How to Flush Old Ink and Start Fresh with BCH Ink on an Epson ET-8550 Printer

Question:
I have an Epson ET-8550 printer that I've only used once. I'd like to start over, clean out all the old ink, and use BCH ink instead. Can you help me get it set up properly so I can start on the right foot?

Answer:

To start fresh with your Epson ET-8550, you'll need to flush out the old ink completely before switching to BCH ink. Since you've only printed once, you're in a good position-the ink likely hasn't had time to dry or clog up the printhead. Here's a detailed guide to help you get started:

1. Prepare Cleaning Cartridges or Cleaning Solution:
   You can use BCH's printer cleaning solution designed for Epson printers. If you already have refillable ink bottles, you can rinse them out thoroughly with distilled water and then fill them with the cleaning solution. Avoid tap water, as minerals and impurities can cause future clogging.

2. Flush the Ink Lines and Printhead:
   Run multiple Power Cleaning or Ink Flushing cycles from your Epson maintenance menu. This process replaces the old ink in the lines and printhead with the cleaning solution. You may need to repeat this step a few times until you see clear or lightly tinted solution during a nozzle check.

3. Let the Printer Sit:
   Allow the printer to rest for a few hours or overnight with the cleaning solution inside. This softens any dried ink residue inside the printhead and ensures smooth ink flow later.

4. Install BCH Ink:
   Once the printer is clean, refill the tanks with BCH dye or pigment ink, depending on your intended use (photo or document printing). Make sure you use ink formulated for Epson EcoTank printers.

5. Prime the System:
   Run a few Nozzle Checks and Cleaning Cycles to pull the new ink through. The first few prints may look slightly off in color while the old residue clears out. After two or three pages, you should get consistent, vibrant results.

6. Optional Deep Clean (if needed):
   If you notice persistent streaks or missing colors, a manual flush using a printhead cleaning kit may help. This involves disconnecting the ink tubes and gently pushing cleaning solution through each channel. Only perform this step if you're comfortable handling the internal parts, as the ET-8550's printhead is delicate.

Addressing printer issues can sometimes be complicated due to their hands-on nature. Therefore, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair support. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) through our local diagnostic facility. Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and depending on demand, there may be a waiting period before we can service your printer.

Our services are available for full printer repairs or specific part replacements, and we'll guide you clearly on how to proceed. While our rates may not be the lowest, we encourage self-help as a practical option. Start by exploring YouTube tutorials, including our BCH Technologies channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon beside "About" to find videos related to cleaning, ink flushing, and Epson printer setup. With over nine years of video content, this is often the fastest way to find the information you need-and you may even discover useful insights from other creators as well.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your trust in BCH Technologies. We're thrilled that you're choosing to use our ink and are here to help ensure your printing experience starts off right.