Years ago I had one pipe. I never even knew they should be cleaned and I have been smoking a pipe, at that time, for over 6 years. I could only fit my pinky in the bowl and it had never even seen a pipe cleaner so the draw was almost completely blocked off. Nasty!
Then I started cleaning all the time and I mean CLEANING. My pipes barely got a chance to break in. There was another lesson.
For the past 7 years I l found a balance that works and my pipes are all in great shape and smoke wonderfully.
I have been smoking a pipe for over 30 years now.