HP Smart Tank 7005 leaked all Red ink

[JP390]

On return from a one-week holiday I have just discovered that my HP 7005 Smart Tank printer (18 months old) has leaked complete contents of the Red ink tank from under the printer. Any ideas why this should have happened and is there a resolution or do I just throw the printer in the bin?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @JP390,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the ink leaking.

Ink leakage from your HP Smart Tank 7005 can be caused by various issues. Here are some common reasons and troubleshooting steps to help you identify and possibly resolve the problem:

1. Improper Ink Tank Cap Sealing

• Check the Ink Tank Caps: Ensure that the caps on the ink tanks are securely tightened. A loose cap can cause ink to leak.
• Inspect the Seal: Make sure the seal on the ink bottle was removed properly before filling the tank.

2. Overfilling the Ink Tank

• Avoid Overfilling: If the ink tank was overfilled, it could cause leakage. Only fill the tank up to the maximum fill line.

3. Damaged or Misaligned Ink Tank

• Inspect the Ink Tank: Check the ink tank for any cracks or damage that might cause leaks.
• Alignment: Ensure that the ink tank is properly seated and aligned in the printer.

4. Clogged or Damaged Ink Lines

• Inspect Ink Lines: Check for any clogs or damages in the ink lines that could cause pressure build-up and leakage.

5. Environmental Factors

• Temperature and Humidity: Extreme temperature or humidity conditions can sometimes cause ink to leak. Ensure the printer is placed in a stable environment.

6. Ink System Issues

• Air in the Ink System: Air bubbles in the ink system can cause pressure and leaks. Perform a printhead cleaning or ink system maintenance from the printer's settings.

Please find the next set of steps in the next post. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @JP390,

Please find the next set of steps below. 

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Printer

1. Turn Off: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove and Clean: Carefully clean up any spilled ink with a lint-free cloth and remove the ink tank if possible.

Step 2: Inspect and Clean the Printer

1. Check for Obstructions: Open the printer and check for any ink buildup or obstructions.
2. Clean the Area: Clean the area around the ink tank and inside the printer using a damp, lint-free cloth.

Step 3: Refill and Secure the Ink Tank

1. Check for Damage: Inspect the ink tank and cap for any cracks or damage.
2. Refill Properly: Refill the ink tank up to the maximum fill line, ensuring you do not overfill.
3. Secure Cap: Ensure the ink tank cap is securely tightened.

Step 4: Check and Clean Printhead

1. Access Printhead Cleaning: Use the printer’s menu to access the printhead cleaning function.
2. Clean Printhead: Run a printhead cleaning cycle to remove any air bubbles and ensure proper ink flow.

Step 5: Test the Printer

1. Turn On: Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
2. Print Test Page: Print a test page to check if the issue persists.

If the issue continues after performing the troubleshooting steps, it might be a hardware issue. Contact HP Support for further assistance.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[JP390]

Many thanks for your help and advice -

1. Improper Ink Tank Cap Sealing Caps are secure and seals are fine – I filled tanks when I bought the printer and have not needed to refill since then.
2. Overfilling the Ink Tank Tank was filled with correct amount of ink when new and have been using printer fine for past 18 months without issues.
3. Damaged or Misaligned Ink Tank The Ink Tank seems fine on external inspection – I am not sure how to check further without removing the tank. 
4. Clogged or Damaged Ink Lines Visible Ink lines from tank to print head appear fine with no leaks or visible damage.
5. Environmental Factors Printer is located in a cool room out of any direct sunlight.
6. Ink System Issues  Air pockets are visible in all ink lines – I have not yet performed printhead clean

Will respond further asap, thanks again.

[JP390]

I have removed and reseated printheads and performed printhead cleaning and alignment.

There are no obstructions or damage visible around the ink tanks. I am not aware how to remove the tanks – are instructions available online detailing how to do this? Yellow/Blue tanks still are still more than half full of ink so presumably they would need to be drained first.

The printer still functions but continues to leak red ink from somewhere beneath the tanks.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @JP390 ,

Thank you for performing the recommended steps, I see that it has not helped. 

If the ink still leaking, I recommend you contact phone support for further assistance.

For that to happen, we will give you additional instructions/information via Private Message.

Please check your inbox on the forums page for the private message.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[JP390]

What can I say - this is clearly a fault with the Ink Tank system on this printer. In my opinion it should never be possible for the printer to leak ink to the extent that mine has (50ml of red ink goes a long way and made a real mess of our desk and carpet). HP WhatsApp support have stopped talking to me but said there is no way to remove the ink tank to investigate further, however I have just re-assembled printer after opening it up to see what was going on. The pipe feeding ink from the red tank to the printhead was still in place however the micro pump system was covered in ink so I can only conclude a seal must have failed to cause all the ink to leak out. I will be recycling this printer as it is clearly unserviceable in the absence of any proper help or support from HP. I will never buy HP again.