How to clean a water pipe

1. Empty the old water and rinse the piece with warm water.
2. Add a spoonful of coarse salt and enough isopropyl alcohol (90% or stronger) to cover the dirty parts.
3. Cover the openings with your hands or stoppers and shake gently until the resin lets go. Use pipe cleaners or a small brush for the stem and tight spots.
4. Rinse well with hot water and let it air-dry completely before using it again.

Do the alcohol step away from any flame. Fresh water every session and a deep clean once a week keeps the flavour clean.

Downstems & bowls: getting the right fit

• Joint size: most pieces use 14mm or 18mm joints (small rigs are often 10mm). The bowl and downstem have to match the pipe's joint size.
• Gender: a male joint goes into a female joint — match them. Bowls are usually male; pipes are usually female.
• Downstem length: measure the old stem from the bottom of the frosted joint to the tip. That inserted length is the size to order.
• If a bowl wobbles or leaks air, it's the wrong size — never force glass.

Picking a grinder

• 2-piece: simple and small, gives a fine grind. Good for personal use.
• 4-piece: adds a screen and a kief catcher — the fine crystals collect in the bottom chamber.
• Size: around 50mm suits one person; 63mm and up is better for sharing or bigger loads.
• Care: brush it out after use. Metal grinders can soak in isopropyl alcohol; acrylic can't — warm soapy water only, alcohol can crack it.

Dry herb vaporizer basics

• Grind medium — not powder — and fill the chamber level. Don't pack it tight; the hot air needs to move through.
• Start around 180°C for flavour, then step up toward 200–210°C to finish the bowl.
• Stir or tap the bowl halfway through for an even bake.
• Empty it while it's still warm and brush the chamber out. Every few weeks, once the device is cool and off, wipe the chamber and mouthpiece with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.