Epson L18050 Not Printing and No Waste Ink Flow? Here’s How to Diagnose and Fix It

Question: My Epson L18050 printer isn’t outputting any ink, and the waste ink line is dehydrated. What could be causing this, and how do I fix it?

Let’s dig into what’s going on with your Epson L18050, which is showing two key symptoms:

• No ink is printing on paper, and

• The waste ink line remains dry during cleaning cycles.

These two issues are deeply related and often point to a failure in the ink flow and vacuum system, specifically, issues with the capping station or waste ink pump.

What’s Happening Inside the Printer?

The waste ink system plays a critical role in drawing ink through the printhead, especially during cleanings. If this suction system isn’t working, you’ll see:

• No ink output from the nozzles

• No waste ink movement through the waste tube

• No sound of ink moving or pump effort during cleaning cycles

This typically means that the printer isn't creating a vacuum, and therefore, no ink is flowing, either onto the paper or into the waste tank.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide

To narrow down the exact cause, follow these checks:

1. Ensure the Printhead Is Properly Parked

Power the printer on and let it fully initialize. The printhead should move to the right and settle onto the capping station. This “docked” position is essential for generating suction during cleaning.

2. Test Suction Through the Waste Line

• Disconnect the waste ink line from the printer's waste tank.

• Attach a syringe with tubing to the end of the waste line.

• Gently try to draw 1.5–2 ml of ink or air.

Now observe:

• No resistance / only air: The capping station likely isn’t sealing against the printhead correctly. Air is leaking in, preventing suction.

• Complete resistance / no movement: The waste ink pump might be clogged or its gears damaged.

• Partial suction with a crinkling sound: This is a good sign—it means the dampers are flexing and vacuum is forming. Run a cleaning cycle after this.

3. Inspect the Capping Station Itself

• Check for cracked or dried rubber seals. They should be soft and flush against the printhead’s surface.

• Look for dried ink residue or warping that might prevent a complete seal.

• Misalignment or hardened seals can break the vacuum and stop the ink flow entirely.

4. Evaluate the Waste Ink Pump

If your pump has stopped pulling ink altogether:

• It may have a broken internal gear, a worn motor, or become clogged with dried ink.

• In some cases, the motor wire or connector may have come loose during transport or service.

When Parts Need Replacement

If none of the above steps restore proper suction:

• Replace the capping station if it’s cracked, worn, or failing to seal.

• Replace or rebuild the waste ink pump assembly if you find gear damage or motor failure.

• In rarer cases, issues with the printhead manifold or ink damper seating may be to blame, but those are secondary after the suction system is ruled out.

We’ve covered this problem in more depth in our article:
➡️ Fixing Waste Ink Pump Issues on Epson L1800 – Ink Flow and Capping Station Tips
(https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/questions-and-answers/fixing-waste-ink-pump-issues-on-epson-l1800-ink-flow-and-capping-station-tips)

Extra Tips for Prevention and Setup

• If your printer is new or recently reassembled, make sure the ink lines are fully primed and dampers are seated tightly on the printhead.

• Avoid excessive head cleanings in a row. If the pump suddenly starts working mid-cycle, it could cause ink flooding or misfire.

• Periodically clean the capping station area and inspect for buildup that can hinder sealing.

Repair Support & DIY Alternatives

Dealing with suction and ink flow issues often requires hands-on testing and part replacement. Because of this, we aren’t able to offer remote troubleshooting or individual repair advice beyond general guidance.

However, we do offer in-person printer evaluation and repair through our diagnostic service center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a wait period for service availability.

Since our rates may not fit every budget, we also encourage DIY repair using online resources. A great place to start is our YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search bar next to “About” to find videos tailored to your exact printer model or issue. YouTube's algorithm may also recommend helpful third-party videos that are equally useful.

Thank you again for reaching out and trusting BCH Technologies. We're always here to help you get the most out of your printer—and we hope you’re able to get your L18050 back up and running smoothly!