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=== Why is my pipe "gurgling"? === | === Why is my pipe "gurgling"? === | ||
This is caused by moisture collecting in the bottom of the bowl and/or in the shank or stem. Possible causes of "gurgle" are: | |||
Smoking too fast. Water vapor is a by-product of combustion, and rapid smoking will produce large amounts of it, which will then condense in the shank and stem. | |||
Smoking a pipe that is not yet broken-in. I'm not certain if this occurs because the briar has not dried completely, because there is no cake, or "just because." Still, a new pipe will often smoke wet. | |||
Smoking a tobacco that is too moist. This is self explanatory. In addition, some tobaccos, particularly aromatics, tend to leave more liquid residue than others. | |||
Saliva in the pipe. Salivation is a normal response to smoking, and this saliva can collect in the stem. Keep your tongue away from the mouthpiece opening, and try to keep your mouth as dry as possible. | |||
If your pipe begins to gurgle while smoking, run a pipe cleaner down the stem to absorb the moisture. This can be a bit tricky with some bent pipes, but it's usually possible if you put a small bend in the end of the cleaner and rotate it "just right." |