By the term "re-use", I mean that an existing infrastructure is in place (risers and distribution piping for domestic hot/cold water). A major infrastructure upgrade procedure is underway, and this item has been identified as somthing to consider replacing.
Over time, as repairs have been made, copper tubing was used. Presumably, older copper repairs used a high lead content solder. I've also read that some red brasses have had a nominal of 5% lead (and up to 15% lead).
Corrosion tendancies that I've been trying to research include hydrogen embrittlement and de-zincification of red brasses with high zinc content. There are also numerous "buried" galvanized steel plugs, several of which have already failed due to galvanic corrosion, causing extensive, sensitive damage. A program to replace these plugs is underway, but no documentation exists to identify possible locations, therefore they are accidents waiting to happen.
I am particularly apprehensive to reuse the existing red brass system because of the historic landmark status of the building, and a failure of this system may cause catastrophic damage to the historic fabric of the building. Replacement in kind with a more modern, stable and proven distribution system would be the recommendation I am leaning towards.