Ink leakage from the wireless 516 printer

[Duzu]

Hello

There is an ink leakage in my 1 year old hp smart tank inkjet printer. It is 516 inkjet printer. There is a leaking of black ink . I don't know what to do the lower area of the machine is all covered with ink. Good thing is that till now it doesn't damage my papers that I print but don't know how to deal with it.

Also give some tips to maintain my printer 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Duzu,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you’re dealing with an ink leakage issue on your HP Smart Tank 516 inkjet printer. Here’s how to address the ink leakage problem and some tips for maintaining your printer to prevent future issues:

Addressing Ink Leakage

Turn Off and Unplug the Printer

• Safety First: Unplug the printer from the power source before you start any cleaning or maintenance work.

Inspect and Clean the Printer

• Check for Visible Leaks: Look for any obvious signs of where the ink might be leaking from, such as loose or damaged ink tanks.
• Clean Up Ink: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away excess ink from the printer’s exterior and any areas where ink has spilled. Be cautious to avoid pushing ink into other areas of the printer.

Check Ink Tanks and Cartridges

• Remove and Inspect Ink Tanks: Carefully remove the ink tanks or cartridges and check for any signs of leakage. Ensure that they are properly seated in their slots.
• Replace if Necessary: If you find that an ink tank or cartridge is leaking, it may need to be replaced. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on how to replace ink tanks.

Check for Blockages

• Examine the Printer: Look inside the printer for any blockages or ink buildup that could be causing the leakage. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean any accessible areas.

Maintaining Your Printer

Regular Cleaning

• Clean Printer Head and Nozzles: Regularly clean the print head and nozzles to prevent clogging and ensure optimal print quality. This can often be done through the printer’s maintenance menu.
• External Cleaning: Keep the exterior of the printer clean by wiping it down with a dry, soft cloth.

Use Printer Properly

• Use the Right Ink: Always use the recommended ink cartridges or tanks for your printer model. Using third-party inks can sometimes lead to leakage or other issues.
• Avoid Overfilling: Follow the HP instructions for filling ink tanks and avoid overfilling them, as this can cause leaks.

Store Properly

• Keep in a Dry Place: Store your printer in a dry environment to prevent issues with ink and other components.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Place your printer away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Perform Regular Maintenance

• Run Diagnostic Tests: Regularly use your printer’s diagnostic tools to check for any issues and keep the printer in good working condition.
• Check for Firmware Updates: Keep your printer’s firmware up to date by checking for updates through the HP Support website.

Use Printer Regularly

• Print Regularly: Print something at least once a week to keep the ink flowing and prevent it from drying out or clogging the nozzles.

Keep Paper and Print Area Clean

• Avoid Dust: Keep the paper and printing area clean to avoid dust and debris from getting into the printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571

HP Support