two.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture from your bong.
- Rinse your bong with warm water until no alcohol or salt remains.
- Let your bong dry completely before using it again.
For tough clogs, you may need to repeat this process several times or let your bong soak in alcohol for a few hours or overnight. You can also use a pipe brush or a cotton swab to scrub the inside of your bong after pouring out the alcohol/salt mixture.
Dirty piece
A dirty piece is not only a problem, but also a shame. A dirty piece can ruin the appearance, the flavor, and the quality of your smoke. A dirty piece can also harbor bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that can harm your health. To avoid a dirty piece, you should clean your glass bong regularly and change the water before every use.
To clean your glass bong, you can use the same method as described above for fixing a clog. Alcohol and salt are effective and inexpensive ways to clean your glass bong and make it look and smell like new. You can also buy specially made bong cleaners at a head shop or a weed store, but they are often more expensive and have other chemicals in them that are not necessary.
To change the water in your glass bong, simply pour out the old water and refill it with fresh water. You should do this before every use or at least once a day. Water that sits in your bong too long can be full of tar, debris, and bacteria. Fresh water will make your smoke smoother, cooler, and cleaner.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great devices for enjoying your herb or tobacco, but they also require some care and maintenance. Some of the most common problems and issues that glass bong users face are cracks, chips, clogs, and dirty pieces. These problems can affect the performance, the appearance, and the health of your glass bong. Luckily, there are some easy and effective solutions to fix and prevent these problems. By using food-grade silicone, duct tape, alcohol, salt, and water, you can repair and clean your glass bong and keep it in optimal condition.
