Hookah Problem With Ash

[swordth]

Hey,

First off: I always clean out my hookah after every use. I use the right brushes, I clean out the base, and I run water through the hose.

Regardless of this, the pipe for my hookah is still ridiculously dirty. Everytime I run water through it, I get more and more hard, crusty ash coming out the other side. I didn't even think this was possible because the water would filter it out, but I guess not.

I've cleaned this pipe out at least 6 times now, and its still unbearably filled with ash. So my questions were:
1) Why is ash even in there? I know one thing that would help is replacing quick lites with natural coals. But why is ash getting through the water?
2) How can I get this thing completely clean?

[fcbayern]

I doubt your getting ASH in the pipe itself. It probably just smoke build up in the pipe.
I scrub my pipes with baking soda and just a bit of water (the baking soda is a mild abrasive) then finish it up with some lemon juice. The suds and foam from the reation of the two cleans beautifully.

Also look down the pipe and see if there is any dirty spots (usually u can tell if there is a build up)

CHEERs

[hookah hippie]

to completely clean out the inside of my hookah is I take some vinegar and pour it down the stem and shake it and then water nice and clean

[ryno]

Is your hose washable? if not, thats not ash, its rust and you need a new hose

[delSol_si]

Is your hose washable? if not, thats not ash, its rust and you need a new hose

Or the hookah itself could be rusting...

[Sonthert]

Unfortunately, I think delSol is right. you may have a leak inside the tube that is allowing water up in the insides of the hollow pieces. Shake the hookah and see if you feel or hear water sloshing around.

Either that or its your hose thats rusty...I suspect since you run water through it, depending on the manufacturer of the hose, thats what it is.

[fineout]

without question youre getting rust through your hose because you run water through it and its not washable. get a new hose.

[ilikemyusername]

sounds like a rusty hose to me.
you are going to need a new hose, might as well spend a few extra dollars and get a washable one.