How to troubleshoot weak smoke, harsh smoke and heat problems
Most smoke and flavour problems are caused by airflow, water level, bowl preparation or heat. Allow the shisha to cool before adjusting or dismantling hot components.
For weak smoke:
1. Check that the bottom of the downstem is approximately 2.5 cm beneath the water.
2. Confirm that the glass-base seal, hose connection, bowl grommet and valve are airtight.
3. Make sure the hose and downstem are clear.
4. Pack the flavour loosely enough for air to pass through it.
5. Leave a small gap between the flavour and the foil or heat-management device.
6. Ensure the charcoal is fully lit before use.
7. Add heat gradually rather than adding several pieces at once.
For harsh smoke or a burnt taste:
- reduce the heat by removing one piece of charcoal;
- move the remaining charcoal towards the edge of the bowl;
- check that the flavour is not touching the foil or heat-management device;
- avoid overpacking the bowl; and
- allow the bowl to cool briefly before trying again.
For a restricted draw:
- reduce the water level if too much of the downstem is submerged;
- check the hose, downstem and bowl holes for blockages;
- confirm that all protective packaging has been removed; and
- inspect the purge-valve ball bearing to ensure that it is present, clean and moving freely.
Different bowls retain heat differently. Silicone bowls can require a gradual increase in charcoal compared with some ceramic or clay bowls. Make one adjustment at a time so that you can identify what solves the problem.
Use charcoal only in a well-ventilated area and handle it with suitable tongs on a heat-resistant surface. Stop using the shisha if a component is cracked, unstable or leaking, or if you feel unwell.
If the problem continues, contact support with the shisha model, bowl type, flavour, charcoal type and photographs of the assembled setup.
For weak smoke:
1. Check that the bottom of the downstem is approximately 2.5 cm beneath the water.
2. Confirm that the glass-base seal, hose connection, bowl grommet and valve are airtight.
3. Make sure the hose and downstem are clear.
4. Pack the flavour loosely enough for air to pass through it.
5. Leave a small gap between the flavour and the foil or heat-management device.
6. Ensure the charcoal is fully lit before use.
7. Add heat gradually rather than adding several pieces at once.
For harsh smoke or a burnt taste:
- reduce the heat by removing one piece of charcoal;
- move the remaining charcoal towards the edge of the bowl;
- check that the flavour is not touching the foil or heat-management device;
- avoid overpacking the bowl; and
- allow the bowl to cool briefly before trying again.
For a restricted draw:
- reduce the water level if too much of the downstem is submerged;
- check the hose, downstem and bowl holes for blockages;
- confirm that all protective packaging has been removed; and
- inspect the purge-valve ball bearing to ensure that it is present, clean and moving freely.
Different bowls retain heat differently. Silicone bowls can require a gradual increase in charcoal compared with some ceramic or clay bowls. Make one adjustment at a time so that you can identify what solves the problem.
Use charcoal only in a well-ventilated area and handle it with suitable tongs on a heat-resistant surface. Stop using the shisha if a component is cracked, unstable or leaking, or if you feel unwell.
If the problem continues, contact support with the shisha model, bowl type, flavour, charcoal type and photographs of the assembled setup.