This is a question for pipe smokers (and anyone else who is knowledgeable):

I am new to pipes, and today I was surprised whilecleaning my pipe after a bowl of tobacco to have the little metal threaded part inside the stem split in two and come out. I don't know if I was doing something wrong or if the pipe was defective or even if that little threaded piece is supposed to be replaced every once in a while. Can anyone give me some advice? The pipe is about a year old, and that's about how long I've been substituting an occasional pipe for a cigar.

If this is too esoteric a question for a cigar board, does anyone know of a pipe board that might have a FAQ section? Thanks for the help!