Waste Ink Pump Clogged After One Month? Understanding Maintenance Needs for Epson/DTF Capping Stations

Question

A recently purchased waste ink pump has become clogged and is showing strong resistance, even though it has only been in use for less than a month. The customer also asks whether the product was purchased from us.

Answer

Regarding your question: yes, you purchased a used capping station, specifically the Used Capping Station for L1800/1390/1400 DTF Printers (Tested and Reliable). Here is the product link for reference:
Used Capping Station for L1800/1390/1400 DTF Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/used-capping-station-for-l1800-1390-1400-dtf-printers-tested-and-reliable?_pos=5&_sid=54a7b5895&_ss=r).

Why Waste Ink Pumps and Capping Stations Can Clog Quickly

Capping stations-especially used ones-require consistent and proactive maintenance. This is even more important in DTF environments because:

• DTF ink is thicker and more adhesive than standard inkjet formulations.

• DTF pigments settle faster, causing internal channels to clog sooner.

• The waste ink line accumulates residue, which can harden within days if not flushed.

• Used capping stations may have pre-existing micro-residue, which can accelerate buildup.

Even a "tested and reliable" used capping station will only perform well if regular cleaning is maintained. These parts do not behave like brand-new OEM components and require more attentive upkeep.

Signs of a Clogged Pump or Capping Station

A clogged or restricted waste ink pump typically shows:

• Very slow suction or strong resistance when manually priming

• Pump motor noise but poor ink movement

• Ink pooling on the printhead

• Nozzle checks failing despite clean printheads

• Lines filled with semi-hardened pigment or sludge

This is common if the pump isn't flushed frequently or if thicker inks are used without proper maintenance.

Maintenance You Must Perform With Used Capping Stations

To keep a used capping station functioning reliably, you must:

1. Flush the pump and waste tubing regularly
   - Use warm distilled water or a cleaning solution
   - Never allow DTF ink to sit in the lines for long periods

2. Clean the rubber cap seals
   - DTF ink dries fast and creates airtight blockages

3. Clean the mesh filter under the cap
   - This mesh traps pigment and clogs easily

4. Use suction tools during weekly maintenance
   - Manually pull cleaning fluid through to keep channels open

5. Ensure the printhead is parking correctly
   - A misalignment creates poor sealing and backflow

Because this unit is pre-used, any lapse in maintenance-even a short one-can allow old pigments to re-solidify.

Why This Can Happen in Less Than a Month

DTF ink systems operate under harsher conditions than standard inkjet printers. With used components:

• Residue left from previous use can reactivate

• Pigment buildup accelerates

• Internal pump flaps can stiffen quicker

• Flow resistance increases much faster than expected

So even though one month seems quick, it is very common for used DTF pumps and caps to require more intensive cleaning-sometimes weekly-depending on usage and environment.

Addressing printer issues can be challenging because they often require hands-on inspection and maintenance. For this reason, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or detailed repair assistance. If you would like in-person diagnostic help, our repair facility offers evaluation and service on a first-come, first-served basis:
BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).
Please note that wait times may be a few weeks depending on workload. While our repair work is thorough, it may not always be the most economical option, so we strongly encourage pursuing self-help solutions through online research. A good starting point is our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon next to "About" to find videos on specific topics. With nine years of tutorials, it's difficult to remember every video we've made, so the YouTube search tool is the quickest way to locate the right guide-and YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for contacting us, and we truly appreciate your support and your effort to keep your equipment running smoothly.