Fourzer0 is pretty damn right on. Great description and advice. The only thing I can think of to add is when you go to purchase said water pipe first think about what you like in a WP. Like do you want a carb or a stem the pulls out to clear the smoke? Do you want all glass on glass? In other words all pieces are glass except a couple of rubber O-rings.
I would also recommend something short and practical. I have never liked the 4 foot bongs! I like something with a flat sturdy base, that is not top heavy with a bunch of crap so you spill bong water everywhere.

This site Glass pipes water bongs one-hitters spoons bubblers grinders has just about every kind of water pipe and glass product you could want.

I have a simple glass on glass that has a slider bowl for the carb. It is shaped like a med size beaker and is about 12 inches tall. the only thing I would like to make different about it is I don't have the indents for holding an ice cube.

BTW to clean it I cut the top off a two litter bottle and fill it full of rubbing alcohol and salt. Then all you need is a bottle or glass cleaning brush and a little time.

Hope you find this useful.