Where the ink tanks are and how to open them
The Epson ET-2980 holds four separate ink tanks on the right side of the printer. They sit in a row and are labeled by color: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Each tank has a colored cap on top that twists counterclockwise to remove. You do not need tools — your fingers are enough.
Before you open any tank, make sure the printer is powered on and idle. The printer needs to be on so it can position the print head out of the way. If you try to refill while the power is off, you risk spilling ink onto internal parts. Wait for any printing or cleaning cycle to finish; the printer will be silent when it is ready.
Open the printer's top cover to access the tanks more easily. The cover lifts straight up and stays open on its own. You will see the four tanks clearly once the cover is raised.
Key Takeaways
- The four ink tanks sit on the right side of the printer and twist open counterclockwise; keep the printer powered on while refilling.
- Fill each tank only to the maximum line marked on the side — overfilling causes ink to leak into the printer and damage internal parts.
- Use only Epson-brand ink or compatible refill bottles designed for the ET-2980 to avoid clogging the print head or voiding the warranty.
- Wipe the outside of each tank with a dry cloth after refilling to prevent ink from dripping onto the printer base or your hands.
- If the printer shows a low-ink warning after refilling, run a cleaning cycle from the maintenance menu to clear air bubbles from the lines.
Choosing the right ink and avoiding counterfeits
The ET-2980 uses Epson EcoTank bottles, which come in two sizes: standard bottles and XL bottles. Standard bottles cost less per purchase but need refilling more often. XL bottles hold more ink and cost less per milliliter over time, so they are better if you print regularly. Both types work in the same tanks.
Buy ink directly from Epson, from authorized retailers like Amazon or Best Buy, or from office supply stores that stock Epson products. Counterfeit bottles exist and may contain the wrong ink formula, which clogs the nozzles or produces colors that do not match what you expect. If a bottle costs significantly less than the standard price, it is likely counterfeit.
Check the bottle label for the Epson logo and the correct model number. The ET-2980 uses bottles labeled for EcoTank systems; bottles labeled for other Epson models will not fit the tanks. Keep the receipt or packaging in case you need to return a bottle that does not work correctly.
The step-by-step refilling process
Start with the black tank. Twist the cap counterclockwise until it comes free, then set it on a clean surface. Hold the ink bottle upright and insert the nozzle into the tank opening. Squeeze the bottle slowly and watch the ink level rise inside the tank. Stop when the ink reaches the maximum line printed on the side of the tank — do not fill above this line.
Repeat this process for cyan, magenta, and yellow in any order. Each tank has its own maximum line, and they are all the same height. Take your time with each tank; rushing increases the chance of spilling.
Once all four tanks are filled, twist each cap back on clockwise until snug. Do not overtighten — the caps only need to seal, not to be forced. Wipe the outside of each tank and the area around the tank opening with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any ink that may have dripped.
Close the printer's top cover by lowering it gently until it clicks into place. The printer is now ready to use. You do not need to run a cleaning cycle unless the printer displays a low-ink warning or you notice faint colors in your prints.
What to do if you spill ink inside the printer
If ink spills onto the white plastic parts inside the printer, turn off the printer when ready and unplug it. Do not try to wipe the ink away while the printer is on, as this can spread it to the print head or circuit boards. Let the printer sit unplugged for at least 30 minutes so the ink can dry.
Once the ink is dry, use a dry cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away as much as you can. Do not use water or cleaning solutions, as these can damage the electronics. Plug the printer back in and power it on. If the printer displays an error message or produces poor-quality prints, contact Epson support — internal damage may require professional service.
To prevent spills in the future, refill over a sink or a tray lined with paper towels. This catches drips before they reach the printer. Work slowly and keep the ink bottle upright at all times.
Monitoring ink levels and knowing when to refill
The ET-2980 displays ink levels on the printer's screen and in the Epson printer software on your computer. Open the Epson software and look for the "Maintenance" or "Printer Status" section to see how much ink remains in each tank. The printer will also show a low-ink warning on its display when any tank drops below 20 percent.
You do not have to wait for a low-ink warning to refill. Many users refill when a tank reaches the halfway point, which prevents running out of ink during an important print job. The tanks are transparent, so you can also look at them directly and estimate the level by eye.
Keep spare bottles on hand if you print frequently. This way you are never caught without ink when you need to print something urgent. Store bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as heat can thicken the ink and make it harder to flow.
Cleaning cycles and troubleshooting after refilling
After refilling, the printer may show faint or missing colors in your first few prints. This happens because air bubbles enter the ink lines during refilling. Run a cleaning cycle to push these bubbles out. On the printer's screen, go to "Maintenance" and select "Cleaning" or "Head Cleaning." The cycle takes about two minutes and uses a small amount of ink.
If colors are still faint after one cleaning cycle, run the cycle again. Most air bubbles clear after two cycles. If a color remains faint after three cleaning cycles, the tank may not be seated properly — remove the cap, check that the tank is pushed all the way into its slot, and try again.
If the printer displays an error message saying a tank is not recognized, turn off the printer, remove the tank, and reinsert it firmly until you hear a click. Power the printer back on. If the error persists, the tank may be defective — contact Epson or return it to the retailer where you bought it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party ink bottles instead of Epson brand?
Some third-party bottles work, but Epson does not may provide compatibility and may not cover print-head damage under warranty if you use non-Epson ink. If you choose third-party ink, buy from sellers with good reviews and check that the bottle is labeled for the ET-2980 specifically. Epson-brand ink is more expensive upfront but carries a warranty and is less likely to cause clogs.
What happens if I overfill a tank?
Overfilled ink leaks out of the tank opening and drips onto the printer's internal parts, potentially damaging the print head or circuit boards. If you overfill by accident, turn off the printer when ready, unplug it, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wipe away the excess ink with a dry cloth and let it dry completely before powering it back on.
How often do I need to refill the tanks?
This depends on how much you print. A full set of standard bottles typically lasts several months for light printing (a few pages per week) or a few weeks for heavy printing (dozens of pages per day). The printer's software shows your remaining ink, so you can estimate when you will need to refill based on your usage.
Why is my printer showing low ink even though I just refilled?
Air bubbles in the ink lines can cause the printer to misread the ink level. Run a cleaning cycle from the Maintenance menu to clear the bubbles. If the warning persists after two cleaning cycles, remove and reinsert each tank to make sure it is seated properly, then try again.
Can I refill the tanks while the printer is printing?
No. Always wait for the printer to finish printing and return to idle before opening any tank. If you open a tank while the printer is in use, the print head may be in the way and you could damage it or spill ink onto it.