Inkjet printer prints with streaks, what should I do?

Even the most modern printer models tend to break down over time. The quality of printing on them is reduced or absent altogether. Sometimes the device seems to work, but prints with streaks. Why can this happen, and what can be done about it? This will be discussed in the article.

Why does an inkjet printer print with stripes?

• Rarely, but still, a situation is possible when the print “stripes” in one specific place. This is most likely due to the long use of the device.
• If a foreign object gets into the cartridge, even the smallest one, it can lead to a global repair of the entire printer.
• If stripes appear on your inkjet printer, you first need to check whether the ink cartridge is running low. To do this, use a special utility from the manufacturer. Run the scan, after which you will be presented with a report. In the case of multiple colors, it will show the remaining level of each.
• In a continuous ink supply system, you can easily determine the amount of ink remaining “by eye”, because the hoppers in such a system are usually transparent.
• If you have not used the device for a long time, the ink may have simply thickened or dried out, making it difficult to spray it onto the paper.
• There is a problem with the print head. This could be a breakdown of the cable, or airiness. Horizontal stripes will indicate such a breakdown.
• The cartridge has become depressurized or its integrity has been compromised.
• The shaft was deformed. This happens when the printer has been used for a long time and frequently.
• Possible damage to the cable. You should not delay solving this problem, because it can lead to irreparable consequences. Diagnosing such a problem yourself is very problematic, so it makes sense to contact specialized service centers.
• Some parts of the esconder are dirty or damaged. It could be the sensor or the tape.
• It is possible that the printer was initially defective when you purchased it. This problem is not detected immediately, but after printing several documents. It should only be considered when all other options have been tried. Therefore, take the device to a warranty workshop.
• The printer settings have been reset. This problem will be easy to deal with: just reinstall the printer drivers on your computer. It is also possible to remove and then reinsert the cartridge.

How to check cartridges

If the white stripes change their position, it means the toner has failed. It's very easy to check: spread something on the floor, put on an apron and gloves. Remove the cartridge and shake it. If something falls out of it, then the toner is definitely damaged.

The next step will be difficult to complete, but you can follow the guides on the Internet. You need to check the integrity of the cable, make sure that it is not pinched anywhere. If you have diagnosed it as broken, you will not be able to replace it yourself.

If everything is in order with the cable, then inspect the air hole filters. If they are clogged, they need to be replaced.

The previous point did not give anything - clean the encoder tape.This is done with a regular lint cloth soaked in a special product. After this, the tape must be allowed to dry. Sometimes the print head may become dirty and need to be cleaned. In some devices it comes as an independent part, and in others it is part of the cartridge.

How to solve a problem

The first thing you need to do is check the ink level, as was written in the article earlier. If everything is in order with it, then we move on to the next stage of checking and troubleshooting.

• Replace the cartridge when you are convinced that the toner is faulty.
• Carefully clean the printer to remove any accumulated dust, ink residue, or other debris.

Attention! If you do not have such skills, then it is not recommended to do this yourself.

• If a critical problem is identified, then the most logical option would be to purchase a new printer. Sometimes repairing an old one can be equivalent in cost to a new device.

If you don’t know what to do about a breakdown, don’t rack your brains and take the device to specialists.