March 14, 2025
Well, it’s happened again. You’ve got a deadline, and your printer won’t do its ONE job. Not only that, but you’re not sure what your next steps are. Is this an in-house troubleshooting task, a printer technician appointment, or a new printer purchase?
Well, if your printer is over seven years old, it’s definitely time for a new one. If it’s only five years old, it depends on how it’s been used. So in this blog, we’ll provide some troubleshooting tips and clarity around when it’s time to retire that printer for good.
5 Easy Printer Fixes To Do In-House
Just like with your car, regular maintenance can help your printing equipment last longer and perform much better. And just like putting cheap gas and cheap oil in your car, using the cheapest paper and compatible toner in your printer can cost you more money in the long run.
1. Toner Lines
Does your office printer add lines to finished prints? There are a few possible reasons for that that may not indicate a serious equipment issue, including using low-quality paper or high humidity.
Possible DIY solutions to try:
- See if your toner is low or a cartridge is damaged, and if so, replace it
- Make sure there’s not a foreign substance on the scanner glass, and if so, give it a good cleaning
- If your printer is an inkjet, see if your print heads are clogged, and if so, run the automated head-cleaning process
- Clean the imaging drum and other components
- Upgrade your paper quality or reduce the humidity in your office or where paper is stored
When a tech may be needed:
- Your print rollers are worn out or damaged
- Your imaging drum or other components need to be cleaned
- The automated head-cleaning process doesn’t resolve a clogged head
2. Wrinkling Pages
A lot of things can cause wrinkled pages. So, before you call a tech, you might want to take a closer look at a few things, including your paper trays.
Possible DIY solutions to try:
- Replace old paper trays
- Use higher-quality paper
- Store paper in a less humid environment
When a tech may be needed:
- You may have a feed roller or fuser assembly issue
Pro tip: Paper trays and other printer components are often handled roughly. But treating them gently is one key way to make printing equipment last longer.
3. Frequent Clogs and Paper Jams
Is there anything more frustrating than a paper jam? Fortunately, most persistent paper jam issues have simple fixes.
Possible DIY solutions to try:
- Use better quality paper — that cheap stuff creates more dust
- Make sure your device is being cleaned and maintained regularly and that someone is designated to be your print/copier point person
- Make sure your paper is loaded properly and that your tray isn’t overfilled
- Store paper in low-humidity conditions
- Check your printer for foreign objects, like paper clips, staples, and the like
- Switch to OEM toner — the “compatible” cartridges can lead to jams
When a tech may be needed:
- Your rollers are dirty
- Some of your printer’s parts are worn and need to be replaced
4. Copying Too Light or Too Dark
Different paper weights absorb ink or toner differently. But assuming you’re not using the wrong paper for the job at hand, here are your options.
Possible DIY solutions to try:
- Make sure your ink or toner isn’t low, and replace your cartridges if needed
- Reset density levels in your printer driver
- If your printer is an inlet, see if you have clogged heads, and if so, run the automated head-cleaning process
When a tech may be needed:
- Your printer’s drum may be reaching its end of life and needs to be replaced
- Your transfer roller or fuser unit may need repair or replacement
- The automated head-cleaning process doesn’t resolve a clogged head
5. Random Spots
Random spots may indicate the need for a printer technician, but they also might have a simple fix.
Possible DIY solutions to try:
- Stop using non-OEM toner cartridges
- Check to make sure your cartridge isn’t damaged or leaking
- Use better quality paper
- Make sure past paper jams haven’t left residual bits of paper inside your device
When a tech may be needed:
- Your drum is dirty and needs a good cleaning
- Your drum is scratched or otherwise damaged and will need to be replaced
When Is It Worth It To Repair a Printer?
When deciding whether to repair or replace your office printer, there are multiple factors to consider. First, investigate the age and capabilities of your current model. Printer technology constantly evolves, and different capabilities may be available now that were previously unavailable or outside your price range. If a new printer increases efficiency and productivity, it may be the most cost-effective solution.
Second, determine your printer’s Cost Per Page (CPP). Many manufacturers post the CPP for their devices, so your current model’s CPP may be a quick search away. Consider whether a new or used device will suit your business needs, and after purchase, make sure it’s well maintained according to manufacturer instructions.
Remember — outdated devices can still cost you plenty in terms of supplies, maintenance, energy use, time, and frustration … not to mention the risks they may pose to your data and systems.
Pro tip: If your printer is over seven years old, it’s 100% time for a new one. And if your printer is 4-6 years old — but isn’t performing well or isn’t designed for how you’re currently using it — it’s time to consider a new one.
Finding Printer Repair Services Near You
Well, hi there! As a nationwide technology provider that’s manufacturer-agnostic, we can provide maintenance services for a variety of printing devices (including thermal printers) and provide seamless managed print services to clients with multiple locations in multiple states. We help our clients by anticipating needed maintenance and repairs and upgrading their print security, and we do it all by helping folks save on print costs.
Plus, we take pride in offering a small-town feel. It comes naturally to us because we’re based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Go Vikes!
So if printer maintenance and troubleshooting is a burden on your IT team or designated copier/printer person, or you want insider pricing on top equipment, keep us on your radar.
Click the link below to learn more about our unique approach to managed print services!
