New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

I'm by no means an Old Fart, but first thing that comes to mind is to start smoking 1/4 to 1/2 bowls of some prince albert or carter hall in it to work on caking that portion first. It will be burnt and gone before any real moisture builds. Once it starts to cake down there the dryness should come, which will allow bigger bowls. Rinse & repeat till your smokin full ones!