One-hitters are handy pipes designed to be taken on the go. These pipes have numerous benefits: their straightforward design makes them easy to use, and their compact size makes them easy to hide in a pocket or a bag. 

However, no pipe is perfect. One-hitters can produce hot, harsh hits. Characteristically small, these pipes can also be easily clogged. Nevertheless, these issues can be solved with some straightforward troubleshooting. Use this guide for more information about how to troubleshoot common one-hitter issues.

Common one-hitter issues and troubleshooting

Though convenient and efficient, one-hitter pipes have their downsides. Nevertheless, the issues that come with one-hitters can easily be solved with some quick troubleshooting. 

Issue: Debris through pipe

No one likes a scooby snack: one common one-hitter issue is debris coming through the pipe when it’s hit. This can both taste icky and cause more bad toxins and ash to get into your system. 

Troubleshooting

To best prevent debris through the pipe, pick up a pack of small screens to insert over the bowl of your one-hitter. These screens help to cool down the smoke and filter out ash and debris that come through the pipe.

Alternatively, placing a tiny nug of weed at the bottom of the hole of your bowl can prevent debris from coming through the pipe. However, when using a small nug, you risk the nug burning and clogging your pipe. Pipes can be unclogged using a thin poker or with a deep cleaning. 

Issue: Hot smoke 

Because one-hitters are small and compact, the smoke has less of a distance to travel before it reaches the mouthpiece. As such, one-hitters can hit hot and harsh. 

Troubleshooting

Using a screen or small nug of weed can help filter your weed. Even providing just a tiny bit of filtration, screens and other filters slow down the smoke, cooling it before it gets to the mouthpiece. 

Issue: Clogged Bowl

One-hitters have teeny bowls. As a result, one-hitter’s bowls can often get clogged with weed that isn’t finely ground or is sucked into the pipe. 

Troubleshooting

Clogs can be greatly avoided by cleaning your one hitter after every use. Make sure your bowl is thoroughly tapped out. Next, take an isopropyl alcohol-soaked Q-tip and gently cleanse your bowl of any build-up or debris. 

If your bowl is completely clogged, it is wise to invest in a small, thin poker to push out any clogs. Make sure the poker is long enough to extend all the way through the stem of your pipe. 

Issue: Low Air Flow 

One-hitters are designed to be portable, so they often have thin bodies and small bowls. Because the pipe is so thin, residue builds up faster inside the stem. This build-up can cause lower airflow and dirtier smoke. 

Troubleshooting

Regular cleaning after each use with an isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton swab is helpful for preventing bowl clogs. 

However, it’s also essential to deep clean your bowl regularly to remove any build-up and optimize airflow. To clean, place your one-hitter pipe in a Ziploc bag with two tablespoons of coarse salt. Add enough isopropyl alcohol to fully submerge the pipe. Shake and slosh the bag to mix up the ingredients, and let the coarse salt exfoliate the pipe. For particularly rough build- up, let your pipe soak in the salt and alcohol mixture overnight before rinsing clean with hot water. 

Why use a one-hitter?

One-hitters are convenient and effective pipes perfect for smoking on the go. Using a one-hitter has numerous benefits:

Where to buy a one-hitter?

Smoke shops carry a wide variety of one-hitters in numerous designs and materials. If you’re looking to compare one-hitters from a variety of price ranges, hitting the head shop is a sound option. 

However, shopping from a quality retailer likeVessel ensures you’re getting a reliable, well-functioning piece. Vessel carries one-hitter pipes that are precision-engineered to optimize the experience. Take the Helix, for example. Crafted from pure, non-toxic brass, this pipe has a double-helix design. This patent-pending design both filters and cools down the smoke before it reaches the mouthpiece. 

Not to mention--this design is dreamy for those who put off cleaning their piece: The more Helix is used, the built-up residue serves as a sticky filter for an experience free of debris. Helix is designed to function better, meaning less troubleshooting overall. 

To Sum It Up

One-hitters are compact, easy-to-use pipes designed to be taken on the go. They’re also easy to troubleshoot: one-hitters can be easily unclogged with a poker or quickly cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol and salt mixture. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I unclog my one-hitter?

One-hitters can be easily clogged with debris and residue build-up. Investing in a long, thin poker to shove through your pipe can help rid your piece of build-up while creating space for air to move through. Some clogs can only be undone with a deep clean. Throw your pipe in a bag with coarse salt and isopropyl alcohol to rid it of residue build-up. 

How do you take care of a one-hitter?

Investing in a case for your one-hitter can protect it from damage when it is thrown into a bag or pocket. Alongside this protection, maintain cleanliness and reduce clogs with regular wipe downs and deep cleans.