An ashcatcher is a waterpipe accessory designed to prevent ash from making its way into the main chamber of a waterpipe so you can keep it squeaky clean. An ashcatcher also provides extra filtration for a cooler and smoother waterpipe hit. Ashcatchers come in different shapes and sizes and they are packed with a variety of different percolators. The ashcatchers in the Biohazard Inc. collection will make quality additions to any smoke shop, and they’re only a few clicks away!
Ironing out the details
There are a few important details that you need to sort out before purchasing an ashcatcher from Biohazard Inc. They include the joint size, joint angle, and joint gender. The joint size refers to the diameter of the joint’s opening, which is usually either 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm. The joint angle is either 45° or 90°. Ashcatcher joints are compatible with waterpipe joints of the same size and angle. For joint gender, however, opposites attract. Male joints are compatible with female joints and vice versa. For instance, if your waterpipe has a 14mm female 90° joint, then you should look for an ashcatcher with a 14mm male 90° joint.
It is also important to note the weight of the ashcatcher in relation to your waterpipe. Make sure your waterpipe is heavy and sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of your new ashcatcher and the water inside the ashcatcher. There is a high possibility that the waterpipe and ashcatcher will tip over and break if the weight is unbalanced.
Once you figure out these details, you’re ready to go stock up on ashcatchers!
Keep your waterpipe clean
The number one reason why you should get an ashcatcher is that it will help keep your waterpipe clean. The ashcatcher will capture the ash and resin that would otherwise end up in your waterpipe. Elaborate waterpipes that have percolators with tiny, intricate diffusors tend to be very difficult to clean. An ashcatcher would be the perfect supplementary piece to maintain a clean and well-functioning waterpipe.
Percolators
The waterpipe is the preferred device for many smokers because it consistently delivers a large, cool, and clean hit with its percolation system. An ashcatcher enhances the smoking experience many waterpipe users know and love. You will find a variety of percolators inside almost every ashcatcher Biohazard Inc. has to offer. These perc-packed ashcatchers will add another layer of water filtration to achieve that smooth, satisfying hit! In fact, the type of percolator you will find in an ashcatcher are very similar to a waterpipe’s percolator. Some of these ashcatcher percolator types include:
Tree
Named for its tree-like appearance, a tree perc has a main stem that branches out to any number of “arms”. There are slits at the end of each tree arm for water and smoke to pass through, filtering and producing a cleaner, smoother hit. Generally speaking – the more arms, the more effective diffusion.
Showerhead
Shaped like a typical showerhead, a showerhead perc has a vertical stem with a flared round chamber. The slits at the bottom of the chamber ensures filtration and diffusion as water and smoke passes through.
Honeycomb
A honeycomb perc is a disk with as many as 100 or more holes, creating a resemblance of a honeycomb. Bubbles are forced through the honeycomb holes, which reduces the size of the bubbles and increases diffusion and filtration. In general: the more holes, the more effective diffusion.
Grid
A grid perc features intersecting horizontal and vertical slits, creating a grid-like shape. Water and smoke pass through the numerous cross slits in the grid perc for maximum filtration.
Inline
An inline perc is a tube with diffusion slits on its side or underside. It’s a simple percolation design that gets the job done.
All in all, if you’re looking to expand the percolating possibilities of your waterpipe, then you can’t go wrong in purchasing an ashcatcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a waterpipe with an ashcatcher?
You can use a waterpipe as you would without an ashcatcher while keeping a few things in mind. An ashcatcher functions as a secondary water chamber, so you need to fill water before you take a rip from the waterpipe. Just don’t add too much water, or the dirty ashcatcher water could get into the waterpipe!
What are the benefits and disadvantages of using an ashcatcher?
The benefits of using an ashcatcher for your waterpipe includes:
- Affordability in upgrading your existing waterpipe
- Extra filtration to get an incredibly cool and smooth hit
- Having to clean your waterpipe less frequently (huge bonus for more complex pipes)
- Easy to clean compared to a waterpipe
There is downside to using ashcatcher with a waterpipe, but that is only if you value easy draws over serious filtration. The additional water and percolation from an ashcatcher increase the amount of pull needed to clear your waterpipe. If you have a large or complex waterpipe, then a simple ashcatcher is more ideal for you.
Overall, the benefits of using an ashcatcher significantly outweigh the possible downsides.
How do I clean my ashcatcher?
You can clean your ashcatcher the same way you would clean your waterpipe. Biohazard Inc. has cleaning solutions and accessories specially designed for waterpipes. Follow these simple steps:
- Remove any attachments from the ashcatcher.
- Fill the ashcatcher with the cleaning solution.
- Plug the openings of the waterpipe for a liquid-tight seal.
- Shake the ashcatcher around so the cleaning solution can get rid of resin stuck in any hard-to-reach places.
- Unplug the openings and drain out the cleaning solution.
- Let it sit to dry for an hour or two.
Since an ashcatcher has a simpler construction compared to a waterpipe, ashcatchers are easier to clean than waterpipes. We recommend that you still clean your waterpipe from time to time when you use an ashcatcher.
