Epson ET-2720 "Waste Ink Pad End of Life": Should You Install an External Waste Tank Now or Wait?

Question: I cleaned the waste ink pads and reset the levels on my Epson ET-2720. Can I remove those cleaned pads now and install an external waste ink bottle using the same reset key I just purchased, or should I wait until the next "end of life" message?

Answer:

Yes-you can install the external waste ink bottle now, even though you already cleaned the pads and already reset the waste ink counter. There's no technical requirement to wait for the next "end of life" event.

Why installing the external waste bottle now is usually the better move

The "waste ink pad end of life" message (often shown as something like "Service required" / "Ink pad is at the end of its service life") happens because Epson tracks a waste-ink counter. Every time the printer cleans, primes, or purges, it assumes a certain amount of ink goes into the internal pads. Over time:

• The pads physically saturate (mess risk inside the chassis).

• The counter reaches a limit (printer stops or restricts operation until reset/service).

Cleaning the pads helps with the physical saturation today, but it does not prevent them from saturating again quickly-especially if your printer does frequent cleanings or if there's any minor air/ink-flow issue that triggers extra purges.

Installing an external waste tank now usually gives you the best long-term outcome because it:

• Keeps waste ink out of the printer chassis, reducing the chance of internal ink pooling or staining.

• Slows or prevents pad re-saturation, so you're not opening the printer again soon.

• Makes maintenance easier, because future waste ink is visible and contained in a bottle you can manage.

Will the reset key "still work" if you switch to an external bottle?

In practical terms, the reset you already performed is not "invalidated" by installing an external waste tank afterward.

• The reset action simply sets the waste ink counter back down at the moment you ran it.

• Installing an external bottle is a physical routing change-it doesn't change what the counter is right now.

• In the future, you'll only need another reset when the counter reaches its limit again, regardless of whether you're using internal pads or routing waste ink externally.

So: go ahead and install the external bottle now if you're comfortable doing it.

Important detail: An external tank doesn't stop the counter from counting

This is the part many people miss: even with an external bottle, the printer will still perform cleanings and still "estimate" waste ink, so the counter will still rise over time. The external tank mainly prevents the physical mess and saturation of internal pads, but the printer may still eventually show the same warning again when the counter reaches its threshold.

That's normal. The difference is:

• With internal pads: you risk a messy, saturated chassis and recurring teardown.

• With an external tank: the ink is contained, and resets become more of a routine maintenance item.

Best practices when installing an external waste ink bottle (to avoid leaks or siphoning)

If you decide to install it now (which I recommend), here are a few practical tips:

• Secure the tubing path so it doesn't kink, pinch, or rub against moving parts.

• Seal connections well (snug fit, no loose adapters). A tiny gap can cause leaks or airflow issues.

• Position the bottle correctly: generally, don't place it dramatically higher than the printer's waste outlet. Extreme height differences can sometimes contribute to unwanted siphoning behavior.

• Label the bottle and check it periodically-don't let it overfill.

• After installation, run a small test (like a nozzle check) and inspect for any drips over the next day.

Should you keep the cleaned pads installed or remove them?

Many external-tank setups bypass the pads so they no longer receive most waste ink. Whether you physically remove the pads depends on the specific method used and how your waste line is routed. The key point: you don't need to wait. If your installation method involves removing or bypassing the pads, you can do that now.

Addressing printer issues can get complicated because so much of it is hands-on and depends on the exact condition of the machine. Because of that, 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 first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks before we can receive your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand 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). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar to find topic-specific videos. I receive dozens of messages daily asking which video covers a specific issue, and after nine years of creating videos, it's tough to remember every single one-so YouTube search is the fastest path. You may also find helpful recommendations from other creators.

Thanks again for subscribing and for your support-really glad the video helped you avoid buying another waste pad so soon. If you install the external tank now, you're setting yourself up for much easier maintenance going forward.