The problem with galvanized pipe is that connections are made by threading it, and the threading process removes the galvanizing, which is there to keep it from rusting. So over time the threaded ends rust. When you go to disconnect it the rusted ends snap off. So you go to replace the sink, and the pipe feeding the sink snaps off when you go to take the old sink off. No problem, just replace that section of pipe, right? Well, then it snaps off at the other end. OK, replace the next section, right? It snaps off too. Pretty soon you've followed it all the way to either the water heater or the shutoff valve, where there's a brass fitting that won't snap.

The other thing that happens with galvanized is it rusts from the inside. It can be working fine until it suddenly rusts through and springs a leak.

If your galvanized is 70 years old it is way past its life expectancy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP here - FWIW, I have a 50s house and the pipe problems I have are with the drains, not the water supply lines. I have the original cast iron drain pipes, which are known to develop clogs over time.

Thank you for the helpful info. I am fairly sure this is the situation with original cast iron drain pipes that clog over time. We have very strong water pressure in showers, if that's an indicator or not.
So it they then replace the galvanized pipes for the bathroom, might they not need to go down to the hot water heater?
Our basement is completely torn up right now so the pipes are easier access from that side.

Replacing the drain pipes will also require tracing them down to the basement and probably ripping out some sections of wall along the way so they can access them so it will still be invasive and expensive. Do you know if your main sewer line has been replaced? Ours was terracotta and 100 years old, it caused several problems in the basement before we had it removed for 7k. I'm not saying it's that, just be aware that if your home is vintage it might be an issue. Sometimes you can get a replacement policy through the water company and I wish I had bought one! Good luck with the project@