HP OfficeJet 8620 Waste Ink Tank Full - What You Can Do

Question:
My HP OfficeJet 8620 has developed a problem where waste ink has filled up inside the printer. Ink is now leaking from the bottom, creating a black pool under the machine. I watched your YouTube video about opening HP 86x0 printers, but I'm stuck on how to open and empty the waste tank so that the printer can keep working. The machine itself is still printing well after six years. I already have sponge-like material from an Epson waste tank, but the HP tank is very dirty on the outside and leaks ink whenever I move it. Is there a way to clean and replace it, or is it more practical to retire the printer?

Answer:

1. How HP Handles Waste Ink

   • Unlike some Epson models, HP does not have a neatly designed removable waste ink pad unit. Instead, the OfficeJet 8620 and similar models dump excess ink into the base of the printer, relying on evaporation over time.

   • Because of this design, there is no user-friendly access point or service procedure to replace or clean the waste ink area.

2. Why You Still Can Print

   • HP printers do not typically track or enforce a waste ink counter like Epson does. This means that even if the waste ink area is saturated, the printer itself will not stop you from printing.

   • The problem is purely physical: once saturated, the pads can no longer absorb ink, leading to leaks from the bottom of the machine.

3. Options for Handling Waste Ink Overflow

   • Temporary Containment: The most straightforward solution is to place the printer on a rubber mat or absorbent pad to catch leaks. This allows you to continue using the printer without attempting a messy teardown.

   • Opening the Printer: While it is technically possible to disassemble the OfficeJet 8620, the waste ink area is buried deep in the chassis. Opening it risks spreading ink everywhere, as you already suspected. Unlike Epson waste tanks, it's not designed for pad replacement or servicing.

   • Replacement Material: While sponge or wool material from Epson waste tanks could theoretically be repurposed, installing it in an HP 8620 would require extensive dismantling. The structure isn't modular, so you'd essentially be retrofitting pads into a space not meant for them.

4. Practical Recommendation

   • Given the difficulty of accessing and cleaning the waste ink area, most technicians would recommend not attempting a full internal replacement. The effort and mess often outweigh the benefits.

   • If the printer is still working well, you can continue using it with containment measures (such as mats or absorbent trays underneath). If leaks worsen or other parts start failing, that may be the point to consider retiring the machine.

Addressing printer issues like this can be messy and complicated, and because it requires hands-on disassembly, we aren't able to provide remote support or step-by-step repair assistance. However, we do offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). This service is first-come, first-served, and due to demand, it may take a few weeks before we can process your printer. We handle complete printer repairs as well as part-specific service, though our pricing may not be the most economical option. For many customers, self-research is often the most practical path. You can find helpful videos on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" tab to look for content on HP printer repairs, or explore related recommendations YouTube may suggest.

Thank you again for sharing your situation with us. Your support and feedback are invaluable, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide guidance for your HP OfficeJet 8620.