Do not panic if you have an Epson printer and you are suddenly looking at a red light that is blinking or an error message that reads, “Service required.” It’s likely that the waste ink pad counter on your printer has filled up. Although this seems like a serious problem, a reset is frequently the easy fix.
Without any technical jargon or complex tools, just a little patience, let’s go over what this means and how to reset the waste ink pad counter step-by-step.
🧠 First, What Is the Waste Ink Pad?
Inside every Epson inkjet printer is a sponge-like pad called the waste ink pad. Its job is to collect and absorb leftover ink during cleaning cycles and other print maintenance tasks. Over time, these pads fill up. When the printer thinks it’s full, it disables itself to prevent ink overflow.
Here’s the thing: sometimes the pad isn’t physically full yet—but the printer’s internal counter hits its limit. That’s where a reset comes in.
🚨 Signs Your Epson Printer Needs a Reset
A blinking red light or both power and ink lights flashing alternately
- “Service required” or “Ink pad is at the end of its service life” error
- Printer refuses to print, even with new ink
- Sound familiar? Then you’re in the right place.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
To reset the waste ink pad counter, you’ll typically need:
- A computer (Windows works best for this)
- A USB cable (to connect the printer to your computer)
- The correct Adjustment Program (Epson’s reset utility software for your specific printer model)
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Reset the Waste Ink Pad Counter
- Step 1: Turn off Your Printer
Make sure it’s completely powered off, but leave it connected to your computer via USB. - Step 2: Download the Adjustment Program
Search online for “[your printer model] adjustment program” (e.g., Epson L3110 Adjustment Program). Make sure you’re downloading it from a reliable source. (Tip: These tools are usually zipped files. Extract them using software like WinRAR or 7-Zip.) - Step 3: Run the Program as Administrator
Right-click on the file (usually named AdjProg.exe) and select Run as Administrator. This avoids permissions issues. - Step 4: Select Your Printer Model
Inside the program, choose your printer model and the correct port (usually “Auto” works fine if your printer is connected). - Step 5: Choose “Waste Ink Pad Counter”
Click on “Particular adjustment mode”, then select “Waste ink pad counter” from the list. - Step 6: Check & Initialize
Click Check to read the current counter value. If it’s maxed out, go ahead and click Initialize to reset it to zero. - Step 7: Restart Your Printer
After a successful reset, power off your printer, then turn it back on. It should now be back to normal.
🧽 Should You Replace the Actual Pad?
Resetting the counter tells the printer to “forget” how much ink has been collected—but it doesn’t physically clean or empty the pad.
- If your printer is older, or if you’ve reset it multiple times, it’s a good idea to:
- Have the waste ink pad cleaned or replaced (usually by a technician), or
- Redirect the waste ink using an external waste ink tank (many DIYers do this to prevent internal mess)
⚠️ A Word of Caution
The reset process works—but it’s not officially supported by Epson. So, use it responsibly. If your printer is still under warranty, it’s better to contact Epson support first.
📌 Final Thoughts
Your Epson printer might be given new life by resetting the waste ink pad counter, particularly if an error occurs suddenly. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to do it, and it’s not as scary as it seems. You will be printing again quickly if you properly follow the instructions.
Your printer may require professional repair or even retirement if it continues to produce the same error even after being reset.
How To Reset Epson Printer
✅ FAQs: Epson Printer Waste Ink Pad Reset
Q1: What is the Epson waste ink pad counter?
A: The Epson Waste Ink Pad counter is a system that pursues the amount of ink absorbed by internal waste ink cushions during the cleaning cycle. Once the meter reaches the limit, the printer will no longer function and you will see an error that requires an error.
Q2: How do I reset my Epson printer waste ink pad counter?
A: The Epson Tuning Program (also known as the Epson Resickter Tool) allows you to reset the Waste Pillow Switch. This software allows you to reset the counter to zero and restore the printer functionality.
Q3: Is it safe to use Epson resetter tools?
A:Although it is used frequently, Epson’s Epson-based tools are not officially supported. They are safe if they come from a website that is used correctly and has a good reputation. However, abuse can lead to printer errors and cavity guarantees.
Q4: Can I reset the waste ink pad counter without software?
A: No, resetting the disposal ink pad counter usually requires special software. B. Epson adjustment program. This function does not have a manual reset button on most Epson printers.
Q5: Do I need to replace the waste ink pad after resetting the counter?
A: Technically, no, but it is recommended. Resetting the counter does not empty the pads. If it is saturated, continuous use can lead to ink leakage. You can clean, replace or redirect waste ink to avoid any issues.
Q6: Which Epson printer models support waste ink pad counter reset?
A: Many Epson EcoTank and L-series models support counter reset, including Epson L3110, L3210, L3150, L130, L220, L805, and others. Make sure to download the reset tool specific to your printer model.
Q7: What causes the “Service required” error on Epson printers?
A: The “Service required” message usually appears when the waste ink pad counter is full. It’s a safety feature to prevent ink overflow inside the printer.
Q8: Where can I download the Epson Adjustment Program?
A: The Epson Adjustment Program (reset tool) can be found online by searching for “[your Epson model] resetter download.” Be cautious and download only from trusted sources to avoid malware.