How to Access Ink Lines Inside an Epson ET-5150

Question:

How can I access the ink lines inside my Epson ET-5150 for inspection or to take photos for warranty purposes? I can’t find a way to open the printer, and I’m looking for a guide or video that explains how to reach the ink line area.

Answer:

Accessing the Ink Lines Inside the Epson ET-5150

The Epson ET-5150 is part of the newer EcoTank business series, which means the internal design is more compact, more integrated, and notably more restrictive to open than older EcoTank models. Epson designed these units to discourage user-level internal access, largely to protect sensors, ribbon cables, and the printhead assembly.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Epson Does Not Provide User-Serviceable Access to Ink Lines

Unlike some older or larger-format printers, the ET-5150 does not have a straightforward disassembly path for accessing ink lines. There is no removable panel dedicated to internal ink tube access. Instead, the ink tubes are routed deeply under the scanner unit and through the printer’s central frame.

To reach them, you would normally need to:

• Remove the scanner assembly

• Disconnect hidden ribbon cables

• Detach multiple plastic clips inside the body

• Lift the top chassis plate

• Expose the printhead rail and ink line path

This process is not recommended for inexperienced users because one misstep can cause:

• Sensor cable damage

• Scanner calibration failure

• Printhead alignment errors

• Triggering of fatal firmware codes (e.g., 0xF1, 0xEA, 0x9A)

2. Why It’s Difficult to Simply “Take a Photo” for Epson Warranty

Many customers run into this exact issue—Epson support may request a photo of the ink supply line area for troubleshooting or warranty verification. Unfortunately, Epson's request doesn’t reflect how difficult the procedure actually is on this model.

On the ET-5150:

• The only visible areas are the ink tank window, ink pad compartment, and rear access panel.

• The ink tubes are fully sealed along the interior track.

• There are no user-level safe entry points to photograph the tubes.

This means:
If Epson insists on photos of the internal tubes, they are effectively asking for professional-level disassembly.

3. If You Still Want to Access the Ink Lines

If your goal is documentation for warranty purposes and you feel comfortable continuing:

Proceed with caution — unauthorized opening may void warranty.

Typical steps (professional guidance):

1. Remove the scanner assembly

   • Lift gently from the hinge area.

   • Disconnect the flat white ribbon cable and smaller sensor cable underneath.

2. Remove the top cover plate

   • Hidden screws are located under the left tank door and behind the rear paper guide.

   • Multiple interior clips must be released without breaking.

3. Expose the ink line carriage path

   • The ink tubes run along the left interior wall into the printhead carriage.

   • Photos can be taken at this stage, but reaching this point requires professional disassembly tools.

4. Recommended Alternative

Before opening anything, try asking Epson the following:

“The ET-5150 does not provide user access to the ink line area. Is a photo from the ink tank side or maintenance box compartment sufficient?"

Several customers report that Epson accepts alternative photos once the difficulty is explained.

5. Why We Do Not Currently Have a Video for the ET-5150

Because disassembling the ET-5150 requires a teardown that risks:

• Cracking the scanner frame

• Breaking clips that cannot be replaced

• Causing irreversible alignment issues

…we have not yet filmed a disassembly video for this model. The next closest model with a similar chassis design is the ET-4850, but even that model differs internally.

Important Note About Troubleshooting and Repairs

Addressing printer issues can be complex due to the hands-on nature of the work. Because of this, we’re unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair guidance beyond general suggestions. However, you’re welcome to visit our in-person diagnostic facility for evaluation and repair (BCH printer repair service). Due to high demand, our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can receive your printer. We repair full units or individual components and provide clear steps for drop-off. That said, our pricing may not be the cheapest option, so we always encourage customers to explore self-help through online research. You can also browse our nine years of video tutorials on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) by using the search icon next to the “About” tab—YouTube may even recommend relevant videos from other channels that could be helpful.

Thank you again for your question and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your engagement helps us continue improving our resources and technical content for the entire community.