How Much Water Should You Put In Your Bubbler Pipe

How Much Water Should You Put In Your Bubbler Pipe

Buying a bubbler pipe is often considered the best decision in many consumers’ lives. A smooth transition between a regular pipe and a bong, bubbler pipes are now one of the most popular smoking accessories on the market.

They combine durability with portability and water filtration, so it’s also a great device for outdoor smokers who still want to keep their inhalations more discreet than with a bong.

As with any smoking device out there, learning how to properly use a bubbler can significantly improve the quality of your sessions. Aside from regular maintenance and bowl-packing techniques, it’s paramount that you know how much water you should put in your bubbler pipe.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably never used a bubbler pipe before, so we’ll also cover the basics of bubbler pipes on top of defining the optimal water level in the chamber.

What is a Bubbler Pipe?

In simplest terms, a bubbler pipe is what you get when you combine a pipe with a bong. The end product is a straightforward smoking device that offers the most appreciated features from both accessories. 

For pipe users, a bubbler pipe is the perfect way to draw the full flavor of their herb without the harsh heat and toxins.

Bong fans, on the other hand, can finally enjoy water filtration on the go.

Want a win-win for every type of glass smoker out there?

Get them a bubbler pipe.

Now, let’s shed some light at how bubblers are made.

The Anatomy of the Bubbler Pipe

The Anatomy of the Bubbler Pipe

Most bubbler pipes are structured in a similar fashion to a bong with the low profile of a pipe. Commonly made from borosilicate glass, a bubbler consists of the same elements as a regular pipe, but with one or two added features. The obligatory feature is, of course, the water chamber where filtration takes place.

The elements of a bubbler pipe include:

  • Mouthpiece: It’s one ending of your pipe through which you inhale the smoke.
  • Bowl: this is a rounded cavity on the other end of the pipe. The bowl is where you pack your herbs.
  • Stem: the stem allows the smoke to travel from the bowl to the mouthpiece.
  • Water chamber: a special tank where you add water and filter the smoke from toxins.
  • Bubblers also come in different styles, shapes, and sizes. Below we give you a quick rundown of each bubbler type.

    How to Pick the Right Glass Bubbler Before You Fill It With Water

    While at their core bubblers have the same principle — using water to cool and filter the smoke — you may come across different models of this device.

    There are six basic models of bubbler pipes, each with its own pros and cons, so you’ll have to try them out to find a perfect match. Or, at least, read their descriptions below:

  • Hammer: true to its name, this type of bubbler pipe looks like a hammer. Its design allows it to lie on a flat surface without rolling around, so it’s a good choice if your moves are typically clumsy and you tend to throw things on the ground.
  • Sherlock: sherlock pipes look exactly like what Sherlock Holmes would use for smoking his tobacco. The only difference between you and Mr Holmes is your go-to herb.
  • Sidecar: sidecar bubblers come with a stem and mouthpiece that are attached to the side of the water tank. They have been designed as a solution to the problem of water splash-backs, something typical for hammer and Sherlock units.
  • Pendant: pendant bubblers have been designed for ultimate convenience. They are usually a little bit smaller than other pipes because they have a tiny hole or ring so you can attach it to a necklace or string. Fancy some practical jewellery?
  • Concentrate: these bubblers are made exclusively for consuming concentrates and cannabis oils instead of flowers. They work exactly like dab rigs but are smaller.
  • Double bubblers: a double bubbler pipe is a good option to consider if you want extra filtration because it features two chambers instead of one — also known as dual percolator. The double filtration allows for extra smooth, cool, and flavorful hits.
  • How to Fill a Bubbler With Water

    Filling up the bubbler with water is easy only at first glance, especially if you’ve never smoked out of one before. The simplest way to fill a bubbler pipe with water is through the bowl. Alternatively, you can try filling it through the mouthpiece provided that it’s wide enough. Most mouthpieces, however, are too narrow for the job, so it’s easy to spill the water.

    How to Fill a Bubbler With Water

    How Much Water Should You Use in a Bubbler Pipe?

    Well, the simple answer is: not too much, not too little.

    As mentioned, having just the right amount of water in your bubbler pipe is extremely important to your smoking experience. 

    Too much water can cause you to inhale it along with the smoke, ending up coughing really hard. 

    On the other hand, not having enough water doesn’t filter the smoke and makes it harsh on your lungs.

    The optimal amount of water is similar to what you pour in the bong. It should fill it until the stem is about halfway submerged in water. This allows the water to pull the smoke and clean it from tar, without inhaling gross water coming back from backsplash.

    Things to Consider When Filling a Bubbler PipeWith Water

  • Drag: if it feels too hard and get a backsplash, you have too much water in the pipe. Too light drags mean that you need more water.
  • Smoke: if the smoke feels too harsh on the throat and makes you cough on the exhale, you should fill your bubbler pipe with more water. If the smoke feels too stale, you went overboard with it.
  • Bubbling: too soft bubbles mean that you need to add more water. If they’re too loud, pour out a bit of water until the sound feels just right.
  • Downstem: the water should cover about an inch of ¾ of an inch of downstem from its bottom.
  • Percolation: the percolators in your bubblers should also be filled with water halfway up the level of the slits.
  • How much water do you put in your bubbler pipe and which type of bubbler do you enjoy the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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