How to Measure a Downstem

Are you looking for a downstem to complete your waterpipe setup? Downstems come in a variety of sizes, so getting the right size is important! Biohazard Inc. will guide you in finding the perfect downstem fit with three simple steps!

What you will need:

• Ruler

• A pencil (but any thin, straight object will do)

• The waterpipe

• A dime (if needed)

STEP 1: MEASURE THE WATERPIPE’S INNER CHAMBER

Insert a pencil into the waterpipe’s female joint opening. Leave about a half-inch of space between the pencil and the bottom of the waterpipe’s base. Mark the pencil where the end of the joint meets the inside of the waterpipe.

STEP 2: MEASURE THE LENGTH OF THE DOWNSTEM

Measure the length (in inches) from the mark to the tip of the pencil. This is the length of the downstem you will need.

Note: Biohazard Inc. follows the industry standard of measuring our downstems from the end of the ground joint to the tip of the downstem.

STEP 3: MEASURE THE INNER DIAMETER (ID) OF THE FEMALE JOINT

Measure the width of the inner diameter of the female joint in millimeters. The three most common joint sizes are 10mm, 14mm, and 19mm.

RULE OF THUMB: A DIME FITS THROUGH A 19MM JOINT. A PENCIL FITS THROUGH A 14MM JOINT. IF A DIME OR PENCIL CAN’T FIT THROUGH THE JOINT, THEN IT IS LIKELY A 10MM JOINT.

Once you figure out the downstem length and joint inner diameter, you are ready to shop for a new downstem!