How to move or ship an ink tank printer
Move or ship an ink tank printer without leaks: lock the ink path if your model has a lock, seal the caps, keep it level and run a nozzle check afterwards.
An ink tank printer always holds liquid ink in its tanks and tubes, so moving it takes more care than moving a cartridge printer. Tilting or shaking it can push ink where it shouldn't go, cause leaks or let air into the tubes. These steps cover a move to another room, a trip in the car and shipping by courier. If your manual has a section on moving or transporting the printer, follow it wherever it differs from this guide.
Steps
On the printer
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Find out whether your model has a transport lock
Many ink tank printers have a control that closes the ink path before a move. Depending on the maker it may be called a transport lock, an ink valve lever or something similar, and it often sits near the tanks or under the scanner unit. Look in the manual's section on moving or transporting the printer, or on the manufacturer's official support website, so you know where it is and how to release it afterwards.
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Turn it off with the power button
Press the printer's power button and wait until it has shut down completely and gone quiet. This lets the print head park and seal against its cap, which protects the nozzles and holds the head in place. Pulling the plug while the printer is on can leave the head uncapped.
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Unplug it and empty the trays
Unplug the power cable and any USB or network cable, and remove paper from the input and output trays. Fold in the trays and close any flaps. Keep the cables in a bag so they don't get separated from the printer.
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Close the tank caps and set the lock
Open the tank cover and press each tank cap down firmly so it is fully seated, then close the cover. If your model has a transport lock or ink valve lever, set it to the transport or locked position now, following the manual. Wear gloves or keep paper towel handy, as there may be small traces of ink around the caps.
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Secure covers and contain any leak
Hold the scanner lid, tank cover and doors closed with low-tack tape, such as painter's tape, which peels off without leaving residue. Then put the printer inside a large plastic bag. If a small amount of ink escapes on the way, the bag keeps it off the box, your car and anything else.
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Pack it upright
The original box and foam inserts are the safest option. Otherwise use a sturdy box a little larger than the printer, with padding on every side so it can't shift. Mark the outside clearly with which way is up, and never pack or carry the printer on its side or upside down.
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Keep it level and at a moderate temperature
Carry the printer with both hands under the base. In a car, put it on the floor or a flat seat, wedged so it can't slide or tip, and don't leave it in a very hot or freezing vehicle. Couriers can't always keep a box upright, so for a short distance it's often safer to take it yourself.
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Unpack and release the lock
Put the printer on a level surface, remove the tape and packing, and look around the tanks and inside the lid for leaked ink; wipe any with a damp cloth while the printer is still unplugged. Release the transport lock or open the ink valve before switching on, as a printer left locked may show an error or print blank pages. Then reconnect the cables and turn it on.
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Run a nozzle check
Let the printer finish its startup sounds, then print a nozzle check. If lines are missing, run one cleaning cycle and check again; if text looks jagged, run a print head alignment. If a color stays missing after several cycles, air may have entered the tubes. If ink has leaked inside or an error won't clear, contact the manufacturer through its official support website.
Tips
- Keep the original box and foam inserts for as long as you own the printer. They are shaped to hold it level and are the best way to ship it.
- For a move within the same building you can usually skip the box. Set the lock if your model has one, close the caps and carry the printer upright and level.
- Don't try to drain the tanks before a move. It isn't an owner task on most models and can let air into the ink system.
- If the printer has been somewhere very cold, let it reach room temperature for a few hours before you turn it on.
Common questions
Can I lay an ink tank printer on its side to move it?
Avoid it. Tipping the printer on its side or upside down is the most common cause of leaks after a move, even with the caps closed. Keep it upright and as level as possible.
My printer prints blank pages or shows an error after the move. Why?
The usual reason is a transport lock or ink valve that is still closed. Release it as described in your manual, then run a nozzle check and a cleaning cycle if needed.
Should I empty the ink before shipping the printer?
No. On most models the tanks and tubes can't be fully emptied by the owner, and trying can let air in. Lock the ink path if your model has a lock, seal the caps and pack the printer upright.