How to Fix Pale Stripes and Waste Ink Pad Error on an Epson Workforce 500

Question:
We're experiencing print quality issues with our Epson Workforce 500—specifically, pale stripes and areas without ink prints, even after several nozzle checks and head cleanings. We also received a message saying that the waste ink pad is saturated. The printer has been reliable for years. We're located near Greensboro, NC, and would like to know if BCH Technologies offers repair services or sells replacement parts to help resolve this.

Answer:

The issue you're describing—pale horizontal stripes and missing ink despite cleaning cycles—is most commonly caused by a clogged printhead. This is a frequent issue in older Epson printers, especially if the printer has sat idle for periods or is running low on ink in one of the channels.

Step 1: Addressing the Printhead Clogs

You’ll want to begin by pmanually cleaning the printheadusing either a cleaning kit or a flushing solution. WOurYouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies] thas several tutorials hat show how to safely apply cleaning fluid to the printhead using a syringe and tube  These methods are often more effective than the built-in head cleaning cycle, especially if the nozzles are completely blocked.

If you're unsure where to start, search our channel for “Workforce printhead cleaning” or browse similar models—the technique is often the same across Workforce printers.

Step 2: Waste Ink Pad Reset

The second issue you’re encountering—the message that the waste ink pad is saturated—is triggered when the printer’s internal counter reaches a set limit. While the pad might or might not be physically saturated, Epson’s firmware will lock the printer until reset.

You can solve this electronically using a waste ink pad reset utility such as the one available at InkChip.net [https://inkchip.net/wic/]. They provide both the reset key and software instructions. InkChip also offers video walkthroughs on installing and running the reset utility.

While the software resets the internal counter, the physical ink pad inside the printer can still be full. If you plan to keep using the printer for a while, we recommend replacing the ink pad or redirecting the waste ink tube to an external container.

Repair Services at BCH Technologies

Since you're located in Winston-Salem, you're within driving distance of our facility in Greensboro, and yes—we do offer both diagnostics and repair services. If you're interested in dropping off the printer, here’s how it works:

• Complete printer repairs start with a $300 initiation fee (this covers labor only; parts are additional), followed by $65/hour for extended service time.

• You can bring the printer to our local repair center [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service].

• Please note: if you drop off a full printer, we do not ship printers back—you’ll need to pick it up once the repair is complete.

• On-site service is also available and includes a mileage fee and the standard hourly rate.

• You can also send us just the mainboard or other specific components if you prefer a more minor repair.

More details about turnaround times, shipping policies, and frequently asked questions are available on our printer repair service page [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service].

Dealing with printer repairs often involves physically inspecting and working on the unit, which makes remote troubleshooting difficult. For this reason, we’re unable to offer remote repair support. However, our in-person services are available through our local diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service], operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the current queue, it may take a few weeks to begin work on your unit. If you'd prefer to attempt repairs yourself, we strongly encourage using online resources—starting with our YouTube channel homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. You can use the search icon on the channel to find videos relevant to your exact issue. We’ve produced hundreds of videos over the past nine years, so chances are there's one that covers your situation—or YouTube may suggest a useful one from another creator.

Thanks again for reaching out, and for your continued interest in BCH Technologies. We look forward to helping you get your printer back up and running, whether through our videos or in-person service.