Water Flush Cleaning Technique

[saltedplug]

Yeah, I stepped in it once upon a time too. Never do that again!

So.....what do all of you think about wearing masks?

In this regard the problem with masks is that I can still run my mouth.

Don't let the water cult get to you Salt. Some nicotine might take the edge off.

Thank you, Brian. "The water cult" is well-stated, but given current status not something to share with others.

 

[brian64]

Salt abducted by the water cult:

 

[didimauw]

....BUT...what about cobs????????

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Do you take the big blue toilet cleaner tablet out of your toilet tank first?
Or does it matter?

I'd just leave it in... You could do either really.

 

[olkofri]

I'd just leave it in... You could do either really.

Leave it in if you smoked latakia.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Leave it in if you smoked latakia.

Absolutley.

 

[americaman]

An allied topic is microwaving tobacco. Wouldn't do that ever, either.

Microwave crew here. I microwave my tobacco every day.

I was reading reviews of one of Ken Byron’s blends (It was either Jupiter Slices or Byronic Slices), and some people were losing their minds over how the tobacco would never dry, and just criticizing it to the core. I was amused at how they had never thought of putting it in the microwave.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

So how, exactly, does one smoke a bowl of tobacco in a pipe without exposing wood to water? Pray tell.

I mean granted it makes sense but there's 'steam' technically everywhere - so an article of clothing that reads dry-clean only is too exposed to water just not saturated(unless in a rain pourdown sans umbrella) - I getcha but the amount of water content/weight in a smoke or two isn't much; maybe it is, you'd have to do it in a controlled situation

 

[sablebrush52]

I mean granted it makes sense but there's 'steam' technically everywhere - so an article of clothing that reads dry-clean only is too exposed to water just not saturated(unless in a rain pourdown sans umbrella) - I getcha but the amount of water content/weight in a smoke or two isn't much; maybe it is, you'd have to do it in a controlled situation

Keep in mind that steam is far more penetrating. A watch can be water resistant and steam will get through the bushings. The basic point is that exposing a pipe to a water cleanse isn't going to damage it. I understnad the reluctance. I waited a year before deciding to give it a try. But once I did I saw that it freshened up my pipes far more than an alcohol based cleaning.
For people who dedicate pipes to a single blend and season that pipe with that blend, this kind of cleaning holds no attraction. But if you're interested in neutralizing a pipe, this works pretty well.

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

Keep in mind that steam is far more penetrating. A watch can be water resistant and steam will get through the bushings. The basic point is that exposing a pipe to a water cleanse isn't going to damage it. I understnad the reluctance. I waited a year before deciding to give it a try. But once I did I saw that it freshened up my pipes far more than an alcohol based cleaning.
For people who dedicate pipes to a single blend and season that pipe with that blend, this kind of cleaning holds no attraction. But if you're interested in neutralizing a pipe, this works pretty well.

Full Discolsure - I already have on your recommendation and it was fine - I will continue to do so ???

 

[Ahi Ka]

I’m keen to start trying this method. Quick question, would you begin using this cleaning method from the first smoke in a briar or would you wait until the briar has been broken in/seasoned first?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I’m keen to start trying this method. Quick question, would you begin using this cleaning method from the first smoke in a briar or would you wait until the briar has been broken in/seasoned first?

It makes no difference.. just was the pipes with water.

 

[STP]

I just tried the water flushing technique on one of my favorite Savinellis, and my experience was... meh. After 172 posts I figured that I’d give it a try, but was underwhelmed. My typical rolled up paper towel and a pipe cleaner has been getting the job done for years, and I don’t see how this was any better. Nonetheless, it’s an alternative method for cleaning that some prefer ?

 

[cigrmaster]

I still cannot force myself to try this. I know you guys wouldn't do it if it screwed up the pipe but so far I cannot force myself to try it. I have a pipe lined up maybe tomorrow will be the day. I am such a pussy when it comes to change, I admit it.

 

[NomadOrb]

I've been using this method for the past couple of weeks. I haven't noticed a real difference either, but I usually clean my pipes immediately after the smoke, so perhaps it never made much of a difference.

 

[jpmcwjr]

You are not alone! Many are are afraid.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I just tried the water flushing technique on one of my favorite Savinellis, and my experience was... meh. After 172 posts I figured that I’d give it a try, but was underwhelmed. My typical rolled up paper towel and a pipe cleaner has been getting the job done for years, and I don’t see how this was any better. Nonetheless, it’s an alternative method for cleaning that some prefer ?

The main difference is it gets more gunk out of the shank and stem. And retards the cake build up. It's won't suddenly make the pipe smoke significantly better. The main benefit for me has been virtually eliminating the need for periodic deep cleaning. And only occasional touch up reaming.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

My older estates seem to remain cleaner with waterflushing ,method which per se I do practice on occasion

 

[NomadOrb]

The main difference is it gets more gunk out of the shank and stem. And retards the cake build up. It's won't suddenly make the pipe smoke significantly better. The main benefit for me has been virtually eliminating the need for periodic deep cleaning. And only occasional touch up reaming.

I suspected that the benefits would be long term, I'll keep doing it for the foreseeable future.

 

[Rockyrepose]

I've been a water convert long enough to go from my wife's expression of horror to a casual conversation at the sink while I rinse a pipe.

I'll use the water rinse as long as I have running indoor plumbing.