Last reviewed October 18, 2026
To use a bong, fill the base with enough water to cover the downstem, pack the bowl with ground flower, light it while inhaling slowly so the chamber fills with smoke, then pull the bowl (or uncover the carb hole) and inhale the rest. The water cools the smoke, which is why bong hits feel smoother than a joint.
Parts of a bong:
- Base: holds the water.
- Downstem: the tube that carries smoke under the water.
- Bowl: where the flower goes; it pulls out on most bongs.
- Chamber and mouthpiece: where smoke collects and you inhale.
- Carb: a small hole on some bongs that you cover, then release.
Step by step
- Add water so it covers the bottom of the downstem by about 2–3 cm. Too much splashes up; too little makes harsh hits.
- Grind and pack the bowl loosely with a medium grind. Don’t press it tight.
- Seal your lips inside the mouthpiece, not over the outside.
- Light the edge of the bowl and inhale gently. Watch the chamber fill.
- Clear it: pull out the bowl, or release the carb, and inhale the remaining smoke.
- Start small. One modest hit is plenty until you know how strong it feels.
Keeping it clean
- Change the water after every session. Stale water smells and tastes bad.
- Once a week, soak or shake the glass with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, then rinse well with warm water.
- Let it dry fully before the next use.
Bong vs dab rig
| Bong | Dab rig | |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Flower | Concentrates |
| Size | Larger chamber | Smaller, to keep vapour flavourful |
| Heat | A lighter on the bowl | A torch or e-nail on a banger |
Many glass pieces accept both a bowl and a banger. See How to dab for rigs.
Common questions
What is a bong?
A water pipe: smoke passes through water before you inhale it, which cools it down.
How much water goes in a bong?
Enough to cover the downstem by 2–3 cm. If water reaches your mouth, pour some out.
Is a bong stronger than a joint?
Each hit delivers smoke in one go, so it can feel stronger. Overall it depends on how much you smoke.
Can you put ice in a bong?
Yes, if it has ice notches in the neck. Ice cools the smoke further.
