A gurgling sound coming from the sink, washbasin or shower indicates that the pipeline is clogged and it takes time for water to flow through. This is also a sign that the pipe is overloaded with organic waste which can only be eliminated with professional unblocking solutions such as the Top Pro or the powerful hydrochloric acid (HCI) solution.

The cork tree (Quercus suber) is a natural reservoir of oxygen, as it has a thick layer of bark which allows for the gradual penetration of oxygen during wine ageing in bottles. This process of gentle oxidation is essential to develop complexity and harmonise aromas. Cork is also impermeable to gases and liquids, and is incredibly light and flexible. It has been used as a wine bottle stopper since the 5th century, and is a vital part of every glass of fine wine.

In recent years, cork has been used in other products like flooring and furniture, as well as making shoes that are comfortable to wear. Its properties make it particularly suited for orthopaedic and sports shoes, as it can absorb the impact of walking or running and is solid enough to hold its shape when compressed.

However, despite its many uses and its good environmental credentials, the main use of cork today remains wine bottles and their stoppers. The fact that it is natural, durable and able to be repeatedly resealed without losing its functionality makes it an excellent material for wine bottle stoppers.

The harvesting of cork Debouchage liege takes place without harming the tree: the outer bark is stripped from the tree every nine years, and no tree is ever cut down to obtain the material. The harvested material is then boiled to remove any taint compounds (especially the musty-smelling 2,4,6-tricholoroanisole or TCA) and to improve its consistency.

Once the TCA has been removed, the cork is then dried and sanitised. It is then ready to be used for wine bottle stoppers and other applications, such as being pressed into granules or made into technical corks. The sanitising solution used is HCI or Hydrochloric acid, which has been proven to be extremely effective at unclogging cork, and can also be used for other blockages in the house, such as those in the kitchen sink or bathtub. The solution is applied with a cloth or sponge, which is then wiped down thoroughly, paying particular attention to the end of the cork that was inside the bottle. It is then rinsed with cool water and placed on a hard surface, such as the counter or a plastic cutting board, to air-dry for two hours. This helps to minimize the transfer of any taints from the wet cork to other surfaces. If it is necessary to dry the cork quickly, a few drops of dehumidifier can be added to accelerate this process. A lint-free cloth is then used to wipe the cork down again, to ensure that all traces of detergent are removed, and to avoid abrasions and scratches on the material.