Care

 

Maintaining the z3

Maintaining your z3 is extremely important for preserving its longevity. With proper care and attention there is no reason your z3 shouldn’t last a lifetime. This section is meant to help you better understand both what to do, and what not to do to extend the life of your z3. A CONDENSED VERSION of information is available here. z3 Info Booklet which is a portion of the booklet you received with your order.

-Migration

Your z3 is far more susceptible to changes in moisture and temperature than glass. It seems obvious that different materials respond differently to changes in their environment, but what may not be so obvious is how many materials a z3 is made of. The epoxy inside, for example, is nonporous yet brittle, and so prone to cracking when it experiences rapid temperature change. The wood, on the other hand, is highly porous and flexible, meaning it swells and shrinks a great deal from moisture and temperature changes alike. Problems occur when the wood, epoxy, and glue move differently from one another, causing the components to separate and fail. The best way to avoid this is to minimize changes to your z3’s environment, and when you do need to change the environment, to change it as slowly as possible. This ensures that all the components of your z3 will move together and minimizes stress and fatigue on the materials. Ideally this would mean that after being filled for the first time your z3 would never sit for more than 12 hours without water, and never be subjected to a rapid temperature change, i.e., hot water to iced water.

So long as you take care to slow down the z3's environmental changes, your z3 will travel better than any other bong. Just empty the water and go. You'll find the z3 to be the lightest, toughest, and most convenient bong you've ever had along for your adventures. Don't forget to add water once reaching your destination. To minimize damage during long term storage, place your z3 immediately into a cardboard box or paper bag after emptying the water so that it can dry naturally. DO NOT put your z3 in a plastic bag or airtight container for travel OR storage.

-2A’s for z3’s

The z3 is a teetotaler! The epoxy that protects the interior of the z3 can permanently soften if it is exposed to alcohol or solvents. This can cause several issues if the z3 doesn’t outright leak. Softened bits of epoxy can break loose and be inhaled, and plant matter or resin will stick in the softened epoxy making the z3 impossible to clean without damaging it. Don’t clean inside the z3 with anything a 10-year-old shouldn’t play with. The best way to clean your z3 is to run room temperature tap water through it, slowly raising the temperature until it’s as hot as the tap will produce. You can leave about a cup and a half of hot tap water and add a small amount of mild dish soap and let set for 15 minutes. Keep flushing with hot water until the water runs clear, then slowly bring the temperature back down. DO NOT submerge or attempt to soak your z3 for any amount of time. If there are bits of resin still stuck inside the z3, bend a metal hanger as shown below and use the body (opposite the hook) to gently dislodge any debris. 

Pro Tip- Use the camera on your phone with the flashlight on to get a good look inside. 

    

- Trees love the sun. NOT YOUR z3!

Don't leave your z3 in direct sunlight, but if it needs some shine of its own feel free to apply your favorite wood furniture cleaner or polish to the exterior. Remember to refresh the water regularly, and be especially mindful of evaporation if you live in a dry climate area.