Water Shut-off valve replacement

I notice the GI pipe connecting water shut-off valve us rusting and I am worried that it may break a leak if not replaced. Any thoughts on how to replace it and an alternatives for GI pipe.

Some one asked a question what is GI pipe and I think they deleted the post. But to clarify GI pipe means "Galvanized Iron" Pipe (in the picture there is a small 2" long pipe whre the threads are rusting).

That was me.. i get confused with all the code words.

should not have galvinised pipe there. remove it and replace with a brass nipple


dissimilar metals cause's electrolysis which causes rust

if you cant find a brass nipple you can use a dielectric nipple

frodo said:

That was me.. i get confused with all the code words.

should not have galvinised pipe there. remove it and replace with a brass nipple


dissimilar metals cause's electrolysis which causes rust

if you cant find a brass nipple you can use a dielectric nipple

Click to expand...

Thank you Frodo.

Is replacing the nipple a large enough job only plumber should do or an average home owner with some plumbing knowledge get it done.

easy job, only you can answer if you can do it or not

if you are handy with tools, you can do it

I don't see a union anywhere in there, so you will need the proper expansion tools to tie back into the PEX that is there.

phishfood said:

I don't see a union anywhere in there, so you will need the proper expansion tools to tie back into the PEX that is there.

Click to expand...

thank you. Should I use the union at both ends of the PEX pipe or just the one carrying water to the house.

do you have pex crimp tools? http://screencast.com/t/hjWiUeko

thank you all. Reading the posts, it seems to me that the entire assemly shoulc be replaced. To illustrate how its connected.

Pipe coming from main street line after meter>90* Elbow/Bend (Plastic)>Pex pipe>Ball Valve>GI pipe> Watts pressure regulator>Pex pipe>90* Elbow/Bend (Plastic)>pipe inside the wall going into the house.

Option1
1. If I cut the whole assembly and re-build how do I extend the pex pipes both coming from the mainline and going into the house.
2. If I manage to remove the 90* bends at both ends, the Pex pipe is already expanded to get the male elbow inside, will I get a good fit for the replacing elbow?