How to Fix "Ink Pad Nearing End of Life" Message on Epson Printers

Customer Question:

I recently performed a power cleaning on my Epson 2720, and while it improved my print quality—especially restoring black ink—I now see a message saying the Ink Pad is nearing the end of its life. Is there a way to fix this? Perhaps you have a video tutorial on this issue?

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out! I apologize for the delay in responding. I understand that all printer issues are urgent, but I want to ensure I provide a thorough and accurate response. BCH Technologies appreciates your engagement and support, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine our technical knowledge and create helpful content for the community.

Now, let’s get into your question.

Understanding the "Ink Pad Nearing End of Life" Message

Epson printers use an internal waste ink pad to absorb excess ink during printhead cleanings. Over time, the ink pad becomes saturated, and the printer displays the "Ink Pad is nearing the end of its life" warning to prevent potential ink overflow.

What Can You Do?

Fortunately, you have a few options to address this issue:

1. Reset the Waste Ink Counter

Epson uses an internal counter to track the amount of ink absorbed by the waste pad. Even if the pad isn’t physically full yet, the printer might trigger the warning based on its usage count. You can reset this counter using Epson's official Waste Ink Pad Counter Reset Utility, available for certain models on Epson's support website.

Alternatively, try third-party reset software, such as the WIC Reset Utility, to clear the message. However, be cautious when using third-party tools, as Epson does not officially support them.

2. Manually Clean or Replace the Ink Pad

If the warning persists or the printer refuses to print, you may need to physically clean or replace the waste ink pad. Here’s how:

• Open the printer’s back panel or bottom cover (this varies by model).
• Locate the waste ink pad—it looks like a sponge or absorbent material.
• Blot excess ink with paper towels to remove built-up ink.
• Let the pad dry completely, or replace it with a new one if it’s too saturated.

If you prefer a step-by-step guide, I recommend watching our YouTube tutorial on fixing waste ink pad errors (https://youtu.be/vDi4YdzXkD8).

3. Consider an External Waste Ink Tank Mod

For long-term use, some users install an external waste ink tank to redirect excess ink away from the internal pad. This modification prevents saturation and reduces the need for frequent resets. It involves running a small tube from the printer’s waste ink outlet to an external bottle. This can be a great solution if you're comfortable with DIY printer modifications.

Preventing Future Waste Ink Errors

• Print regularly to avoid excessive cleaning cycles, which contribute to ink pad saturation.
• Use maintenance mode cleaning sparingly—only when necessary.
• Monitor waste ink levels and reset the counter when appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Due to the hands-on nature of printer issues, addressing them can be complicated. Therefore, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks for your printer to drop off.

Our services cover complete printer repairs and specific part replacements, with clear instructions on the next steps. However, our rates may not always be the most budget-friendly. That’s why we encourage self-help via online research. You can start by searching for solutions on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search function next to the "About" tab to find relevant videos.

Again, thank you for your patience and support, which help keep your Epson 2720 running smoothly for a long time. Let me know if you need further assistance, and happy printing!