Fact Checked by Doctor NameWhat is a Ladder Perc?
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Ladder perc is one of the most popular percolator designs in water pipes and bongs.
Percolators help filter and diffuse smoke by forcing it through small holes or slits, creating more surface area.
This results in a smoother, cooler hit.
Ladder percs are made up of stacked discs or “ladders” with multiple perforations that allow smoke to travel down through each disc.
As smoke passes through the small openings, it gets broken into tiny bubbles, which cools the smoke more efficiently before inhaling.
Ladder percs are valued for providing excellent percolation and diffusion without requiring excessive draw strength.
The small openings break smoke into smaller bubbles without making it too difficult to inhale. The stacked ladder design also helps prevent splashback or leakage compared to some other percs.
How to Clean a Ladder Perc?
Proper cleaning is critical to keep any perc functioning at its best. Resin buildup can clog the small holes in a ladder perc and reduce its percolating effects.
To clean a ladder perc, disassemble the bong as much as possible. Remove the downstream and ladder perc unit.
Fill a sealable plastic bag with isopropyl alcohol and enough coarse kosher salt to act as an abrasive. Place the ladder perc in the bag and seal it up. Shake vigorously to let the salt scrub away residue inside the perc’s discs and holes.
Let it soak for at least 30 minutes up to a few hours if it is heavily stained. Shake or massage the salt and alcohol over the perc periodically to help loosen stubborn buildup.
The ladder perc should be rinsed carefully to eliminate solvent and salt before reassembling the bong.
Regular cleaning will keep a ladder perc working like new.
For smoother, cooler hits, a ladder perc is one of the best percolator options. With proper care, a quality ladder perc will provide excellent filtration for years.
