How To Reset Epson Waste Ink Pad Error |link| May 2026

Important Legal & Technical Disclaimer:
Epson designs these counters to stop the printer after a specific amount of ink is flushed into the internal pads. This prevents ink from overflowing and damaging your furniture or the printer’s electronics. Resetting the counter without physically replacing or cleaning the pads will eventually cause ink to leak inside or outside the printer. Proceed at your own risk.

Method B: External Waste Ink Mod + Free Reset

Install external waste ink bottle (bypassing internal pad).
Use a free older WIC Utility (if compatible) or model-specific free adjustment program from a trusted forum (e.g., 2manuals.com, Inkjet411).

Preparation: What You Need

Before you begin the reset process, ensure you have the following:

A Windows PC: The official reset utility is almost exclusively designed for Windows OS. (Mac users may need to use Bootcamp or a Windows Virtual Machine).
A USB Cable: Your printer must be connected directly to your computer via USB (Wi-Fi resets are often unreliable for this tool).
Printer Power: Ensure the printer is turned on and not displaying any paper jam errors.

3. Phase 1: Physical Maintenance (Prerequisite)

Before performing a software reset, the physical waste ink pads must be inspected. how to reset epson waste ink pad error

Option A: Professional Replacement (Recommended) The most effective solution is to replace the waste ink pads with new ones. These can be purchased from third-party suppliers. This involves disassembling the printer casing to access the base.
Option B: External Waste Ink Tank (Recommended for heavy users) Users can install an external waste ink bottle by redirecting the waste ink tube (usually located at the rear or side of the printer) into an external container. This negates the need for future pad replacement.
Option C: Cleaning Existing Pads (Temporary Fix) If replacement pads are unavailable, the existing pads can be removed, rinsed thoroughly in warm water until clear, dried completely, and reinstalled. Warning: Do not reset the counter if the pads are still wet or saturated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset the Error

We will be using the Epson Adjustment Program (Reset Utility). Please note that Epson changes the download links occasionally, but the process remains similar across most L-series and EcoTank models.

Part 6: Method 4 – Replacing the Waste Ink Pad Physically (Then Reset)

Difficulty: Hard (requires disassembly)
Cost: $10–25 for a replacement pad kit
Best for: If the pad is truly saturated or you want a permanent fix. Important Legal & Technical Disclaimer: Epson designs these

Resetting without replacing is a temporary bandage. If you plan to keep the printer for 3+ more years, replace the pad.

How to Check Your Waste Pad Physically

Turn off the printer and unplug it.
Open the rear access panel or remove the scanner unit (varies by model).
Locate the absorbent pad – usually a gray or black felt-like sponge in the bottom right corner.
Press it with a glove. If ink drips out or it’s completely black and swollen, do not reset – replace the pad first.

6. Alternative Methods (Without Paid Software)

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

Resetting the Epson waste ink pad error is a straightforward software process, but it carries a physical risk if the absorbent pads are ignored. Method B: External Waste Ink Mod + Free Reset

Recommendations:

Check the Pads: Never reset the counter without verifying that the ink pads are not leaking.
Use USB: Always connect via USB cable when using reset utilities to avoid connection timeouts.
Install External Tank: For long-term reliability, install an external waste ink tank modification to avoid future saturation issues.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes. Users perform resets at their own risk. Epson advises that waste ink pad replacement should be performed by an authorized service provider.