How To Choose The Perfect Downstem For Your Hookah?
Downstems are an essential part of any hookah set-up. They help to cool the smoke and direct it down into the water chamber. If you're looking for a new downstem for your hookah, there are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase. In this blog post, we will discuss how to handle a hookah downstem and how to choose the perfect one for your needs!
What is a downstem?
A downstem is a small tube that fits into the stem of a water pipe or hookah, providing a connection between the bowl and the base. Its primary purpose is to allow smoke to pass through the water, where it is filtered and cooled before being inhaled.
Is a downstem necessary?
The downstem allows water to filter smoke and cool it before it is inhaled. It also helps to prevent ash and debris from entering the bowl. As a result, most hookahs cannot be used without a downstem.
Why do hookah downstems break?
Downstems break for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is because traditional hookahs wear and tear; over time, the materials that make up your downstem will degrade and eventually break. Another common reason why downstems break is improper cleaning; if you don't clean your hookah properly, buildup can cause your downstem to clog and eventually break. Last, dropping a traditional hookah is another reason it may break or damage your downstem.
Can you replace a broken hookah downstem?
Not all hookah stems can be disassembled, so you can extract the downstem. Therefore, if there is an issue with your downstem, you either need to replace the entire stem or the extracted downstem.
How to shop for a hookah downstem?
When shopping for a downstem, you should consider several factors. First, look for one that fits your hookah stem and is made from materials that won’t rust or corrode. Additionally, consider the size and shape of the downstem, as this can determine how much airflow it allows. Finally, think about what type of downstem you need.
Once you’ve established your requirements, you can begin looking at downstems. There are various types available, such as traditional downstems. However, many hookah enthusiasts prefer modern downstems, like those placed in the Kaloud hookahs, which offer superior airflow and a more aesthetically pleasing design.
If you own a traditional hookah, you may find downstems or stems online or from your local hookah retailer. Make sure to measure the downstem you currently have so you can match it with a replacement.
P.S. If you want to enjoy a greater hookah experience, ensure you use a carbon filter with a carbon filter adapter, like the Ayara Carbon Filter Adapter. This hookah accessory attaches to your downstem and reduces the harm from gases and particles that may otherwise make it through to your puffs.
Try Ayara Carbon Filter Adapter today!
How to replace your hookah downstem?
Now that you’ve chosen your downstem or stem, it’s time to replace the old one. To do this, simply unscrew the bowl from the stem and set it aside. Next, unscrew the grommet from the stem (if there is one), and then pull the stem out of the base. Unscrew the downstem from the stem if possible.
Take your new downstem and screw it back on the stem. Then, take your stem and insert it into the base, making sure that it is snug and secure. Then, screw the bowl back onto the stem. That's it—you've successfully replaced your hookah's downstem!
If your stem comes in one piece, do not try to disassemble it. Just replace it as a whole.
Note: If you own a Kaloud hookah, just unscrew everything from the downstem and then replace the element with a new one. Keep in mind that Kaloud products are durable. Thus, downstems rarely need to be replaced.
If, for some reason, you need a replacement or want to upgrade your downstem, be sure to check the all new Krysalis Upward Purge, which not only elevates the aesthetic of your hookah but also comes with a metal down stem that we have precision engineered, an activated carbon filter, umbrella valve, and one Krysalis Purge Cap.
Check out the all New Krysalis Upward Purge!
How to clean your hookah downstem?
Either you own a traditional hookah or a hybrid hookah, like the Kaloud hookahs, you should clean your entire hookah, and the downstem, regularly to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance.
To clean your hookah downstem or stem, take it apart carefully and rinse it with water. Ensure you remove any ash or debris from the downstem gently and do not scrub it to remove excessive dirt.
If you find it hard to remove the dirt on the downstem, you can fill a bowl with slightly warm water and immersing the hookah downstem or stem in the bowl for a few minutes.
Once you have removed all dirt, rinse the hookah downstem or stem with cold water and assemble it back, then you are good to go!
FAQs on hookah downstems
Now that you know how to shop for, install, and clean downstems, here are some commonly asked questions about downstems.
Are all downstems the same size?
No, downstems and stems come in different sizes and shapes depending on the type of hookah you have.
What size downstem do I need?
Your downstem must fit snugly into the stem of your hookah. Therefore, measure your downstem before you purchase a replacement to ensure it will fit.
Does downstem length matter?
Yes, downstem length is an important factor, as it can determine the quality of your hookah session. Generally, a downstem should be long enough to reach the bottom of the base without touching it.
Do all downstems come out?
No, downstems vary in design, and not all downstems can be removed.
What do you do if you break your downstem?
If you break a downstem, replace it immediately, as continuing to use a cracked downstem can damage your hookah's performance.
Can I tape my downstem?
No, you can't. Taping downstems is not recommended as it won’t provide a tight seal, and can cause air to leak.
What is the best way to handle a broken hookah downstem?
If you own a traditional hookah downstem, you may replace it. However, old or traditional hookahs come with many pieces that may be hard to find a replacement for. If this is the case, consider replacing the entire hookah. Elevating your hookah set, or even better, replacing your hookah set with a hybrid hookah may be the best option.
Evolved hookahs not only perform better than traditional hookahs but also reduce harm from gasses and other toxins, making them a perfect choice for those looking for an overall less harmful smoking experience.
Last thoughts
Owning a hookah with a working downstem is a great way to enjoy smoking tobacco with friends. If you experience any problems with your downstem, such as it breaking or becoming dirty, be sure to clean and replace it as soon as possible. However, it is not always optimal to replace downstems for traditional hookahs. Therefore, investing in a hybrid hookah may be the best option in the long run, not only because it offers better performance, but also provides a less harmful smoking experience.
At Kaloud, we are determined to provide the best quality and most innovative hookahs and hookah accessories to our customers. Take the next step to elevate your hookah experience with a Kaloud hookah!