Drop Pipes for Bongs

From Triple 2-Slit Diffusor drop pipes to standard 2-Part drop pipes with a built-on bowl, you can find it all right here at Ali Bongo. There's even a filter down to the left-hand side to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Bong Drop Pipes

A bong drop pipe is a tube that connects the bong with the bowl. There are a few words for drop pipes including 'downstem', 'bong stem' and 'down pipe', these all mean the same thing. Downpipes fulfil an essential role in how your bong works and there are many different types that will change the way your bong works.

What Size Downstem Do I Need for my Bong?

Using the right downstem for your bong is crucial, choose the wrong size and you won't be able to get an air tight seal meaning you won't be able to use your bong at all! There are 3 things you need to look out for when identifying what bong stem your bong needs.

Drop Pipe Gauge or Joint Size

Bong gauge, joint size, and ground joint all mean the same thing. Your bong gauge is the diameter of the hole where your drop pipe will fit in and is commonly measured in millimetres (mm). You can easily find out the joint size of your bong by measuring the diameter of this hole. There are several standard gauges on bongs and dab rigs:-

  • 10mm
  • 14.5mm
  • 18.8mm
  • 29.2mm

10mm is usually reserved for dab rigs and isn't found on dry herb flower bongs unless the water pipe is a hybrid. 14.5mm and 18.8mm are by far the most common ground joints making them the easiest to find replacement downpipes for. 29.2mm is a rare bong gauge and is found on top shelf bongs that have a higher price tag and immense features such as multiple percolators, ice traps and more.

If your bong has a 14.5mm gauge, then you need a 14.5mm drop pipe. If your bong has an 18.8mm gauge, then you need an 18.8mm drop pipe, etc, etc.

Gauge Sex or Ground Joint Sex

Ground joints can also be identified by sex; male or female. It shouldn't take you long to figure out which is which ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) There are 2 common sexes when talking about bong gauges:-

  • Female
  • Male

Generally speaking, bowls, downstems and pre-coolers are usually male, and bongs are female. There are of course so many exceptions, so be sure to check the sex of your bong as there are thousands of beautiful unique bongs out there.

Downstem Length

The downstem length is another crucial element of your drop pipe. You need to get the right length so that the drop pipe reaches far enough into your bong. If your bong has the capacity for water you absolutely want to make sure that the drop pipe goes underneath the water line to access that awesome water filtration.

Drop Pipe lengths are measured in millimetres (mm) and there are of course dozens and dozens of lengths. Drop Pipe are measured from the top of the ground joint, so, if you need to get replacement downpipes and are unsure what length you need this can be a little tricky to measure but here's a decent way of doing it:-

  • Rip off a piece of paper thin enough to slot into your bong.
  • Push the strip of paper into your bong until it nearly touches the bottom.
  • Draw a line on the paper where the hole (ground joint) of your bong starts.
  • Measure the paper with a ruler up to the line; you know how the length in millimetres of drop pipe you need.

If you already have a drop pipe and are simply purchasing a spare then just measure that drop pipe.

Once you've identified the gauge, sex and length of drop pipe needed then simply browse our selection of downstems above. If you're still struggling to get the right drop pipe feel free to give us a call or send us an email, we're more than happy to help with any questions!

Diffuser Downstems

Diffuser downstems are a special type of drop pipe that helps to smooth and filter your smoke when taking a hit from your bong. We recommend diffuser downstems if you love a smooth and cool hit, it makes smoking from your bong an absolute pleasure and will completely change your smoking experience.

The filtration process works by way of lots of tiny holes at the end of your drop pipe, the air is pulled through these small holes and creates bubbles under the water, helping to filter the smoke from your hit and work like a percolator.

Diffuser downstems are available in all the common sizes and cost a fraction more than normal downstems so are well worth investing in.

Where do I get Replacement Downpipes?

Need a replacement bong stem? We've got you covered with every size and fit of stem for sale with free delivery in the UK when spending £40 or more with us, as well as other next-day delivery options available.

How Do I Clean My Bong Downstem?

Having a clean downstem is really important; over time your drop pipe can accumulate lots of resin and dirt which is of course a breeding ground for bacteria. Luckily cleaning downstems is so easy and doesn't require much effort at all if done correctly.

  1. Put your drop pipe in a small container.
  2. Cover the downstem in bong cleaner.
  3. Leave to soak for 30-40 minutes.
  4. Give it a good shake and clean with a pipe brush.
  5. Rinse all the cleaner and dirt off with warm water.

If its been a while since you've cleaned your drop pipe you'll be so shocked at the lovely clean, crisp hits you've been missing out on, seriously, keep your downstem clean!

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