Pipe Gurgle

We have all heard it and we've all had it, but what is it and what can be done about it? Pipe gurgle is caused when moisture gathers in the bottom of our bowl and bubbles about when we draw on our pipe. The moisture comes from three sources. The first is from tobacco that has a moisture content that is too high. When the moisture content of tobacco is too high it converts to steam and then the steam converts to liquid which sits in the bottom of the bowl. We've written quite a few articles about achieving the correct moisture content - please follow the link above. The second cause is saliva that finds it's way down the stem from our mouths. This can be corrected by changing our smoking habits to includes things such as not talking with our pipes in our mouths and placing our tongues over the tips of our pipes when not drawing. The third cause is the change of airflow when smoke leave the bowl and enters the stem. If the airway in the shank is significantly larger than the airway in the stem any steam in the smoke will condense and form moisture which will gather in the bowl. This can be addressed by enlarging and funneling the stem airway. This is a simple but delicate process that might be better off left to a professional.
The fixes for pipe gurgle other than those stated above - proper moisture content, change of smoking habits and refining the airway - are as follows:
When the pipe begins to gurgle slowly blow into the stem. Do this until the gurgle is reduced. Doing so forces the moisture towards the burning embers which will help to evaporate it. Blow, blow, blow, draw - blow, blow, blow, draw. Simple but effective.
You can also do the obvious, insert a pipe cleaner down the stem to absorb the moisture. Do not separate the stem to do this. Doing so might crack the tenon of a hot pipe. Start at the mouthpiece and work it further until it's in the bowl. This might not happen on the first time and might require a little twisting and fiddling at the transition from the tenon to the shank but in most pipes it will pass completely with little effort.

Next articles: How To Select The ‘Right‘ Pipe - part I