Hookah, water pipe or known as ‘sheesha’ is a cultural Middle Eastern smoking device, a popular smoking device across the planet. A casual hookah session with friends is one thing, but setting it up like an expert is an entirely different thing.
Nevertheless, if you are lost and looking for an expert guide to set up a hookah, you have come to the right place. We have got your back!
The guide has listed all the steps that are required to set up a hookah. In addition, setting up a hookah is quite simple, but you should make sure that every part fits perfectly.
Here is a rundown of steps guiding you to set up hookah like an expert, listed as follows.
Let’s dig in!
Step 1: Clean it Before Arranging up Hookah
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The first thing you have to do is wash it with clean water. Use a soft brush with water before and after drinking it. Pull out all the parts of hookah, except for hoses. Pretend these aren’t safe with cleaning water until and unless it is labeled.
When you are done cleaning it with water, wipe it properly with a dry towel. Keep them in the air for a bit, and let them dried out first. Also, remember that:
- It is ideal if you keep it clean after every session. However, it is a must to clean when you see residue on the vase. Also, when smoke doesn’t feel right, clean it.
- You can make use of a long thin brush and clean large and thin parts of hookah. You can also find brushes that are created specifically for cleaning hookahs.
Step 2: Pour Cold Water Down
A vase of the hookah is the largest part at the base of the hookah. Usually referred to as a large container of water. You are advised to fill it till 1 inch or 2.5cm of metal stem. You can fill more of it, but only a slight level.
It is important to keep space for air so smoke is diluted, making it stress-free to draw on the hose. However, if you obtain a mini-hookah, you are advised to cover ½ inch or 1.25 cm of stem and leave space for air. Hence, stay away from soaking the hoses.
- The stem in the hookah is usually a metal tip located on the bottom of the central hookah shaft. Place the shaft on the upper side of the vase, and observe how far the stem can go.
- In addition, water doesn’t filter nicotine or other toxins, commonly believed by most smokers. Furthermore, the addition of more and more water doesn’t make hookah any safer.
Step 3: Add Ice
A hookah smoke if properly drawn isn’t harsh at all. However, a nice cool temperature makes it more pleasurable. In addition, you are required to pour out some water and adjust to an accurate level.
Step 4: Place the Shaft into Glass Base
In this step, you are required to lower the shaft, fitted perfectly in the base. Thus, the stem enters directly into the water. In order to make it airtight, you are required to add a silicone or rubber piece, which fits perfectly around the top of the base.
In case the air isn’t airtight fitted smoke will turn thin and would be difficult to pull for you. In addition, if a rubber piece doesn’t fit well, you can wet it with little water, or you can pour down a drop of dish soap.
Step 5: Place the Hoses
The hoses are placed in the slots, which are available on side of the shaft. Furthermore, just similar to the base, you are advised to airtight the holes. Quite a few hookahs have the hole sealed in case a hose isn’t attached. On other models of hookah, you are required to place all the hoses, even if you are smoking alone.
Keep in mind to check the hoses and water level regularly. If the water level is near to your hose connection, it can simply ruin the hoses.
Step 6: Keep an Eye on Airflow
You are advised to place your hand on the upper top to prevent the stem to block air from arriving at the hookah. Next, you are advised to breathe in over with a hose. However, if you feel any air, the connection is not fitted well or it isn’t airtight. Keep an eye on all the seals, rubber, or silicone. Check if they are tightened or not.
In case a seal is missed, you are advised to look up at hookah grommets. Make sure you find an alternative. A tight and perfectly wrapped athletic tape is used for an airtight seal on a temporary basis.
Step 7: Place the Tray on the Hookah Shaft
The metal tray can easily catch hot embers and additional tobacco whenever they fell.
Other tips:
If you follow the above-mentioned tips, you can easily set up a hookah like an expert. However, quite a few tips are listed below. Keep in mind, and you will be benefitted:
- Besides sheesha, other forms of tobacco hookah are also available. The dry leaves placed in the metal tray are harsh, and no flavors are added. If you wish to smoke them, place them on top of the coal, and don’t use any foil.
- Whenever you are packing tobacco in the bowl, you are advised to make a funnel with a width the same as a pencil. Place it on the center of tobacco to keep the airflow going.
- Coal is dangerously hot. Make sure to handle it with safety.