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Last updated on 28/06/2025 | Reading time approx. 7:32 min
Before you can enjoy your new hookah, you first need to set it up. Some models come pre-assembled to make it easier for you to get started, but in most cases, that's not the case. Especially when you want to thoroughly clean your hookah, you should know how to properly reassemble it.
Most hookahs on the market are delivered in individual parts. There are several pitfalls during assembly: pipes can be incorrectly screwed together, connections may not be properly fitted – and what are those little balls for, anyway?
In this practical guide, we show you how to correctly set up your hookah. We'll also show you how a hookah is constructed and guide you step-by-step through the entire process.
At the end of this article, we also link several video tutorials so that you always know exactly what to do with our hookahs. We hope you find everything you need in this little helper. Now, have fun assembling your hookah!
So you don't feel overwhelmed and your draw doesn't feel like breathing through an exhaust pipe, we’ve created this step-by-step assembly guide with notes on the most common pitfalls, so you'll master setting up any hookah like a pro.
Many manufacturers design their packaging so that the parts are already pre-sorted in the box. The sequence and association of the individual parts are suggested from the start. Generally, the glass base is at the bottom of the box and the other hookah parts are layered above it.
Before starting, you should prepare a flat working surface – a clear table is ideal. Then unpack all the parts, remove protective packaging, and neatly lay out the parts. This gives you the best overview of all your hookah components.
Depending on the model, the hookah base may already come fully assembled (as is the case with the Amotion FUTR, for example). However, we will assume that your hookah arrives disassembled.
An unassembled base typically has multiple openings with different diameters. The central opening is for the stem, and the smaller surrounding openings are for the blow-off system. Insert the small valve balls into these openings.
The outermost openings are for hose connections. Depending on the design, these can either be pushed or screwed into place. It's usually better to attach hose connections after the main parts are assembled, as they might get in the way otherwise.
Special considerations when setting up a 4-hose hookah
For a hookah with four hose ports, you also insert balls into the hose connections. There are different ways to use a 4-hose hookah, so it’s wise to adjust the number of balls depending on your preference.
If you want to smoke with four people/connections, insert balls into all hose connections. If you are using a 4-hose hookah alone, you can omit the ball from your hose connection. This way, you can use the other three hose connections as blow-off valves. If you leave the ball in your hose, it blocks airflow when blowing out smoke, and no smoke can be purged.
The downstem is typically a stainless steel tube with at least one threaded end. At the underside of the base, you'll find a hole where the downstem is screwed in. However, some hookahs have the downstem inserted through the base and secured at the top with the stem (or a ring element), meaning the base itself has no threading. It gets "clamped" between the parts.
Generally, there are four types of downstems/diffusers:
Some hookahs allow splitting the downstem; you can choose whether to combine both parts for a larger glass base or screw the diffuser onto the short part for a compact setup. The length of the downstem and stem slightly affects the smoking behavior, so try out which setup you prefer.
Stems are often the centerpiece of a hookah, and there are various designs: some are solid tubes, others are sleeved, and some are made of multiple parts. Some stems are even adjustable in length. A shorter stem affects the smoking experience similarly to a shorter downstem and can also drastically alter the hookah's appearance.
If your hookah has a replaceable sleeve, you slide it over the stem after assembling the main tube. Some hookahs offer a wide selection of custom sleeves.
Place the charcoal tray onto the stem so that either the stem’s thread pokes through the center hole of the tray or the tray’s hole exposes the thread inside the stem.
Now screw the bowl adapter onto the thread, and the charcoal tray will be secured.
In general, we differentiate between plug-in glass bases and screw-on glass bases. If your glass base has a thread, simply screw the assembled hookah onto the glass base.
For a plug-in glass base, first put a gasket onto the base so that the hookah fits securely and airtight onto the base.
Note: All glass bases are subject to production tolerances. Especially handmade bases may vary more. If your stem does not seal tightly, we recommend using a slightly thicker gasket, like the Size 2 gasket from our Perfect Fit Gasket Set.
To prepare the hookah for smoking, it needs to be filled with water. The optimal water level is usually reached when the downstem is submerged about 1.5–2 cm. Therefore, it’s best to assemble the hookah first, then add or remove water until the optimal level is reached. Alternatively, insert the assembled hookah into the glass base and mark the ideal water level with a washable marker, then fill up to the mark.
To prepare the hose, first attach the hose adapter and mouthpiece to the hose. Finally, insert the adapter into the base – and your hookah is ready!
You probably want to get started right away and enjoy a nice bowl. So light a few coals, prepare your bowl, and enjoy your new hookah!
If you're a beginner or want to improve your technique, we have two helpful guides for you:
If you're completely new to hookahs, take a look at our Beginner’s Guide to Hookahs where we explain everything you need to know clearly and concisely.
You’ll also find many more helpful articles about hookahs, hookah accessories, and tobacco in our Hookah Knowledge section.
And here are the promised setup tutorials:
How to Set Up Your Breeze Two
How to Set Up Your Breeze Pro
How to Set Up Your Sphere 2
How to Set Up Your Varity
How to Set Up Your FUTR
How to Set Up Your Flash Bang
How to Set Up Your Valve
We hope we’ve answered all your questions. If you still have questions, feel free to email us at: info@mozeshisha.de or contact our customer service. Now enjoy your perfectly set-up hookah!
Lay out all the individual parts of the hookah neatly on a flat surface. Remove protective packaging and keep track of the components.
Insert valve balls into the small openings of the base and screw the stem into the central borehole. Ideally, attach hose connections later.
When using all connections, insert balls into all hose ports. If smoking alone, you can omit the ball in your own hose to use the blow-off function.
Screw the downstem either directly into the base or attach it to the stem, depending on the model. Ensure the diffuser is properly installed if present.
Place the charcoal tray onto the stem and fix it by screwing on the bowl adapter.
With a screw-on glass base, screw the hookah onto the base thread. For a plug-in base, use a suitable gasket to ensure an airtight connection.
Fill enough water so that the downstem is submerged about 1.5–2 cm. Alternatively, mark the optimal height on the base beforehand.
