Assembling a Hookah

• 1
  You can add flavor to the hookah water.hookah image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com
  
  First, fill the base of the hookah with water. You can add ice cubes or other things for soothing or flavor, like lemon or mint. Be sure to fill the base with about one inch of water---do not fill it to the top. Make sure that the pipe is sealed well to the base so the smoke doesn't leak out. Use duct or masking tape if it is not completely sealed.
  
  
• 2
  The coal tray is a good place to rest the tongs while you're smoking.hookah image by zusyl from Fotolia.com
  
  Next, connect the hose or hoses, again taking care that there is no leak. Use aluminum foil to seal any spaces around the hose. Place the coal tray on the pipe.
  
  
• 3
  The bowl on a hookah is usually made of clay.hookah in tabriz image by Valery Shanin from Fotolia.com
  
  Connect the bowl to the pipe. Line the bowl with a small piece of aluminum foil so it will be easier to clean, but make sure to poke holes in the foil.
  
  
• 4
  Shisha tobacco is made with molasses and fruit.tobacco feild image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com
  
  Add the shisha tobacco. This can come in many flavors like peach, cherry, chocolate and vanilla. A tiny bit of shisha will last a long time, so only start with a small amount.
  
  
• 5
  The coals should be completely lit, glowing red around the edges, when you place them on the hookah.Hot Coals image by ACD from Fotolia.com
  
  Light the coals. You can light them over a gas stove or with a fireplace lighter. Be sure to use tongs. You will only need one or two coals. Be sure not to use regular charcoal as it contains poisonous carbon monoxide.
  
  
• 6
  Hookah smoking can be relaxing and contemplative.The girl smokes a hookah outdoor in summer image by Arkady Chubykin from Fotolia.com
  
  Place the lighted coals on top of the shisha tobacco and press on the charcoal gently with the tongs and inhale. There should be a white, thick smoke coming from the hose.