We are having our 1950's bathroom remodled. I am a stay-at-home mom and trying to save where I can. My father-in-law wants me to hire a plumber to change the cast iron sink return pipe (unsure of what it is called)because it is a bit crushed togeather. He said he has only worked with copper and PVC and is scared of cast iron. Is there a major difference or special things he needs to know about changing cast iron? Do you need special tools to cut it out? We have all cast iron in the bathroom plumbing. It seems to not be leaking or rusting? What would you advise? I realize this may be a very loaded question.

Thank you

If your father in law wishes to convert to PVC from cast iron it's a very simple operation.

Do you need special tools to cut it out? We have all cast iron in the bathroom plumbing If the cut will be on a vertical pipe or in a tight spot a set of ratchet cutters is best.
To convert to PVC from cast iron you will need the end of the cast iron to be bald, (no hub) you can then install a shielded coupling,(see image)To connect the cast iron to the PVC pipe. More questions? I'm as close as a click. Tom