Most of the houses built from the 1900’s to 1960’s have galvanized pipe for the water supply. The life expectance of galvanized piping is 50-70 years. Over time the galvanized piping becomes clogged from the hardness in the water. Galvanized piping can also develop pinhole leaks which is a sign that you should probably consider repiping your entire house.
Galvanized supply lines were also commonly used for the incoming water service for a house. Most of the time we see galvanized for the supply we are bidding on replacing the water service. A galvanized supply will usually mean low water pressure.
One of the challenges with working on galvanized supply lines is that the piping screws together. If you want to repair galvanized piping with similar materials you must start at one end and work your way back. You can also transition over to PEX supply lines by using a female adaptor transition fitting.