Do I Need Silicone Washers for My Ink Refill Kit? (When They're Required, and What to Buy)

Question:
I'm following your online instruction manual and it says to "install the silicone washer around ink intake." However, there were no silicone washers included in my ink refill kit. Should those have been included, or am I supposed to purchase them separately? If I do need them, can you tell me exactly which ones I should get?

Answer:

Why your kit didn't include silicone washers

Silicone washers (sometimes called seal pads or silicone seals) are not required for every printer or refill situation, so they are often treated as an optional add-on rather than a standard component in every refill kit.

They're mainly used for printers (or cartridges) that have a sealing defect at the ink intake point-meaning the cartridge isn't forming a tight seal where it mates with the printer's ink inlet/needle. When that seal is weak, you can run into issues like:

• Intermittent ink delivery (prints fine for a moment, then fades)

• Random missing colors, especially after sitting idle

• Air getting pulled into the ink path (you may see bubbles in tubing on some systems)

• Needing repeated cleaning cycles with little improvement

• Ink leaking around the cartridge connection area

In short: Not every printer needs silicone washers. They are typically used only when the cartridge-to-printer connection cannot seal reliably due to tolerance differences, wear, or a slightly imperfect cartridge port.

How to tell if you actually need the washers

You may need silicone washers if you notice one or more of these symptoms:

1. Ink starvation symptoms
   Prints start strong and then fade, or one color drops out repeatedly.

2. Frequent clogs that don't behave like clogs
   A true clog often improves gradually with cleaning. A sealing/air issue can stay inconsistent and return quickly even after a good cleaning.

3. Visible leakage or wetness at the cartridge ink intake area
   If you remove a cartridge and see ink around the intake/mating area, the seal may be incomplete.

4. Cartridge feels slightly "loose" when seated
   If a cartridge doesn't sit snugly or feels like it wiggles more than expected, a washer can sometimes compensate for the gap.

What the silicone washer actually does

A silicone washer acts like a compressible gasket. It helps the ink intake interface seal more tightly by:

• Filling tiny gaps caused by worn parts or manufacturing tolerances

• Preventing air from being drawn in during printing/cleaning cycles

• Improving consistent ink flow and reducing dropouts

Exactly what you need (if your printer requires them)

If you determine you need a set, this is the correct item:

• Silicone Washer Seal Pad (5 pcs) for HP or Canon (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/5-pcs-silicone-washer-seal-pad-for-hp-or-canon?_pos=1&_sid=dd2f29b68&_ss=r)

Practical tips when installing washers (to avoid new problems)

If you do add washers, a couple of precautions help prevent accidental issues:

• Use only one washer per intake unless the instructions specifically say otherwise. Stacking washers can prevent proper seating or cause misalignment.

• Make sure the washer sits flat and doesn't pinch or fold-an uneven washer can create a partial seal and still draw air.

• Don't overtighten or force the cartridge into place. If you have to force it, something is misaligned.

• After installation, run a nozzle check and observe whether the problem becomes stable (improvement should be more consistent when the seal is the true culprit).

About error codes

In your message, you didn't mention any specific printer error codes (for example, "cartridge not recognized," "ink system failure," "0x...," etc.). If you are seeing an error code along with the sealing/ink intake issue, please make sure to include the exact wording and code number in your next message, because some errors point to electrical contact/recognition issues rather than a seal/ink-flow issue-and the fix can be very different.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can schedule your printer drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. We also acknowledge our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. A great place to start is YouTube-especially our channel homepage, BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant videos quickly, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of questions daily asking for the right video on a specific topic, and after creating videos for more than nine years, it's difficult to remember every single one on demand-so YouTube search is the fastest method. Plus, YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other channels that match your issue.

Thanks again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. If you decide you need the washers, the link above is the exact set to use, and I hope it helps you get a reliable seal and consistent ink flow again.