Home builders used galvanized pipe for water lines in many homes that were built in the 1960′s.
Galvanized pipe is simply coating the pipe with zinc. The zinc helps protect the pipe from corrosion, and prevent mineral deposits from building up inside the pipe. Many homes that have galvanized pipes today may show signs of reduced water pressure. This is caused because the zinc is wearing off and the pipe wall is starting to show signs of build up. 
In addition, galvanized pipe has lead in it. Lead can cause a variety of different health problems. For more info on that here’s the Wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning.
So if that’s not a good enough reason to switch to copper or PVC, then here’s a few more.
- More Durable
- Flexible to install
- Doesn’t rust or develop mineral deposits
- Withstand higher water temps and pressures
Also, studies have shown that copper pipes help add value on the resale of your home. Many home buyers check to make sure the the home has been updated to copper. Only recently, have home builders been putting pvc water lines in homes.
If you currently have galvanized water pipes in your home, it would be a good idea to do a lead test. You can hire someone or get a do it yourself test kit at your local hardware store.
If you have any questions or have first hand knowledge about residential plumbing, let me know in the comments section below!
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