Ink Handling and Safety Precautions

Applies To

Description

EcoTank printers use a low-ink alert system that estimates ink remaining by tracking usage internally — it does not measure the ink in the tanks directly. Its accuracy depends on the tanks being refilled correctly, using genuine Epson ink bottles handled and stored as described below. As a precaution, visually inspect the ink tanks regularly to make sure ink hasn't fallen below the lower line; continued use below that line can damage the printer.

Symptoms

Not applicable. This is a reference article covering safe ink handling, not a troubleshooting guide for a specific fault.

Solution

Ink Handling Precautions

  • Keep ink bottles and the ink tank unit out of the reach of children. Do not allow children to drink from or handle the ink bottles and bottle caps.
  • Do not tilt or shake an ink bottle after opening it, and do not subject it to strong impacts — ink may leak.
  • Be careful not to touch any ink when handling the ink tanks, ink tank caps, and opened ink bottles or bottle caps.
  • Do not disassemble the maintenance box — ink inside it may get on your skin or in your eyes.
  • If ink gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. If ink gets into your eyes, flush them immediately with water and see a doctor if discomfort or vision problems persist. If ink gets into your mouth, spit it out immediately and see a doctor right away.
  • Do not squeeze the ink bottles. If ink spills, blot it with a dry cloth first, then wipe with a damp cloth — ink is difficult to remove once it has dried. If ink gets on the area around a tank, wipe it off with a clean, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab.

Ink Refilling Precautions

  • Use ink bottles with the correct part number for your printer. Epson's warranty doesn't cover damage caused by third-party ink or ink not designed for your printer.
  • Ink may splatter when the ink tanks are filled or refilled. If it gets on clothes or belongings, it may not come off.
  • Do not open an ink bottle's package until you're ready to fill a tank. Bottles are vacuum packed to maintain reliability; leaving one unpacked for a long time before use can affect print quality.
  • Visually check the ink levels in the tanks to confirm the actual level, rather than relying solely on the on-screen estimate. Refill promptly once a tank drops below its lower line, and don't run the printer with an expended tank or leave ink levels low for extended periods — either can damage the printer.
  • Epson recommends filling all the ink tanks to the upper line while the printer is idle, to reset the ink level estimate, and doing so at least once a year for the best print results.
  • After bringing an ink bottle in from cold storage, let it warm to room temperature for at least three hours before use. Use bottles before the date printed on the packaging, and use an opened bottle as soon as possible.
  • Store ink bottles in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight, and out of high or freezing temperatures — ideally in the same environment as the printer.
  • Once a bottle's seal is removed, don't tilt it or subject it to impacts or temperature changes during storage or transport, even with the cap tightened — ink may still leak. Keep the bottle upright when tightening the cap, and take care to prevent leaks when transporting it.

Ink Bottle and Ink Tank Information

  • Some ink from every tank is used during printing, during maintenance operations such as head cleaning, and even simply when the printer is turned on, to keep the print head performing optimally.
  • The ink bottles supplied with a new printer are partly used during initial setup, so they print fewer pages than the replacement bottles you buy later.
  • Quoted ink yields are estimates and can vary depending on the images printed, the paper used, how often you print, and conditions such as temperature. They also don't include the small reserve of ink that remains in a tank at the point the printer indicates a refill is needed.
  • Ink bottles may contain recycled materials; this does not affect product function or performance.
  • When printing in monochrome or greyscale, colour ink may be used instead of, or alongside, black ink, depending on the paper type or print quality settings, since a mixture of colour inks is sometimes used to create black.