Percolator

Percolators are components built into bongs and dab rigs that diffuse smoke through water, which filters and cools it for a smoother hit. There are many styles of percolators, each creating bubble filtration in different ways. Honeycomb percs have small holes covering disc shapes for maximum bubbling. Tree percs have rods resembling branches to provide diffusion. Showerhead percs distribute smoke into a chamber. Spiral and cyclone percs coil smoke for filtration. The more percolation, the smoother the hit. However, more percs make pieces harder to clean.

Intricate percolators cool smoke optimally but build up dirty resin fast. The small holes and crevices trap ash, tar and oil. To clean percolator bongs fully, they require a deep cleaning by soaking overnight in isopropyl alcohol and rock salt. The salt abrasion scrubs tough buildup away when shaken. Percolated pieces may also need pipe cleaners to penetrate inside percs. While percolators benefit smoothness, the rapid residue accumulation requires vigilant cleaning regimens.