First of all I should probably spell COPPER correctly. Sorry folks. I'm replacing an upstairs bathroom sink. The existing waste line is inch and a half copper. Will it be safe to use heat to remove the pipe? Space is limited to use a cutter and no space for a hacksaw. My concern is of any gases that may react to the heat. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Cooper, copper, we know what you mean but isn't there a slip nut or two for you to unscew? I'd replace with PVC and I'll bet it turns out to be 1.25"

Mailguy... if 1.5 inch copper trap, then heating will be just fine... sewer gasses are not so concentrated that you need to worry that much about heating around that one pipe... ok? Like Balleneger said, then transition over to pvc by soldering on a copper x male adapter, and then after that cools, wrap teflon tape clockwise 7 wraps around the male adapter and install an 1.5" pvc FEMALE adapter. Then can just use pvc pipe/fittings from there.

Just don't let the torch get anywhere near the porcelain/china sink... will crack that.

If you need help on pvc, let us know... good day... Mark

So much for asking a question. Slip nuts are a tad more common that a soldered drain pipe as are 1.25" lavatory drains.