Short answer: after every session. If you smoke a little here and there through the day, change it at least once a day. It takes ten seconds and it's the easiest way to make every hit taste better.
That's our answer and we're sticking to it. Here's why, plus the signs your water is overdue and a few habits that make it easier.
Why Bong Water Gets Gross So Fast
The water's job is to cool the smoke and catch ash and resin. (More on that in why bongs need water.) So every hit adds a little more gunk. Then it sits there at room temperature with organic material floating in it, which is basically a science experiment.
After a day or two you get:
- Bad taste. Stale water makes good flower taste like an old ashtray.
- Bad smell. Old bong water is one of the worst smells in any house. It gets into rooms, carpets, and cars.
- Bacteria and mold. Standing water grows it quickly, and you're pulling air right through it.
- A harder clean later. Dirty water leaves resin rings on the glass that are much harder to get off.
If your water looks like this, it was time a while ago.
Signs Your Bong Water Needs Changing Now
- It's yellow, brown, or cloudy.
- There's stuff floating on top or a film on the surface.
- It smells when you walk past it.
- Your hits taste harsh or "off."
- It's been sitting since yesterday.
What Makes Bong Water Get Dirty Faster
- How much you smoke. One bowl a day and five bowls a day are very different.
- Clearing the bowl into the water. Snapping ash through the downstem dumps it straight in. Knock the ash into an ashtray instead and your water stays clean longer.
- Heat. A bong sitting in a warm room or a sunny window grows bacteria faster.
- Sugary add-ins. Anything besides plain water turns funky fast. Don't do it.
Habits That Keep Your Water (and Bong) Cleaner
- Dump it right after your session. Don't leave it for tomorrow.
- Use cold, filtered water if you have it. Fewer minerals means fewer hard water spots on the glass. And don't overfill. Here's how much water to put in a bong.
- Swish and rinse when you change it. A quick hot water rinse each time slows down resin buildup.
- Store it empty and dry. If you're not going to use it for a few days, don't leave water sitting in it.
- Do a full clean weekly if you smoke daily. Here's how to clean a bong in about 10 minutes. Thinking about a store-bought cleaner? Here's what's worth buying.
Is Dirty Bong Water Dangerous?
We're not doctors, so we won't try to scare you with a list of diseases. What we can say is that standing water full of organic matter grows bacteria and mold, and breathing through it isn't a great idea, especially if you have asthma or a weak immune system. Changing it after every session takes that risk off the table. The taste alone is reason enough.
Make It Easy on Yourself
The real reason people don't change their water is that it's a hassle. Tipping a big glass beaker over the sink, water splashing out the downstem, trying not to drop it. We designed the Capsule Water Pipe to come apart so emptying and rinsing is quick. When it's easy, you'll actually do it. Check out our full lineup of easy clean bongs.
FAQ
Can I leave water in my bong overnight?
You can, but change it before you smoke again. Overnight water is already on its way to stale.
How long does bong water last?
It's at its best for one session. After a day it tastes worse, and after a few days it's growing things.
Should I use tap water or distilled water?
Either works. Filtered or distilled water leaves fewer mineral spots on the glass, which makes cleaning a little easier.
How often should I clean the whole bong?
Once a week if you smoke daily. Change the water every session in between.