We had galvanized waste pipes in a 1920's home. Both waste lines leaked at one point and had to be replaced. This is going to be common with older homes. I think you just go in with eyes wide open. If you are doing any work where you already have the walls opened up, go ahead and replace them.

My understanding is that you don't need to replace them as long as everything is working fine, but they may need to be replaced eventually (so factor that in as a likely future cost). Our 1935-era house had galvanized pipes, which our inspector flagged for us when we were deciding whether to buy. We replaced a bunch of the pipes as part of a basement renovation and saw a perceptible increase in water pressure, although the water situation before had certainly been livable. According to what we were told, galvanized pipes get smaller over time because of build up on the interior of the pipes, especially pipes that run horizontally.

Make sure all water lines are not galvanized because of high lead levels.

Ugh. When I bought my DC row home the supply pipes were already replaced with copper but I had some galvanized drain pipes. What happens is the insides rust and flake off, eventually (in my case) clogging the pipe irreparably -- drain cleaners won't remove it, the most powerful plumbers snake won't unclog it. It's a plug of rusted metal. I had to have it replaced with PVC eventually.

I let pipes or outlet pipes? Most of our in pipes have been replaced before to copper but the drains are galvanized. If they're in good order you don't have to replace them. If you remodel anything then you can replace with pvc as you have access to the walls. Don't flush tampons or wipes though.

We saw a house today that has galvanized pipes in home. Is it vital we replace them? Water pressure is good and main line from street has been replaced.