Water Pipe
A water pipe uses water to cool and filter vapor before you inhale. The basic design consists of a base chamber filled with water, a downstem that directs vapor through this water, and a neck leading to your mouth.
Key features:
- Water filtration cools and filters vapor
- Removable components for easy maintenance
- Various sizes and shapes for different uses
- Compatible with bowls, bangers, and accessories
- Can include percolators and ice catchers for enhanced filtration
Water does two things simultaneously: it filters particles and cools everything down. As vapor passes through water, it breaks into bubbles — smaller bubbles create more surface area, increasing both cooling and filtration. The temperature drop creates noticeably smoother draws compared to dry pipes, which is why water pipes remain popular despite being less portable.
Shape and size affect performance and portability. Beaker bases hold more water and provide excellent stability. Straight tubes offer more direct draws with less drag. Smaller pieces (6-10 inches) are more portable and easier to clean. Larger pieces (12+ inches) provide more cooling through longer vapor paths and larger water chambers. Your choice depends on where and how you plan to use it.
Joint sizes (10 mm, 14 mm, 18 mm) determine what bowls and accessories fit your piece. Most water pipes use 14 mm or 18 mm joints. The downstem can be fixed (built into the piece) or removable (slides out for cleaning or replacement). Removable downstems offer easier maintenance and the ability to upgrade to diffused versions that create finer bubbles.
Building your water pipe setup: You need a bowl that matches your joint size — that's where you pack your flower. For concentrate use, swap the bowl for a banger that matches your joint. An ash catcher sits between your bowl and downstem, preventing debris from reaching your water chamber. A grinder prepares flower for even burning. Many people keep different-sized bowls for solo versus group sessions. Ice catches (if your piece has them) let you add ice cubes for extra cooling. Clean your water pipe regularly with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt — shake the solution through the piece to scrub resin buildup. Fresh water is used for each session to maintain flavor.