On 2008-04-21, Dan Musicant ) Dan wrote:

I don't think I even keep the aerator on there. Is there a good
reason to do so? I thought it was more or less a flow restriction
device (which I don't need since I self-regulate that!), or a means
of filtering (post stem!), and since I don't cook with or drink hot
water I figure why bother?

Without an aerator, the flow will be very chaotic if you ever open it
up all the way. An aerator can and will limit flow, but that
shouldn't be a problem for you.

So, if I do decide to replace the old galvanized I'm restricted to more
galvanized or copper?

Any water supply pipes you replace should be copper--it doesn't make
sense to install galvanized given its performance, and PEX is not
approved here, as previously mentioned. To connect the new copper to
your existing galvanized, the best solution is to use a 6" brass
nipple (or stainless steel? not sure if stainless is OK) with a female
threaded galvanized fitting on one side, and a copper sweat to female
threaded adapter on the other end. A "nipple" is just a short section
of (threaded) pipe.

Cheers, Wayne