How to Install an Epson Printer Waste Ink Bottle Kit and Handle Overflow Tube Openings

Question: I ordered an overflow tube and waste ink bottle kit from you, and I’m curious how the process is going. Also, is there a video on replacing the overflow sponge and emptying the waste tank? When I screw the adapters to the two tubes, what will happen to the ink that is already inside the tank? One last question: Do I leave the two extra hose openings on the stock overflow tank plugged?

Answer:

Where can I find a video to replace the overflow sponge and empty the waste tank?

Currently, we do not have a video for sponge removal and overflow bottle installation. However, we do cover waste ink system modifications in some of our repair videos. You can find those by searching fairly simple terms like “Epson waste ink mod” or “external waste ink tank” on our YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the magnifying glass icon next to the “About” tab to help refine your search.

That being said, the sponge inside the printer itself is mostly passive—it simply absorbs ink, with no impact on operation unless it gets so full that it begins to overflow or hits the internal counter. Unless, of course, you are installing an external waste tank, in which case there’s no need to replace or even remove the sponge. Most users just reroute the ink lines so they bypass the internal waste tank and avoid the "waste ink pad full" error.

What occurs the ink that is now in the waste tank.

When the outside bottle is fitted:

The external bottle fills with new waste ink.

Unless you physically pull it out and clean the internal sponge—an unnecessary step for normal operation—the old ink sits there in the internal sponge.

If you’re worried about ink building up over time, you can open the bottom of the printer and reach the sponge area. But this is not mandatory and is usually skipped because it is messy and usually not necessary unless you are doing a full refurbishment.

Your overarching goal is to limit how much more ink is added to that internal sponge, and your new configuration accomplishes that perfectly.

Should I need to plug the two extra hose ports on the original tank?

No, you don't have to plug or plug the two unused ports on the overflow tank (the original waste pad reservoir):

After connecting the new external waste ink system with the included Y-connectors or adapters, all the waste ink will route to the bottle.

The rest of the ports on the old tank are merely inlets for the original waste system and will not be a problem for the new setup.

If you’ve properly rerouted the main ink drain tubes, leaving them open won’t introduce a leak.

So, to review: no more sealing those extra ports — your new system will see no traffic on them whatsoever.

Printer malfunctions and modifications can be a little tricky, being physical in nature, and thus we aren’t able to provide remote tech support or live troubleshooting) However, we do offer some physical printer repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our local diagnostics station. Because of demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis and the scheduling for a drop-off may take a few weeks. Once our service has been accepted, step by step instructions will be accompanied by our personal phone support with full printer repair or component problems. We fully understand that our services may not be the cheapest in the industry. For DIYs we really suggest the search bar on our youtube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) Nine-plus years of content means that the search icon is the fastest way to get what you need, precisely—whether from you or someone they follow.

Thanks again for your support and your order! Until then, we look forward to getting your printer back on track! Please reach out if you have any other questions while getting set up.