Epson ET-2720 Cyan Ink Not Printing: Do I Need Replacement Ink Tubes?

Question

I have an Epson ET-2720 EcoTank printer, and I need to buy replacement ink tubes. I watched your video about replacing ink tubes on Epson EcoTank printers, but I do not see the tubes listed on Amazon. Do you carry replacement tubes for this model?

I have already tried cleaning the printhead, printing purge sheets, and running a power cleaning, but nothing seems to clear the Cyan channel or give me a good nozzle check. What should I try next?

Answer

For Epson desktop-width EcoTank printers, Epson generally uses two ink tube arrangements. Some models, including your Epson ET-2720, use ink tubes that are all the same size. Other models use a tube set where the black ink tube is larger than the color tubes. The larger black tube is designed to provide better ink flow for black ink, which is often used more heavily than the color channels.

We do carry a used genuine Epson ink supply tubing set that is commonly used for EcoTank and SuperTank models. You can find it here: Used Genuine Ink Supply Tubing for EcoTank and SuperTank Printers [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/used-genuine-ink-supply-tubing-for-ecotank-and-supertank-printers-et-2750-et-3750-et-4750-and-more-no-return?_pos=9&_sid=3ec5bca15&_ss=r].

Even though this tube set was made for models that may use a larger black tube, it can also be adapted for printers like the ET-2720 where the original tubes are the same size. In some cases, the larger black line can even improve black ink flow. However, since your current problem is with Cyan, the main concern is whether the Cyan ink path is clogged, restricted, air-locked, or physically damaged.

When Cyan will not print after printhead cleaning, purge sheets, and power cleaning, the problem may not be something that software cleaning can solve. Here are the most likely possibilities.

First, there may be a clog inside the Cyan channel of the printhead. The Epson ET-2720 uses a built-in printhead, and each color has a separate ink path through the printhead. If dried ink, pigment contamination, air, or debris blocks the Cyan nozzles, the printer may still function normally but produce a poor or completely missing Cyan pattern on the nozzle check. If the clog is inside the printhead itself, replacing the ink tube may not fix the issue.

Second, there may be an air gap in the Cyan ink line. EcoTank printers rely on steady ink flow from the tank to the printhead. If the Cyan tube has air bubbles, a partial blockage, or ink separation, the printhead may not receive enough Cyan ink even if the tank looks full. In this case, the nozzle check may show missing Cyan lines or no Cyan at all. Sometimes repeated cleanings only move the air pocket around instead of removing it, and excessive cleaning can also fill the waste ink pad faster.

Third, the Cyan tube may be clogged or restricted. This can happen if the printer sat unused, if incompatible ink was used, or if old ink thickened inside the tube. A clogged tube can prevent ink from reaching the damper or printhead. If the tube has hardened ink inside, replacing the tube may help restore flow, but only if the printhead is still healthy.

Fourth, the problem may be at the damper or ink inlet area. Some Epson EcoTank models have small dampers or ink delivery chambers that regulate ink before it enters the printhead. If the Cyan damper is blocked, dried out, or not sealing properly, the printhead may starve for Cyan ink. This can look very similar to a clogged printhead.

Fifth, there could be a problem with the capping station or pump system. During printhead cleaning, the printer parks the printhead over the capping station and uses suction to pull ink through the nozzles. If the cap is not sealing against the printhead, or if the pump line is clogged, the printer may go through the cleaning routine without actually drawing ink through the Cyan channel. In that case, multiple cleanings may not improve the nozzle check.

Since you have already tried printhead cleaning, purge sheets, and a power cleaning, I would be cautious about continuing to run more power cleanings. Power cleaning uses a large amount of ink and sends that ink to the waste ink system. Too many cleaning cycles can trigger waste ink-related errors later, such as a maintenance box or waste ink pad warning, depending on the printer model and firmware.

Before replacing the tube, I would suggest confirming whether Cyan ink is actually reaching the printhead. If the Cyan tube contains ink with no large air gaps, the issue may be more likely inside the printhead, damper, or capping station. If the Cyan tube is empty, full of air, or visibly blocked, then replacing or flushing the ink line may be worthwhile.

If you decide to replace the tubing, make sure the printer is handled carefully because EcoTank ink systems are gravity-fed and can leak if tubes are disconnected improperly. Also, take pictures before removing anything so you know the original tube routing. The tube position, clips, and bends matter because a kinked or pinched tube can create a new ink starvation problem.

If the Cyan channel is completely missing from the nozzle check, and replacement tubing does not restore ink flow, then the printhead may need deeper cleaning or replacement. In some cases, a printhead can be recovered with careful manual cleaning, but aggressive pressure, harsh chemicals, or forcing fluid through the wrong direction can damage the printhead permanently. This is why it is important to diagnose whether the failure is in the ink supply tube, the damper, the capping station, or the printhead itself before replacing parts.

You can also review the original video you mentioned here: How to Replace Ink Tube for Epson EcoTank Printers [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKGCalleEa4&lc=UgyDYbeUOx6sty8Ssad4AaABAg]. It should help you understand how the ink tubes are routed and what to look for when inspecting the ink delivery system.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many of these problems require hands-on inspection. For that reason, we are 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: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Because demand is high, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand that our rates are not the most economical option. For that reason, we strongly recommend self-help through online research first. You can start with YouTube or visit our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to look for specific topics. I receive dozens of questions every day asking for videos on specific repairs, and after creating videos for the past nine years, it is difficult to remember every single one. YouTube's search function is usually the most efficient way to find the right video, and it may also suggest helpful videos from other channels.

Thanks again for reaching out and for watching our videos. I hope this gives you a clearer idea of whether the Cyan problem is likely related to the ink tubing, the printhead, or another part of the ink delivery system.