Epson L1800, 1430, 1440, and 1390 Capping Station Repair: How to Fix Disconnected or Loose Tubes
- By Ellen Joy
- On Nov 03, 2025
- Comment 0
Question:
I accidentally popped off the capping station on my Epson printer and the big spring underneath came loose. It was connected to a black tube that I accidentally pulled out from wherever it was attached inside. I also noticed a second smaller black tube still connected below. How do I remove or repair the capping station and the waste pump assembly on an A3+ printer like the L1800, 1430, 1440, or 1390?
Answer:
When the capping station or its tubing comes loose, it typically involves the waste ink drainage system-which connects the cap assembly to the pump mechanism underneath. Let's go step by step through what's happening and how to address it safely.
1. Understanding the Capping Station Setup
The capping station has two key functions:
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It seals the printhead during idle time to prevent drying.
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It pumps waste ink during cleaning cycles.
The larger black tube you mentioned is the drain line, which carries waste ink from the cap to the pump assembly located beneath the printer. The smaller black tube is usually a vacuum line or secondary drain that assists in suction and pressure balance.
When either of these tubes comes loose, you may experience issues like:
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The capping station not sealing properly.
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Failed head cleanings or dry nozzles.
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Ink overflowing inside the printer base.
2. Reconnecting or Removing the Capping Station
Removing the entire capping station in models such as the Epson L1800, 1430, 1440, or 1390 requires partially opening the printer's casing. Epson doesn't make this easy-there are multiple clips, hidden screws, and delicate sensors.
If you're comfortable with mechanical disassembly, you can refer to this step-by-step instructional video:
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Removing and Installing the Capping Station - Watch the guide (https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc).
This video demonstrates how to remove and reinstall the capping station. It doesn't include uncasing the printer completely, but it's sufficient for most service work. If the casing removal looks too complex, it's safer to let a technician handle it.
3. Cleaning or Unclogging the Capping Station
If you suspect the tubes are blocked with dried ink, clean the capping station thoroughly. Use these video guides for detailed walkthroughs:
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Unclogging the Capping Station - Watch here (https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c).
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Capping Station Maintenance - Prevent clogs and seal issues (https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8).
A syringe and cleaning solution can be used to flush the black tubes gently. Avoid applying too much pressure, as the tubing can detach or rupture internally.
4. Repairing and Rewiring Tubes
If the black tubes are disconnected, you can follow this detailed tutorial:
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Rewiring Capping Station Tubes - Step-by-step instructions (https://youtu.be/J9im3s8UJfo).
This guide shows how to trace the ink drain and vacuum lines back to their correct fittings inside the waste pump assembly. Proper routing ensures consistent suction during cleaning cycles.
For users who want a full teardown and rebuild reference, we also provide a comprehensive video guide that disassembles the entire capping station-showing every gear, spring, and hose in sequence. You can find this professional-level tutorial on our website:
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Capping Station Assembly & Disassembly Guide for Epson L1800, 1390, Artisan 1430, and 1400 - View the guide (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400).
5. If You Hear Screeching or Grinding Sounds
If the printer makes a screeching noise after reassembly, it may be related to misalignment of the pump gears or the carriage motor. These videos can help you identify and fix that:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or direct repair assistance. However, we offer in-person printer evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can examine your unit. Our service options include both full printer repairs and component-level restoration, depending on your needs.
That said, for those who prefer self-repair, we strongly recommend browsing our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find videos related to your specific model, such as "Epson L1800 capping station" or "pump assembly repair." We've produced hundreds of videos over the past nine years, and this search method will quickly lead you to the most relevant tutorials.
Thank you again for your thoughtful question and continued support of BCH Technologies. Your commitment to learning and repairing your own printer is what drives us to keep producing high-quality guides for the DIY printer community.