How to Handle Ink Pad Overflow in HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 Printers After Moving

Question:
I've been using my HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 for about ten years and it's worked wonderfully, thanks to your helpful videos. However, when I moved to a new home, the printer must have been shaken during transport. After setting it up, I noticed ink leaking from the wells and pads inside-it made quite a mess on my hands. Is there a way to clean or replace the ink pads, or do you have a video that covers this?

Answer:

Now, regarding your question-your observation is completely valid. The ink pads or waste ink absorbers inside your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 can indeed collect a significant amount of ink over time, especially after years of cleaning cycles and purges. What you experienced when unpacking your printer after the move was likely residual ink spilling from those internal wells because the printer had been tilted or jostled, causing liquid ink to move from the sponge reservoir into surrounding compartments.

The good news is that you don't need to replace the ink pads in this model under normal circumstances. HP designed these pads primarily to collect excess ink during maintenance cycles. They are not meant to be user-serviceable, as accessing them requires full disassembly of the base unit, which can be very messy and easily cause printer damage if not done carefully.

Here's What You Can Do:

1. Keep the printer level:
   The most important step is to make sure the printer is sitting flat and level on a sturdy surface. Even a slight tilt can cause more ink to leak out of the absorber area.

2. Clean any exposed ink safely:
   Use disposable gloves and damp paper towels (preferably with isopropyl alcohol) to carefully wipe up any visible ink from the base or around the cartridge access area. Avoid using household cleaners, as they can leave residues that interfere with sensors or rubber seals.

3. Avoid shaking or moving the printer unnecessarily:
   Every time the printer is moved or tilted, leftover ink in the waste absorber may shift and leak. Try to keep the printer stationary and avoid placing it on uneven surfaces.

4. Optional - gentle flush if accessible:
   If ink overflowed near the purge pump area (the section where the printhead parks during cleaning), you can use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with warm distilled water to blot around that zone. This can help absorb surface ink and reduce odor, but do not try to reach deep into the absorber wells.

5. When replacement becomes necessary:
   The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 has a service counter that tracks the number of cleaning cycles. If the waste ink pads become saturated to the point that the printer triggers a "Service Error" or "Ink System Failure", the absorber may need replacement. However, these cases are rare and usually require a professional technician, as the absorber pad assembly sits underneath the carriage motor and mainboard.

At this point, the best course of action is simply to keep the printer level and stable. The ink you encountered was residual waste ink displaced during the move-not a sign of permanent damage. Once the printer is level and has been sitting for a while, the issue should not reoccur.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it might take a few weeks before we can receive your printer. Our repair services can cover either full units or specific components, depending on what's needed. However, we understand that our rates may not be the most economical. That's why we encourage self-help options-visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search icon next to "About" to find videos on printer maintenance, ink absorber cleaning, and care tips. YouTube may also recommend related content from other creators that can help you further.

Thank you again for your continued support and for taking such great care of your printer. Your attention to detail and dedication are what keep the printing community strong and knowledgeable!