Going on holiday with the peace of mind that everything at home is under control is the wish of every homeowner. But beyond locking doors and windows, there is one element that is often overlooked: the septic tank. If your home uses this self-contained sanitation system, ignoring it before you go away for weeks at a time can lead to costly and very unpleasant problems when you return. Planning the emptying of the septic tank before the holidays is a simple preventive measure that avoids everything from bad smells to overflows, blockages or damage to the system.
Why is it crucial to empty the septic tank before you go away?
During the summer, high temperatures accelerate the decomposition of the waste inside the pit, leading to more gas, pressure and the possibility of sludge build-up. If the system remains unused and was already close to its maximum capacity, this process can cause overflows, seepage into the ground, insect proliferation or even damage to the connected pipes. This can result in unbearable odours, sanitation problems and costly repairs.
Furthermore, if the house is located in a rural area with no connection to the sewage system, a bad septic tank can contaminate the subsoil and pose an environmental or even legal risk. Therefore, emptying the septic tank before leaving the house closed for weeks is a smart and responsible decision.
How often should a septic tank be emptied?
The usual frequency of emptying is between 3 and 5 years, depending on the size of the tank and its use. However, if you have recently rented your home, have had a lot of visitors or notice certain symptoms, it is likely that emptying will need to be brought forward. You can get some guidance from our article on ‘Signs that a septic tank needs urgent cleaning’, where we detail the most common signs to look out for.
Some of the most obvious symptoms of a saturated pit are:
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Persistent bad smells near the lid or in the drains
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Toilet gurgling
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Slowly draining water
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Presence of dampness or unusual vegetation on the manhole
How to plan emptying correctly
Planning the emptying of your septic tank is not complex, but it does require some time in advance to avoid haste or lack of availability. These are the recommended steps:
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Check your maintenance history: if it has been more than 2-3 years since the last emptying, you should do it without hesitation.
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Carry out a visual inspection: check for odours, leaks or overflows.
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Contact a professional company: make sure they are authorised to transport waste and have the appropriate vehicles.
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Ask for a service certificate: this is important for regulatory reasons and as a guarantee of the work carried out.
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Check for proper operation after emptying: drains, ventilation and water return level.
If you also want to make sure that your pipes are in good condition, you may be interested in reading ‘How to unblock pipes’, where we explain what to do in the event of recurring problems or slow drainage.
What happens if you don’t?
If you decide to leave the pit unchecked before leaving, when you return you may find an unbreathable environment, accumulated sewage, leaks or even a sanitary emergency that prevents the use of the property until the problem is resolved. In addition to the financial cost, the ecological or structural damage can be significant. Penalties could also result if unintentional discharge occurs. Therefore, preventive action is cheaper, safer and more effective.
Choose specialised professionals
At Limpiezas Domingo, we have been offering comprehensive solutions in the emptying of septic tanks in the Marina Alta, La Safor and other rural areas in the north of Alicante for more than 15 years. We have adapted trucks, powerful suction system, fast service and delivery of certificates in accordance with the regulations. We adapt to your dates so that your holiday is not delayed and you do not have any additional worries.
Recommended official resource
If you want to know more about the functioning and regulation of these systems, you can consult this official source from the Ministry:
✅ Saneamiento y depuración — MITECO
Holidays without worries or surprises
Prevention will always be cheaper than repair. Planning the emptying of your septic tank before leaving your home closed for the holidays is a decision that will save you time, money and aggravation. Don’t leave it to the last minute: contact us today and enjoy your trip with the peace of mind of knowing that everything will be in order when you return.
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