Common Printhead Problems & How to Fix Them

Printers might just be the most frustrating piece of equipment in most home offices, and unfortunately, that’s often true in industrial printing operations, too. If you’ve spent hours figuring out why everything you print has low print quality with rows of stripes or why the paper jams every time you click “Print,” you’re not alone. The good news is that many common printer problems are simple. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for how to fix printhead problems and get optimal print quality.

Know Your Printer

First, consult your printer's user manual to determine whether it’s a laser or an inkjet printer. Understanding whether your device uses a thermal or piezoelectric print head can also help you diagnose print quality issues more accurately. Every printer model has its quirks, whether an HP printer or an Epson printer. If you're using an HP printer, it's essential to consult the manual, as these models often have unique troubleshooting procedures. 

So, when you’re experiencing a printhead problem, getting advice directly from the source is a beneficial idea. Always verify your printer model before performing any maintenance to ensure compatibility with printer cartridges, replacement parts, and cleaning steps. The printer model number is usually written on either side or below the printer. 

Running outdated printer software can also contribute to unexpected print errors and reduced efficiency. To prevent printhead problems, keep your printer updated with printer firmware updates. If there is a problem with the printhead, the tips below will work for most brands, but it’s essential to check first. 

Air Blockages in the Nozzles

Like a self-cleaning oven, your printer's print cleaning cycle often requires your assistance to maintain the optimal performance of the ink nozzles. If air blockages are causing your printer’s issues, the print cleaning cycle can help clear them. You shouldn’t run more than three print cleaning cycles at a time because such blockages can cause ink buildup in the ink nozzles.

Dried Ink Buildup on the Printhead

If the print cleaning cycle doesn’t work, dried ink buildup inside ink cartridges may be the culprit. A blocked print head can prevent ink from reaching the page evenly, leading to faded or streaky prints. Stubborn residue from low-quality or expired HP ink cartridges can make nozzle cleaning less effective. The ink residue can cause printing errors. Remove the failed printhead and wipe the nozzles clean to remove any buildup. Depending on your printer's model, this task may be difficult—some printheads are more challenging to remove than others.

Dust Buildup Inside the Printer

Dust can build up inside the printer or ink cartridges, exacerbating problems with clogged printer nozzles. Dust buildup can also impact print quality, especially when particles settle near the print path. Ideally, you’ll dust your printhead assembly regularly to prevent printhead issues from occurring due to dust buildup. Dust particles can easily settle on theprint head, interfering with its ability to deposit ink precisely. Still, at the very least, you should dust if you’re experiencing printing problems. Use a vacuum attachment or an air duster—don’t dust with cloths or paper towels, which can leave lint behind.

The Printer Is Always On

One of the most common problems with a printer is that people leave it turned on 24/7. Without regular restarts, your print head may not complete its internal cleaning routines, increasing the chance of clogging. Ignoring power cycles can also lead to a printhead error that might require deeper diagnostics. Whenever you turn a printer on, it runs a quick cleaning cycle; if you never turn it off, it doesn’t have the opportunity to run this cycle daily. You should turn your printer off at the end of the day and turn it on again in the morning to avoid getting a printhead error message. In case of errors, you must disconnect the power cord from the printer and connect it again. It’s a good practice to check settings from the printer control panel.

Your Printer Gets Low Use

Infrequent use may lead to clogged printhead nozzles, especially in printers left idle for extended periods. Because clogged printer nozzles cause many printhead issues, you need to keep them from clogging, which means using your printer regularly. Regular use also prevents negative air pressure, ink system failure, and dust from collecting, so you’re preventing three printhead issues with a straightforward step.

When to Replace the Printhead

If you try each of these printer maintenance steps and they don’t seem to help, follow your printer’s manual for more specialized instructions. Some may advise using a wet paper towel, soaking a failed printhead to remove ink residue and blockages, or downloading a new version of your printer’s firmware. After you’ve exhausted all your options, you may need to replace your printhead or get a replacement printer. Even a well-maintained print head may deteriorate over time and must be replaced to preserve output quality. Use the correct toner cartridges or printer ink type based on the printer specifications. When choosing a printhead, ensure it’s the right model for your printer.

Clogged Printhead Devices & Printer Head Cleaning Liquid

All Print Heads offers a range of highly specialized devices for unclogging printer heads. If you're dealing with an HP OfficeJet, be cautious, as white ink buildup can severely affect nozzle function. Our solutions are especially equipped to handle issues with HP inkjet printers that arise from white ink, which, in most cases, is the most problematic color due to the heavier particles in the ink compared to CMYK colors. We also provide high-quality replacement printer cartridges compatible with most major printer brands.

White ink is denser and makes most printheads susceptible to clogging. Our solutions are designed to dissolve ink buildup inside the print head without damaging its delicate components. Our professional printhead cleaning process can restore functionality without needing immediate replacement. The Printhead Doctor is an experienced system that enables you to recover your clogged printhead and save thousands in early replacements. We also provide a complete set of recovery chemicals, including cleaning liquids. Routine printer maintenance using these tools can dramatically extend the life of your printheads and printer cartridges.