How Much Water To Put In A Dab Rig

Last updated on: January 15, 2026

There is nothing worse than taking a deep pull from your rig and getting a mouthful of dirty bong water ("kissing the fish"), or conversely, putting in so little water that the hit scorches your throat. Getting the dab rig water level right is a subtle art, but once you know the science, it’s easy to master.

Unlike large flower bongs that benefit from heavy filtration, dab rigs require a delicate balance. You want just enough water to cool the vapor, but not so much that you kill the flavor or restrict the airflow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the "Golden Rule" of filling your rig and how to adjust for different styles like recyclers and mini rigs.

The Golden Rule: Cover the Percs

If you take nothing else away from this guide, remember this: Water should cover the percolator slits, but only by about half an inch.

The "percolator" (or perc) is the part of the glass with small holes or slits where the air enters the water.

• Too Low: If the slits are exposed to air, the vapor won't filter through the water. You are effectively taking a dry hit.
• Too High: The water creates too much "drag" (resistance), making it hard to inhale. It also increases the risk of water splashing up the neck and into your mouth.

Water Levels by Rig Type

Not all rigs are built the same. Depending on what you are smoking out of, the water level requirements change slightly. Here is the breakdown:

1. Standard Mini Rigs & Banger Hangers

For the compact rigs found in our Best Dab Rigs collection, less is more. Fill the water until it is just slightly above the percolation holes. Since these rigs are small, the water can easily splash up, so keep the level low to preserve airflow and flavor.

2. Recycler Rigs

Recycler rigs are the exception to the rule. These intricate pieces are designed to cycle water up through tubes and back down into the main chamber. To get that vortex action working, you usually need to fill them higher than a standard rig. You need enough water so that when you inhale, the water travels up the uptake tubes, but not so much that it enters the mouthpiece.

3. Beaker Bongs (Used for Dabs)

If you are converting a standard bong into a rig using a quartz banger, simply fill the base until the bottom of the downstem is submerged by about an inch. Do not fill it as high as you would for dry herbs; dabs require less filtration.

The "Pull Test" (Do This Before You Dab)

Don't wait until you have a hot banger to find out your water level is wrong. Always perform a "Pull Test" after filling:

1. Fill the rig with room temperature water (or warm water for smoother hits).
2. Do not heat the banger yet.
3. Place your mouth on the mouthpiece and inhale sharply—harder than you would during a normal hit.
4. Did water hit your lips? If yes, pour a little out.
5. Did it chug smoothly? If it felt airy and bubbled consistently without splashback, you are in the sweet spot.

Why Water Quality Matters

While we are talking about quantity, let's talk about quality. We highly recommend using Distilled Water rather than tap water.

Tap water contains minerals that leave white, crusty stains (hard water spots) on your glass once it dries. These stains are notoriously difficult to remove. Distilled water keeps your glass rig sparkling clean and ensures the purest flavor for your concentrates.

Maintaining Your Rig

Water isn't just for cooling; it traps reclaim and impurities. However, stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria. You should change your rig water every single day. A clean rig offers better airflow and significantly better taste.

Why Upgrade Your Setup at SmokeMEGA?

If you find that your current rig splashes you no matter how little water you put in, it might be a design flaw in the glass. At SmokeMEGA, we curate rigs with proper engineering.

• Quality Control: We test our glass to ensure percs function correctly without splashback.
• Fast Shipping: Orders ship from Los Angeles, CA.
• The Best Deals: Free shipping over $14.99 and a free gift on orders over $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I fill the top chamber of a recycler?

Generally, no. You fill the bottom chamber, and when you inhale, the suction pulls the water up into the top chamber automatically. When you stop inhaling, it drains back down.

Is warm or cold water better?

For dabs, warm water is often better. Cold water can cause the vapor to re-solidify inside the glass (clogging it) and in your throat. Warm water keeps the vapor humid and smooth.

Can I put flavor drops in my rig water?

We don't recommend it. Good concentrates have delicious terpenes on their own. Adding artificial flavor drops can ruin the natural taste of your wax and dirty your rig.

How do I get water out of the percolator?

If you overfilled it, simply blow gently down through the mouthpiece. This will push the water back out through the banger joint (make sure to remove the banger first!).

Browse Our Collection of Perfectly Engineered Dab Rigs