Street
downstem
What does downstem mean?
The slotted glass tube that connects the bowl to the water chamber of a bong, submerged below the waterline so smoke bubbles up through the water to be filtered and cooled.
"The downstem cracked, so the bong won't pull properly."
Origin
Descriptive glass-pipe terminology.
Frequently asked questions
What is a downstem on a bong?
It's the slotted glass tube running from the bowl down into the water chamber, so smoke bubbles up through the water to be cooled and filtered.
Why does the downstem sit in the water?
Its tip is submerged so that smoke passes through the water, which filters and cools it before you inhale.
Can you replace a broken downstem?
Yes, downstems are removable parts and come in standard sizes, so a cracked one can usually be swapped for a new one.
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