Most blocked-nozzle printers are fixable for the price of a coffee.
Verdict
Missing colours, banding and streaks are almost always dried ink in the nozzles rather than a dead printer, and a cleaning kit plus patience fixes most of them for a few dollars. What cleaning will not fix is a failed printhead or a printer whose ink costs more than a replacement. Try cleaning first, because the odds are good; replace it when the printhead is electrically dead or a full ink set costs more than a new machine.
~$20
Check Printhead Cleaning Kit for Inkjets Price| Printhead Cleaning Kit for Inkjets | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixes dried ink | Usually | Not applicable |
| Fixes a failed printhead | No | Yes |
| Cost | Very low | High |
| Time | Hours, sometimes overnight | Immediate |
| Solves high ink cost | No | Yes, tank system |
| Environmental cost | Minimal | A discarded printer |
Your test page shows missing lines or a missing colour. Run the printer's own cleaning cycle a couple of times first, then use a kit to soak the head if that fails. Many printers that people throw away are simply blocked, and this is worth an evening before spending real money.
Check Printhead Cleaning Kit for Inkjets on Amazon
Cleaning has failed repeatedly, the printer reports a hardware error, or you have realised a full set of cartridges costs nearly as much as a tank printer that runs for a fraction of the price per page. At that point replacing is the rational call.
Check Epson EcoTank ET-2800 on Amazon
Two or three, then stop and leave it a few hours before trying again. Each cycle uses a meaningful amount of ink, and running ten in a row wastes a cartridge without helping. Patience works better than repetition.
Ink drying in the nozzle, usually from not printing for weeks. The prevention is simple: print something in colour every week or two. Heat and low humidity make it worse.
Distilled water only, never tap water, since minerals cause their own blockages. Purpose-made cleaning solution works better. Never use alcohol or solvents on a printhead.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Clogging risk is why sublimation buyers pay a premium for a supported machine. Our Sawgrass SG1000 review covers automatic maintenance and what it costs in ink to avoid a repair.