Draining a SmartTank 555 printer of ink

[obmuj]

Anyone know how best to drain the four tanks of ink. i.e. take the ink out and drain back into original bottles, not put it in?

[Valsimot]

Using a long thin needle and a syringe you can take out the ink. 4 syringes for 4 colours, and it takes some time, don't forget to wear rubber gloves.

May I ask why you want to do that?

[obmuj]

Yes that seems the obvious method I suppose. I was hoping there might be a drain tap.

Reason: to repack for transport in original box.

The instructions from HP state "keep box right way up" when transporting. Oh ha ha. As if a carrier will do this!!!!

Incidentally the empty bottles had a little ink left over and I stored them in the original box. When I went to dig the box out (of the attic) I noticed the bottles, ling on their sides in some cases, even with screw tops on, were leaking all over inside of box with the remnants of ink.

Yes they were tightly screwed on. I am very methodical.

So you see, when deciding to ship this by say a carrier, I determined it would be a better idea for 100% safety to simply put the ink back in the bottles, hence the question.

Well you did ask and I think I have a valid point. I cant imagine what the inside of the boxes look like for HP customers who, for whatever reason, have to return the product and assume the ink won't leak.

I am NOT returning this but I might want to ship it one day, say, if I sold it.

Hope this helps answer your question.

Thanks for the tip about syringe. Now I have to find one.

Thanks again.

[Valsimot · Accepted solution]

I receive and send printers with ink inside tanks with the courier on a daily base.

Sometimes I believe that courier on purpose turns the box upside down even if there is an arrow sign and text this side up.

[obmuj]

Yes, exactly. Thanks for your tip and help.

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

You shouldn't remove any ink, but you do need to pack the printer as listed within the 'Transport the printer to a far destination or service location' section below to avoid any ink leakage:

https://support.hp.com/za-en/document/c06291356

Shlomi

[obmuj]

Thanks Shlomi but I want to take the ink out as explained and for my own reasons. It has nothing to do with sending it to HP.
I have the answer thank you; to use a syringe. 
Thanks anyway