If you notice odours, gurgling or puddles around the septic tank area, it is probably time to schedule a service. On our service page, you can see the scope of our septic tank emptying and cleaning services and, if you live here, go directly to the local Xàbia/Jávea page to request a quote. At Limpiezas Domingo e Hijos, we carry out the extraction with a tanker truck and complement it with pressure washing when appropriate, prioritising safety and traceability of the sludge.
Signs of saturation and when to empty
The most common signs are clear: persistent odours near manhole covers or drains, slow drainage in toilets, bubbling noises and minor overflows. If the recommended maintenance interval based on usage and capacity (approximately every 1 to 3 years) has passed, it is advisable to empty the tank to avoid emergencies and higher costs. The company specifically handles these cases with vacuum and pressure equipment suitable for sludge and solids.
To better understand how your system works, we recommend reading the following blog post: How a septic tank works.
Step-by-step professional service (tank truck + pressure washing)
1) Assessment of access and security. Distances, dimensions and working conditions are checked before positioning the vehicle.
2) Sludge suction. We extract the accumulated volume using high-vacuum equipment designed for sludge and solids.
3) Interior pressure washing (where applicable). Pressurised water removes encrusted deposits and sediment, improving hygiene and reducing odours.
4) Basic checks. If there are signs of damage (roots, subsidence, breakages), we recommend inspection with a camera for an accurate and documented diagnosis.
5) Sealing and transport. Waste is sealed in the lorry and transported for management at authorised facilities, ensuring environmental traceability.
This workflow is aligned with the procedures and methods declared by the company for cleaning/emptying cesspits (suction + high pressure) and its commitment to quality and the environment.
If you want to check the condition of the network after emptying, pipe inspection with a camera detects cracks, roots or subsidence without digging trenches and facilitates maintenance or repair decisions.
Safety, traceability and regulations
The handling of septic sludge requires trained personnel, PPE and specially equipped vehicles, as well as protocols to prevent spills and minimise risks. At Limpiezas Domingo, waste management is carried out in accordance with current legislation and the company’s quality systems.
If you are interested in the regulatory context, here are two useful public references:
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EPSAR – Wastewater Treatment Authority of the Valencian Community: https://epsar.gva.es/
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Law 22/2011 on waste and contaminated soil (consolidated text BOE): https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2011-13046
Recommended frequency and best practices
There is no universal frequency, but an inspection/emptying every 1–3 years works well in regularly used homes; in second homes with peaks in occupancy (summer), it is advisable to inspect before and after the season. Avoid disposing of wipes, oils or harsh chemicals; spread out intensive use (washing machines/dishwashers) and request pressure washing if adhesions are noticed during extraction. These measures extend the life of the system and reduce recurring odours.
To expand on signals and ideal moments, we suggest two guides:
Related services that prevent future incidents
Emptying the tank resolves the symptom (full tank), but not always the cause. These complementary solutions prevent recurrence:
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Detection of hidden manholes. Muy útil en chalets y urbanizaciones donde los registros están enterrados o ocultos; facilita mantenimientos futuros y evita obras innecesarias.
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Trenchless pipe repair. If the inspection confirms damage, internal rehabilitation avoids the need to dig trenches. For local cases, you can consult the specific version of trenchless repair in Xàbia/Jávea.
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Maintenance contracts. Programmes for communities, businesses and holiday rental managers with scheduled visits and critical point checks: pipe maintenance contracts.
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In the event of a blockage, consult our 24-hour drain unblocking and pipe cleaning service: drain unblocking service.
Local coverage and contact
Xàbia/Jávea is included within the Marina Alta service area; we operate from Ptda. Plans, 78, Gata de Gorgos (Alicante) , which facilitates service to housing developments and single-family homes in the municipality. To coordinate a collection or resolve any queries, you can use the contact form or call the usual telephone numbers: 672 450 224 (emergencies) and 966 447 070 (office).
Frequently asked questions
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How often should I empty the septic tank?
As a general guideline, every 1–3 years, adjusting for occupancy and capacity. In second homes, check before and after the summer. -
Does cleaning include interior washing?
Where appropriate, we combine suction with pressurised water to remove adhered solids and improve tank hygiene. -
What happens to the extracted waste?
It is sealed in the vehicle and transported for treatment at authorised facilities, ensuring environmental traceability. -
Do you serve Xàbia/Jávea and nearby residential areas?
Yes. The local extraction page in Xàbia/Jávea includes coverage and quote requests. -
Can you diagnose problems after emptying?
Yes. Pipe inspection with a camera detects breaks, roots or subsidence and makes it easier to decide on a repair without construction work if necessary. -
Do you offer maintenance services for communities and businesses?
Yes. We offer maintenance contracts with scheduled visits and critical point inspections. -
How do I contact you in case of an emergency?
By calling 672 450 224 (emergencies) or 966 447 070 (office), or via the contact form.
Do you smell a bad odour or see your garden flooded? Schedule your septic tank emptying in Xàbia/Jávea, call us on 672 450 224 / 966 447 070.
