Household plumbing systems use PEX for pipes to supply water and carry away sewage. The term PEX stands for "crosslinked polyethylene." PEX piping is manufactured by melting high-density polyethylene ...

A report warning cities against the use of PVC pipes in water systems sparked swift and resounding criticism from the plastics industry, its advocates and at least one leading scientific expert.

PVC pipe is useful for a range of tasks, from plumbing and irrigation applications, to framing material for hockey nets or other crafts. Regardless of the project, you’re going to need to cut that ...

This article was taken from the November 2014 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by ...