# How to minimize Bumping when heating chemicals VC: @JB Meier question, while boiling the bleach, does the solution boil with bumping or popping vibration? When using shock, I break up the boiling step into two parts, because it takes so long. When I start the second boiling, there is quite a bit of bumping. I can almost call it a violent vibration initially until I bring it to a steady boil then it calms down. It reminds me of something in the past. I had treated an ester with sodium hydroxide. And the solution was banging around like it was possessed. I can’t help thinking this vibration is part of the reaction process. --- MT: Bumping happens when you don't have anything in the solution (or on the container) for the steam bubbles to initiate on. Either add boiling chips or use a stir bar to smooth out the boiling.