Fact Checked by Doctor NameWhat is a Percolator?
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A percolator is a type of water filtration system commonly used in water pipes and bongs to diffuse and cool cannabis smoke before inhalation.
Percolators contain small holes or slits that force smoke bubbles to pass through water, breaking up the bubbles and expanding the surface area exposed to the liquid.
This process effectively divides the smoke into countless tiny bubbles, cooling the smoke and making each hit much smoother.
Different Types of Percolators
There are several common types and designs of percolators available. A tree perc contains stacked discs with small slots that filter smoke through each layer.
An inline perc features long tube-shaped slits that diffuse smoke in a winding path. Honeycomb percs have multiple tiny holes drilled in hexagonal patterns to maximize diffusion.
Showerhead percs mimic a shower head by running smoke through dozens of wide flared openings.
The main benefit of any perc design is the increased diffusion, which leads to smoother, cooler hits.
More percolation creates more filtration and diffusion for the smoothest hits possible.
How to Clean a Percolator?
Cleaning a percolator regularly is crucial to keep it functioning properly. Salt and isopropyl alcohol are commonly used to scrub residue buildup.
Coarse salt effectively scours tough buildup inside the percs while alcohol dissolves any remaining sticky residue. Thoroughly rinse with hot water after cleaning to remove any salt and soap residue.
For deep cleaning, some percolators can be dismantled to provide access to all areas.
Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage delicate percs. With routine cleaning, percolators will provide years of optimized filtration.
