How to Convert an Epson ET-14000 From Sublimation Back to Regular Ink: Safely Cleaning Tanks, Lines, and Printhead

Question

I bought a used Epson ET-14000 that was converted to sublimation ink. I want to switch it back to regular ink because I'll be printing transparencies for screen printing. I've read about the conversion process and feel I can handle it, but I'm confused about one step: when cleaning the ink tanks and ink lines, should I use the same liquid used to flush/clean the printhead? I can't find a specific "tank/line cleaning solution." What should I use?

Answer

The Short Answer: Yes-Use Distilled Water (For Tanks/Lines)

For cleaning ink tanks and ink lines when moving away from sublimation, the safest "universal" option is distilled water. In most cases, you do not need a special tank/line cleaning chemical, and using the wrong solvent can create bigger problems (swollen seals, softened tubing, leaking fittings, or damaged valves).

So for your specific question: use distilled water to rinse/flush the tanks and lines.

Why Distilled Water Is the Right Choice for Tanks and Lines

Ink tanks, feed lines, dampers, and junction points in EcoTank systems are designed to handle water-based inks-but they're also full of plastics, seals, and valves that can react badly to strong solvents. Distilled water is preferred because:

• It contains no minerals, so it's less likely to leave scale or residue that can clog fine pathways.

• It won't chemically attack common plastics used in EcoTank components.

• It helps dilute and carry out remaining sublimation ink without creating sludge or gel.

If you use tap water, mineral content can leave deposits over time, especially as water evaporates inside tiny channels.

Should You Use Distilled Water to Flush the Printhead Too?

This is where people often accidentally cause damage.

Tanks/Lines vs. Printhead Are Not the Same Risk

• Tanks/lines are larger pathways and generally forgiving.

• Printhead nozzles are microscopic and much more sensitive to residue, dried dye, and air.

Distilled water can be used in some printhead flushing scenarios, but it depends on how the printer behaves and how clogged it is. If sublimation ink has dried inside the nozzles, water alone may not dissolve everything effectively.

That said, since your question is specifically about tanks and lines, distilled water is the correct and safest recommendation.

Best-Practice Method for Cleaning Tanks and Lines (Simple and Safe)

Here's a careful approach that works well for conversions like yours:

1) Empty the Tanks Completely

• Drain as much sublimation ink as possible from each tank.

• If the tanks have staining, that's normal-don't chase "perfect clear plastic." Your goal is removing liquid ink and residue, not restoring the original look.

2) Rinse Tanks With Distilled Water

• Add distilled water, gently swirl, and drain.

• Repeat until the drained water is only lightly tinted.

• Avoid aggressive shaking if there are internal baffles-gentle swirl is enough.

3) Fill Tanks With Distilled Water and Let It Run Through Normally

The easiest and least risky way to move distilled water through the lines is:

• Refill with distilled water

• Run a nozzle check

• If needed, run a single cleaning cycle

• Repeat nozzle checks until colors fade toward very light or near-clear output

This method avoids forcing fluid through the system too aggressively, which can introduce air or loosen debris that later clogs the head.

Important Warnings When Switching Away From Sublimation Ink

Don't Overdo Cleaning Cycles

EcoTank models can overheat the head or saturate waste pads if you do repeated power cleanings. For line clearing, nozzle checks plus minimal cleaning cycles are usually safer than heavy cleaning routines.

Expect Transitional Color for a While

Even after tank rinsing, some dye will remain in:

• the ink lines

• internal junction points

• the damper area

• the printhead ink chambers

You may see off-color or muddy prints during the transition. This is normal until the system fully purges.

Air Bubbles Are a Common Issue

If lines pull air during the transition, you may get:

• missing sections in nozzle checks

• banding

• inconsistent density

That doesn't always mean a clog-often it's just air needing time and gentle cycling to purge out.

Why You Can't Find a "Tank/Line Cleaning Solution"

Because manufacturers typically don't intend tanks/lines to be chemically cleaned with a separate solvent. In most practical repair environments, the "solution" for tanks/lines is simply:

• remove old ink

• rinse with distilled water

• purge with normal operation

Specialized cleaning fluids are more often discussed for printhead recovery, not for tank systems.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because the problems are hands-on and often depend on subtle physical conditions inside the printer. For that reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step repair guidance, or direct support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (Printer Repair Service - BCH Technologies) (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we're able to schedule a drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed.

We also understand our rates may not be the most economical option, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. You can start with YouTube or visit our BCH Technologies YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find specific topics, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of messages every day asking which video covers a certain issue, and after producing videos for over nine years, it's difficult to remember every single one. Using YouTube's search function is the fastest method-and YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other channels that apply to your situation.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. I truly appreciate your patience, and I hope this helps you convert the ET-14000 safely and get clean, consistent output for your transparency screen-printing workflow.