In many houses in Mallorca the water comes from an aljibe: the traditional rainwater cistern, or a tank filled by a water delivery truck. Over the years, sludge, leaves, sand and debris build up at the bottom and spoil the water. At Limpiezas y Desatascos Campos we clean water tanks in Mallorca for fincas, villas, country houses and residential blocks.
Why clean your water tank
The water in a tank may look clean, but the bottom tells a different story. Over time a layer of sludge and sediment forms, coming from the roof, the gutters or the delivery truck itself. Algae and bacteria grow there, especially in the summer heat.
You'll notice the consequences:
- Cloudy or smelly water, especially when the level is low and the bottom gets stirred up.
- Filters and pumps that break down early because of the sand and sludge.
- A health risk if the water is used for showering, cooking or drinking.
A clean tank gives better-quality water and extends the life of the pump and the whole system.
How often a water tank should be cleaned
As a guide, a household water tank should be cleaned every one to two years. If it collects rainwater and the roof gathers a lot of leaves or dust, it's best to do it more often.
Some signs mean you shouldn't wait: cloudy water, smells, visible debris at the bottom or a pump that keeps clogging. The best time to do it is when the tank is low, before the autumn rains or before it's refilled by truck.
How the cleaning process works
- Emptying: we pump out the remaining water with the truck.
- Sludge removal: we take out all the sediment from the bottom, which is where the real dirt is.
- Cleaning the walls and floor with high-pressure water, to wash away algae and stuck-on debris.
- Final vacuuming of the dirty water from the cleaning.
- Inspection: we tell you what condition the tank is in (cracks, leaks, lid, inlets) in case anything needs repairing.
All the waste we remove is taken to an authorised treatment plant.
Water tanks at fincas, villas and residential blocks
Fincas and country houses. Many rural houses in Mallorca have no mains water and depend entirely on their aljibe. If that's your situation, cleaning isn't an extra: it's basic house maintenance. If you also have a septic tank, we can empty the septic tank on the same visit.
Villas and holiday lets. Before the season is a good time to clean the water tank: guests notice cloudy or smelly water straight away.
Residential blocks. We clean communal storage tanks and cisterns, coordinating with the property manager to let residents know about the water cut.
Frequently asked questions about water tank cleaning
Does the water tank have to be emptied completely to clean it?
Yes, to clean it properly it has to be emptied and the sludge removed from the bottom. That's why it's best done when the water level is low.
How long will I be without water?
It depends on the size of the tank and its condition. We'll tell you before we start so you can plan ahead and, if necessary, order a water delivery truck to refill it.
Do you clean cisterns and tanks for residents' associations?
Yes. We clean water tanks and storage tanks for residents' associations and invoice the association.
Can you come if the tank is somewhere hard to reach?
Tell us what the access is like when you call. We work with long hoses and can manage at most fincas.