Do You Need to Replace the Air Filters on Your Epson L1800 Ink Tanks? Troubleshooting Banding Issues in Solid Color Prints

Question:

I’ve had my Epson L1800 printer for about three years, and I’m wondering—should I be replacing the air filters on the ink tanks? Do they go bad over time? I’ve been experiencing banding lately, especially when printing large solid colors. I saw these air filters for CISS systems [https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/6-pc-air-filter-for-continuous-ink-system-ciss-cis] and I’m unsure if they’re necessary.

Answer:

Thank you so much for reaching out to us, and I sincerely apologize for not being able to get back to you sooner. We understand entirely how urgent printer issues can feel, especially when your workflow is interrupted. At BCH Technologies, we aim to treat every inquiry with the careful attention it deserves. Your questions help us improve our knowledge and service, and we’re especially grateful for your continued support of our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies].

Let’s answer your question about the air filters and the banding issue you’re experiencing.

Do Air Filters on Ink Tanks Go Bad?

Yes, the small white air filters on top of Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) tanks are designed to allow air in while preventing dust and particles from entering. Over time, they can become saturated with ink mist or clogged with dust, especially if you're printing frequently or operating in a dusty environment.

If these filters are stained with ink or look dirty, they are no longer functioning efficiently. Dirty filters can impede air flow into the ink tanks, which disrupts the balance of air pressure. This, in turn, creates resistance when the printer tries to draw ink from the tanks—exactly the kind of condition that causes banding, especially when printing large areas of solid color.

How to Check the Filters and Ink Flow

Here’s what you can do to evaluate the situation:

1. Visual Inspection: Remove the filters and see if they appear discolored or ink-stained. Any visible contamination is a sign they should be replaced.

2. Flow Test: Detach the tube and attempt to gently draw ink through the tube using a syringe. If you feel resistance, a clogged air filter is a likely culprit. Replacing the air filter should restore proper flow.

3. Avoid Over-Pressurizing: Don't attempt to solve resistance by forcing the ink through—it can cause leaks or push air bubbles into the printhead, making the problem worse.

When to Replace Filters

On average, air filters on a CISS system should be checked every 6–12 months, depending on use. If your printer is three years old and this is the first time you’re considering replacing the filters, it’s quite likely they are due—or even overdue—for replacement.

You can find replacement filters such as the ones you're referring to here: 6-Pc Air Filter for Continuous Ink System (CISS) [https://bch-youtube-fan-store.myshopify.com/products/6-pc-air-filter-for-continuous-ink-system-ciss-cis].

Other Considerations for Banding

While air filters are a common cause of banding in CISS setups, don’t forget to:

• Check printhead alignment

• Run nozzle checks

• Perform a printhead cleaning cycle

• Inspect tubing for any air bubbles or kinks

Banding can also result from partial clogging in the printhead or insufficient ink delivery due to air leaks elsewhere in the system.

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 offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for your question and for being a part of the BCH Technologies community. We’re here to support your printing journey however we can!