How to Fix Epson L1800 Printhead Clogging Problems and Recovery Solutions

Question:
I use a Procolored L1800 DTF printer. I got about 2400 prints out of my first printhead. I ordered a replacement from motorgenic.com for $150, but it clogs up after only a few prints every time. I was about to buy a new original Epson L1800 printhead. But I need a service that restores the two printheads I have now because they do not print with the machine. Would you happen to provide this service, or do you know of anywhere that does?
 
Answer: Thank you for your inquiry! Sorry for his late reply. Dealing with printer issues, especially concerning something so critical as the printhead, can be incredibly frustrating. I try to be thorough and thoughtful when I respond to your questions, but I appreciate your patience with me as I respond. We appreciate your involvement here at BCH Technologies, especially the support through our YouTube channel, BCH Technologies. Your comments are critical in helping us to improve our technical knowledge.
 
Now, I can understand you want to restore the printheads you already have about your Procolored L1800 DTF printer (ink end clogged printhead issue). Sadly, a printhead that is blocked or damaged—even a little past a certain point—is not possible to restore. It's just not something that can be fixed without a Shop for your printer. Unfortunately, these two printheads are probably “gone,” meaning that there’s no repair service capable of restoring them to full functionality. Even specialized repair services have trouble resurrecting severely clogged or damaged printheads.
Here’s why this is the case: Printheads are delicate components, and once they’ve become heavily clogged or after a lengthy period of poor-quality ink use (or poor maintenance), it becomes almost impossible to recover them. Some cleaning methods (ultrasonic cleaning solutions) will allow you to remove a mild clog. Still, restoration is generally impossible once a printhead is badly damaged or has a deep clog. It cannot be restored once irreversible damage is done due to coagulated ink flow, bad-quality ink, or dried-out ink.
About your new printhead, I would advise you not to expect to get the same level of performance that your original printhead provided, especially if you’re not dealing with other possible sources of clogging problems. All of them are potential contributors to the clogging issue. These include:

  • Quality and Type of Ink: If the ink does not belong to your printer, it is more prone to clogging, especially if it dries very fast or it’s not well-formulated for the L1800 printhead;
  • Old or worn-out ink tubes can restrict the flow of ink and cause clogging. Check your ink tubes to make sure they’re clear and working.
  • Capping Station: A bad or malfunctioning capping station can cause printhead ink dryness problems (clogs). If the capping station fails to seal when the printer is idle, the ink can dry up and block the nozzles.
  • Environmental Considerations: If the ink falls to make contact with excessive dust or has a high level of humidity or temperature changes, the ink can dry far too fast and clog up the printhead.

We do not restore printheads, but some companies do service the printheads. But I wouldn’t spend a lot on a restoration service. If a printhead is highly clogged or damaged, restoration is usually a temporary solution at best. If you’re still hoping to find a restoration solution, you might consider contacting printhead cleaning and recovery companies, including:

  • Printhead Cleaning Services: Some companies provide ultrasonic cleaning and servicing of printheads, but like with the previous methods, the success of this depends on the severity of the clog.
  • Epson Authorized Service Providers: If you're looking for an official route, Epson or an authorized service center may clean or refurbish the printhead. However, it might be expensive and not even guarantee a 100% recovery.

In conclusion, we would advise you to purchase a brand-new original Epson L1800 printhead. Although this is a costly approach, quality parts are always the best option. Just make sure the ink quality, the tubes, and the capping station are working so you do not suffer the same problems again.
 
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. We’re unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair support, but we offer in-person evaluations and repairs through our local diagnostic facility (BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for servicing. Our services are designed to repair entire printers or specific parts, with clear instructions for each process.
While our rates are competitive, we recognize they may not always be the most economical option for everyone. For that reason, we highly recommend leveraging online resources. Our YouTube channel (BCH Technologies YouTube Channel) is a great starting point. You can search for videos on specific printer issues using the search function on our channel’s homepage. With nearly a decade of experience creating content, it’s far quicker to use YouTube’s search to find helpful tutorials and troubleshooting videos, including ones from other channels that may offer additional insights.
Thanks again for reaching out! We hope this information helps you move forward with your printer repairs and that you find a solution that works for you.