Refilling the ink in your Epson EcoTank ET-4700 is a straightforward process designed for simplicity and mess-free maintenance. Unlike traditional cartridge-based printers, the ET-4700 uses high-capacity ink tanks that you replenish with Epson's unique key-coded ink bottles.
How Do I Add Ink to My ET 4700?
Adding ink to your Epson EcoTank ET-4700 involves a few easy steps, ensuring a clean and efficient refill of your printer's high-capacity ink tanks.
Understanding Your EcoTank System
The Epson EcoTank ET-4700 utilizes a revolutionary cartridge-free ink system. Instead of disposable cartridges, it features integrated ink tanks that you manually fill from specially designed ink bottles. This system significantly reduces waste and offers ultra-low-cost printing. The ink bottles are "key-coded," meaning each color bottle has a unique nozzle shape that fits only its corresponding ink tank, preventing accidental misfills.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Your Epson EcoTank ET-4700 printer.
- The correct replacement Epson EcoTank ink bottles. For the ET-4700, this is typically the Epson T502 series. Always ensure you have the right color for the tank you intend to refill. You can find authentic Epson ink at Epson's official website.
Step-by-Step Guide to Refilling Your Ink Tanks
Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and mess-free ink refill:
- Power On Your Printer: Turn on your ET-4700 printer. This isn't strictly necessary for refilling but allows the printer to register the new ink levels more accurately if prompted.
- Access the Ink Tanks:
- Open the ink tank unit cover located on the right side of your printer (when facing the front).
- You will see four individual ink tanks, each labeled with its color (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow).
- Open the Cap for the Desired Color:
- Carefully open the cap for the specific color ink tank you wish to refill. Make sure you are opening the correct cap for the color you are about to add.
- Prepare the Ink Bottle:
- Take the new ink bottle for the corresponding color.
- Twist the bottle cap counter-clockwise to remove it. Do not remove the protective seal until you're ready to insert it into the tank.
- Fill the Ink Tank:
- Position the top of the bottle along the slot of the ink tank opening. The unique key-coded nozzle will only fit the correct color tank.
- Slowly stand the bottle upright to fully insert it into the filling port. You will feel it lock into place.
- Allow the ink to flow into the tank. The bottle is designed to stop filling automatically when the tank reaches its capacity, preventing overfilling. Do not squeeze the bottle.
- Monitor the ink level through the translucent side of the ink tank.
- Remove the Bottle and Close the Cap:
- Once the ink tank is full and the ink flow has stopped, gently remove the ink bottle by pulling it straight up.
- Twist the cap back onto the ink bottle to store any remaining ink.
- Securely close the ink tank cap you opened in step 3.
- Close the Ink Tank Unit Cover: Close the main ink tank unit cover.
- Verify Ink Levels: The printer will typically detect the new ink levels automatically. If prompted on the printer's LCD screen or through the computer software, confirm that you have refilled the ink tanks.
Tips for a Smooth Refill
- Work on a Flat Surface: Ensure your printer is on a stable, flat surface to prevent spills.
- Avoid Rushing: Take your time with each step to prevent mistakes.
- Match Colors Carefully: Always double-check that you are adding the correct color ink to its designated tank. The key-coded bottles help, but a visual check is always good practice.
- Handle Bottles Gently: Do not squeeze the ink bottles during the filling process, as this could lead to ink spills. The gravity-fed system is designed to fill automatically.
Epson ET-4700 Ink Compatibility
The Epson EcoTank ET-4700 uses specific Epson EcoTank ink bottles. Always use genuine Epson inks to ensure optimal printer performance and longevity.
| Ink Type | Color | Epson Part Number (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| EcoTank | Black | T502120-S |
| EcoTank | Cyan | T502220-S |
| EcoTank | Magenta | T502320-S |
| EcoTank | Yellow | T502420-S |
Note: Part numbers may vary slightly by region, but the T502 series is standard for the ET-4700.
By following these instructions, you can easily and effectively add ink to your Epson EcoTank ET-4700, ensuring your printer is always ready for your printing needs.
