Why Is My Epson L3250 Printing With Streaks?

Question:
My Epson L3250 printer is printing with streaks across the page. What could be causing this issue, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

When your Epson L3250 prints with streaks or lines, the issue usually relates to clogged printhead nozzles, ink flow inconsistencies, or alignment problems. Here are some detailed steps and possible causes to consider:

1. Check for Clogged Nozzles

Streaks often occur when one or more nozzles are partially clogged. This prevents ink from flowing evenly, leading to missing lines or uneven color output.

• Go to your printer's maintenance settings and run a Nozzle Check.

• If you see gaps or broken lines in the test pattern, perform a Head Cleaning cycle.

• You may need to repeat this process 2-3 times, but allow a few minutes between cleanings to avoid overheating the printhead.

If you still see streaks after multiple cleanings, it may indicate dry or hardened ink inside the nozzles. In this case, a manual cleaning using cleaning fluid and a syringe kit can help restore ink flow. BCH Technologies offers specialized printhead cleaning solutions that can safely dissolve dried pigment or dye ink buildup.

2. Verify Ink Levels and Flow

Low or unprimed ink tanks can also lead to streaks. Make sure all ink tanks are filled to the correct level and that air bubbles aren't trapped in the ink lines.

• If you recently refilled the ink, perform an Ink Charge or Power Cleaning to pull fresh ink into the printhead.

• Check that the tank caps are sealed properly and that the vents are open (a closed vent can create vacuum pressure, restricting ink flow).

3. Check the Paper and Print Settings

Using the wrong paper type or print mode can exaggerate streaking.

• Make sure you're using high-quality inkjet paper and that the print setting matches the media type (e.g., Plain Paper, Photo Paper).

• Set the print quality to "High" or "Best" for diagnostic tests, since "Draft" mode naturally produces visible lines.

4. Run a Printhead Alignment

If streaks appear consistently in the same position, it might be a misaligned printhead.

• In the printer utility menu, select Print Head Alignment and follow the on-screen instructions.

• This will realign the nozzles and help ensure that ink placement is accurate.

5. Firmware or Mechanical Issues

If all else fails, a firmware bug or worn-out printhead could be the root cause. Epson occasionally releases firmware updates that improve ink management or fix print anomalies. Check Epson's official website for the latest updates for your model.

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 or support for printer repairs. We do, however, offer in-person evaluations and repair services through our local diagnostic facility at BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, service is on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can inspect your printer. Our services include both full printer repairs and individual component fixes. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, we encourage you to try DIY solutions-search our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for videos related to "Epson L3250 streaks" or "printhead cleaning." You can use the search icon next to the "About" tab for best results.

Thank you again for your patience and for being part of our community. We truly appreciate your trust and support-it helps us continue producing guides and videos that make printer care easier for everyone.