Pipe Has a Restricted Airflow

[holysmokes!]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

Hi everyone! I recently purchased a pipe online and for some reason, it's having a sort of restricted airflow. The pipes draw isn't as smooth as I would like it to be and I was wondering if there was a way to possibly fix it? I noticed the problem is primarily coming from the stem and I'm suspecting that it's also causing gurgling. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[workman]

One thing you need to do is check if something is stuck in there. That can happen.

 

[holysmokes!]

One thing you need to do is check if something is stuck in there. That can happen.

Hey, thanks for the reply! I've cleaned it a few times and only used it once, it doesn't seem to be clogged.

 

[mikethompson]

Some pipes are just made that way. Some pipes have more open draws than others. Is this a new pipe or an estate?

If the draw is too tight for you, opening the air way with a small drill bit may help.

 

[B18]

Does a pipecleaner pass through it? Even if you have to twist it with 180degree (if the pipe is a bent pipe)?

 

[michail]

Can you tell is the airflow is restricted due to briar or stem engineering?

Briar is easier to fix with a 4mm drill. Stem though needs further explanation. Could be draft hole or slot design.

 

[mso489]

May I ask what brand pipe and if the stem is straight or bent? The brand matters because different brands have characteristic airway designs. Most good pipes draw dependably, but some are more or less restricted than others. It could just be this brand, or this pipe. For one example, I find both Stanwell pipes and Savinelli quite open. A Ropp and Jobey of mine are a little more tight. Most Missouri Meerschaum cobs are quite open; I'd recommend the more expensive (still low priced) versions with acrylic stems for longer lasting stems. Good luck.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I have one like this.

 

[didimauw]

May I ask what brand pipe and if the stem is straight or bent? The brand matters because different brands have characteristic airway designs. Most good pipes draw dependably, but some are more or less restricted than others. It could just be this brand, or this pipe. For one example, I find both Stanwell pipes and Savinelli quite open. A Ropp and Jobey of mine are a little more tight. Most Missouri Meerschaum cobs are quite open; I'd recommend the more expensive (still low priced) versions with acrylic stems for longer lasting stems. Good luck.

I enjoy the forever stems for the cobs, but they are too restricting for me. I have to fling the moisture out 3 times per smoke.

 

[ray47]

I worked on a pipe this morning that had a restrictive air flow. Found out it was a buildup of cotton from BJ Long pipe cleaners. I used some Everlear on a bristled pipe cleaner and that seemed to work. I plan on opening the tenon a bit more with a Dremel tool and that should put the pipe in good smoking order.

 

[holysmokes!]

Can you tell is the airflow is restricted due to briar or stem engineering?

Briar is easier to fix with a 4mm drill. Stem though needs further explanation. Could be draft hole or slot design.

From what I can see it's definitely the stem.

 

[Sonorisis]

From what I can see it's definitely the stem.

Well, you shouldn't have to use your eyes. Take the pipe apart and suck on the stummel and stem separately. If the problem is the stummel, as has already been said a 4mm drill will get you up and running. If it's a straight stem, you might be able to do some 'cleaning up' with various sized drill bits ALWAYS INSERTED FROM THE PIPE END. Or, possibly, chamfering the tenon will eliminate a slow-down at the entrance to the stem. If it is in the mouthpiece end of the stem, however, you are pretty much consigned to living with it.

I can't tell you the number of times -- on high dollar pipes -- I've encountered a little splinter of wood in the draft hole at the bottom of the smoking chamber. Often, this has been a chip from drilling that didn't get fully cut.

To me, gurgling suggests the stummel, but anything is possible.

 

[hauntedmyst]

Is it a straight or a bent pipe? Is the stem Vulcanite or Lucite?