Solving White Ink Flow Issues on the Epson XP-15000: Is a Nipple-Style Printhead the Fix You Need?

Question:

I've been having persistent issues getting white ink to flow properly in my Epson XP-15000 and have spent almost a week troubleshooting with no luck. I saw that BCH offers a nipple-style printhead conversion—will this help with my white ink flow issues? Also, I have a basic CISS that doesn’t stir the ink, and I’ve had clogging issues before on a sublimation printer. What exactly do I need to buy—cartridges, accessories, everything—to make this setup work?

Answer:

Will Switching to a Nipple-Style Printhead Help White Ink Flow?

Yes—upgrading to a nipple-style printhead is a highly effective solution for resolving white ink flow problems, particularly on the Epson XP-15000. The stock printhead on this model uses a mesh-style filter, which often traps pigment particles or dries out, leading to frequent clogs and inconsistent ink flow. These issues are especially pronounced with white ink, which is heavier and settles faster than standard pigment or dye inks.

With a nipple-style intake, the ink bypasses the internal mesh filter and is delivered straight into the damper, making the system much easier to maintain. You’ll be able to flush and clean it more thoroughly, and it pairs exceptionally well with BCH's V3 Top Load Dampers—designed specifically to handle the thickness and flow properties of white ink.

Complete Shopping Checklist for Your XP-15000 White Ink Setup

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to convert your setup effectively:

✅ 1. Nipple-Style Printhead (or Printhead Conversion Kit)

This is your foundational upgrade. Ensure the one you choose is compatible with the Epson XP-15000 model.

✅ 2. V3 Top Load Dampers by BCH Technologies

Our Top Load Dampers for Nipple Printheads (https://bchtechnologies.com) are optimized for white ink flow. They connect directly to the nipple intake and have user-friendly tube ports for easy integration.

✅ 3. CISS System with Auto-Stirring

While your current basic CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) might physically fit, it’s not ideal for white ink because it lacks stirring functionality. White ink needs regular agitation to prevent settling and line clogs.

We recommend a CISS that includes:

• Built-in auto-stirring mechanism

• Adjustable agitation timer (every 15–30 minutes is ideal)

• Tube fittings that match the V3 dampers

BCH Technologies is developing its own white-ink-optimized CISS with built-in stirring. You can sign up on our website for restock alerts when it's available.

✅ 4. High-Quality White Ink & Cleaning Solution

Only use DTF-grade or pigment white ink that’s compatible with your system. Don’t forget to purchase an appropriate cleaning fluid for regular maintenance. Never leave white ink sitting idle in the lines—it will settle and clog.

✅ 5. Optional Tools for Easier Setup

• Ink line clips – keep tubes neatly routed

• Priming syringe – helps with the first fill

• Dummy cartridges – useful for printer startup, if required

Key Setup Tips and Considerations

• Once you switch to a nipple-and-tube system, you’ll no longer use cartridges—ink flows directly from tanks through tubes.

• Manual shaking of white ink tanks once a day is essential if you don’t have an auto-stir system.

• Before introducing white ink, be sure to flush the printhead and tubing thoroughly, especially if the printer has been idle.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take several weeks before your printer can be dropped off. Our services are structured to repair either the entire unit or specific components, with detailed guidance provided. However, we recognize that our rates may not be the most affordable. That’s why we strongly encourage you to pursue self-help solutions through online resources. You can begin by exploring our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon on our channel homepage to look for videos by keyword. With nearly a decade of content available, it's the fastest way to locate the help you need—YouTube might even recommend related videos from other experts.

Thank you again for your question and for being part of the BCH Technologies community. We're always here to support your printing journey!