Ever taken a hit that scorched your throat? Or worse, a hit that splashed gross bong water into your mouth? Neither is the vibe.
The amount of water you add to your bong seriously impacts the smoothness, flavor, and overall quality of your smoke. But with bongs coming in every shape and size, finding that sweet spot can take some trial and error.
Here's everything you need to know about water levels, plus some easy tips to upgrade your next session.
Why the Bong Water Level Matters
The water in your bong isn't just for show. It filters and cools the smoke before it hits your lungs. The right water level can:
- Make hits smoother and less harsh
- Filter out ash and resin
- Preserve terpene flavor
- Prevent splashback
Too little water = harsh, dry hits.
Too much = gurgly mess with a side of bong water mouth.
How Much Water to Add to a Bong
The Golden Rule
Add just enough water to completely cover the slits or holes at the bottom of your downstem. If the "diffusion holes" (those little slits that filter smoke through the water) are exposed to air, your bong won't filter properly. and your hit will feel hot and rough. But if you add too much, you'll be drinking your hits, and no one wants that.
Step-by-Step: Find Your Perfect Water Level
- Start low: Add water until it just covers the diffusion holes at the bottom of the downtem. This is especially important for bongs you can't see through. It's better to underestimate than overestimate here.
- Test pull: Take a test inhale (without lighting anything) and listen for bubbling.
- Adjust slowly: If it feels dry, add a little more water and retest until you hit the smooth zone. Now you're clear to light it up!
Different Bong Types = Different Water Needs
- Glass Bongs: Easiest to fill since you can see the downstem and water line. Use visual cues and test inhales.
- Silicone Bongs: More trial and error. Look inside before your first fill, detach the downstem if possible, and check where the slits are located. All Ooze silicone bongs have a glass water chamber so you can still see, and silicone downstems are all removable.
- Percolator Bongs: Need water in each chamber with a percolator. Fill until the slits on the perc are just submerged.
- Mini Bongs & Rigs: Use less water! Just enough to bubble, otherwise you'll be sipping.
Remember, water evaporates! If you're not changing it out often (daily is best), your next session might start with a dry pull and a whiff of old bong water. Gross.
3 Tips to Level Up Your Bong Water
Want to take your session from decent to chef's kiss? Use these three easy water upgrades:
- Always use clean water. Dirty bong water = bad taste and bacteria. Dump and refill before each session.
- Use distilled water. It's mineral-free and reduces hard water buildup inside your piece.
- Add ice (if your bong has an ice catcher). Smooth, chilled hits are unmatched.
It's All About Balance
Finding the perfect water level might take a little trial and error, especially if your piece has a unique shape. But once you find that balance (just above the diffusion holes but not so much it splashes your lips) your bong will perform like a dream every time.
Clean water. The right level. Maybe a few ice cubes. That's the Ooze way.
