Why....did my pipes sour

[rx2man]

All I have to add is that 80 proof just does not do it. I thought it did until I hit a few pipes with everclear and my clean pipes were not clean at all.

 

[blackbeard]

I see so much about everclear, seems a must in the pipe inventory.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

Tyler:

Just found out about http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/ozone.html has anyone tried this if I fail to remove the smell? It seems like an Ionizer and if that's so, it's essentially a guarantee

I've heard nothing but good reports about the Ozone service, if you really need a stubborn ghost exorcised.

Apparently the DIY version usually involves something along the lines of turning your basement into a sealed hazardous materials laboratory.

But it sounds like you're somewhat familiar with that already.

 

[deathmetal]

Pipe retort explanation:
http://rebornpipes.com/2012/10/17/what-is-a-pipe-retort-and-how-it-is-used/
G.L. Pease on activated charcoal:
http://glpease.com/Articles/Spot.html

 

[peteguy]

I use everclear.

 

[blackbeard]

What about the meerschaum though :/

 

[perdurabo]

I think I've got a Cobb that has gotten sour. Although I have been smoking nothing but Bobs Chocolate Flake and 1872 Flake in it for over a year. FUNKY

 

[blackbeard]

I don't even know how to go about cleaning a cob in the bowl other than wiping it out. The one I smoked Out of Office - Gone Fishin' with (due to it being caramel and a wet tobacco) was soft in the bottom and didn't smell as good as before. I took the stem out, set it in the sun as much as I was outside for 3 days....hardened, and the sweet smell was back.

 

[blackbeard]

To add a note to the cob again, Sitting it out in the sun seems to do the trick all around. Also, before these soured I had ordered Briar Fresh, While it worked for a moment....seems I wasted my time. It does help get a lot of build up out, but...just not for me and didn't remove the sour. Thanks to soul sucking lawyers, money is tight; have resorted to the infamous isopropyl and cotton balls. Has drawn TONS of stuff out already. Which, is hopeful because I'm tired of not having my pipe and can't stand it no more. Will update again, but for others out there, briar fresh is not for this circumstance. Hitting these learning moments hopefully will pay off.

 

[blackbeard]

I know a lot of people knock it, but because I couldn't get everclear yet and the people I could get shine from have moved around...I used 91% Isopropyl and salt. I did two treatments, and waited over a week before smoking them. Much to my pleasure, all three of my briars are smoking nicely again. The meerschaum has since been smoked...(I set it in the sun with the cobs as well ...dunno if that's bad) and everything is smoking well.

 

[jpmcwjr]

All's well that ends well! Glad you're back to rights.

 

[blackbeard]

Thank you very much. Glad to get that chip off my shoulder. Much less attitude around here now ::