How to Fix Printhead Priming Failure and Capping Station Seal Problems in Epson-Based Printers

Question

Why won't my printhead prime properly, and why do I only hear air being drawn through the waste tube? I’m also getting a screeching sound during operation—what could be causing these issues, and how do I fix them?

Answer

Thank you so much for contacting us, and we sincerely apologize for not getting back to you sooner. At BCH Technologies, we understand that any delay in printer troubleshooting can be frustrating, especially when your printer is needed for time-sensitive tasks. However, we also believe in treating each issue with careful thought and specific guidance. We’re especially grateful for your continued engagement with our work, particularly our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback not only helps us grow but also enhances the quality of our technical content.

Let’s take a closer look at your situation.

Why the Printhead Won’t Prime

If you're hearing only air being pulled when trying to prime the printhead through the waste tube, the core issue is likely a faulty capping station seal. A properly functioning capping station must form an airtight seal against the printhead. Without this, no suction can be created, rendering any priming attempts ineffective.

As we often emphasize:
A bad printhead costs a printhead. A bad capping station costs both the capping station and the printhead.

Several potential culprits may be responsible:

• Dried ink on the rubber gasket of the capping station

• Worn-out rubber seal that no longer forms a vacuum

• Improper installation of the capping station

• Uneven printhead seating due to a stripped screw hole in the carriage

That last issue is more common than many users realize. If the screw hole is stripped, the printhead cannot be seated evenly and firmly. This breaks the vacuum seal and may cause air leakage, leading to priming failures. Fortunately, we offer a Screw Hole Repair Kit for DTF Printhead Carriages ([https://bchtechnologies.com/products/dtf-printhead-carriage-return-screw-hole-repair-complete-kit-l1800-l800-l805-1390-1430-based-printers?_pos=1&_sid=61b0143b9&_ss=r]) to help resolve this.

Before installing a new printhead, always verify that the capping station is in top condition—otherwise, a faulty station can ruin a brand-new printhead.

Understanding the Screeching Sound

That screeching noise you hear could be a mechanical issue—usually tied to the printhead carriage movement, dirty rails, or gear misalignment. These two videos provide step-by-step diagnostics for that problem:

• Why Your Printer Screeches During Operation (https://youtu.be/MjArYM-QnfU)

• Another Screeching Sound Scenario (https://youtu.be/TNOG_1TtN6g)

Help With Capping Station Issues

To get to the root of capping station problems, here are several focused video guides:

• Removing and Installing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc) – Helps walk through installation/removal.

• Unclogging a Capping Station (https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c) – Learn how to clean a clogged unit.

• Capping Station Maintenance Tips (https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8) – Preventative care to extend component life.

• Repairing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/5UC2IMu9V90) – Troubleshooting major seal and gear issues.

• Rewiring the Capping Station Tubes (https://youtu.be/J9im3s8UJfo) – Useful for fixing tube blockages or disconnects.

For a deep-dive, our premium guide takes you step-by-step through complete capping station disassembly and reassembly—perfect for experienced DIYers:
Full Capping Station Disassembly Video Guide (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400).

Our General Advice

Dealing with printer repairs is inherently hands-on and can become quite intricate. As such, we're not able to offer remote troubleshooting or over-the-phone diagnostics. However, we do provide in-person printer repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our local diagnostic facility. This service is available on a first-come, first-served basis and often involves a wait time of a few weeks. We offer both full printer repairs and targeted component fixes, each with clear service guidelines.

Please note that while we aim to be thorough and professional, our pricing might not be ideal for everyone. For those who prefer a DIY approach, we strongly encourage browsing our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar beside the “About” tab to locate specific videos—we’ve created content for over nine years, and there’s a high chance we’ve covered your issue or something close. YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.