6 Common Photocopier Problems and How to Fix Them
The photocopier. Staples of the modern-day office, the high school library, and the local community center. Once the essential tool for duplicating documents, reports, even books. And though it’s inevitable that photocopiers will one day have to follow the fax machine and join the Great Office in the sky, until that day comes, they will still be a source of productivity. And frustration. Nothing derails administrative duties quite like a malfunctioning photocopier. While there are times when it will require professional photocopier servicing, often the headache is easily remedied. In this article, we will highlight six common photocopier problems and provide practical solutions to fix them.
1. The Paper Jam
The original photocopy monster. A menace that strikes without warning and halts productivity in its tracks. From a misaligned paper tray to worn-out rollers, there’s a range of things that can cause a paper jam. All are avoidable if you do your due diligence. Keep your photocopier clean, use the right type of paper, and avoid overloading the paper tray.
When a paper jam occurs, the first step is to turn off the photocopier and unplug it. Then, find the paper jam and gently remove the paper. If the paper is stuck, use a pair of tweezers to remove it. Once the jam is cleared, plug in the photocopier and turn it on.
2. Cartridge and Toner Issues
Another common photocopier problem is cartridge and toner issues. When the ink or toner runs out, the photocopier will stop working, leaving you with incomplete copies. Cartridges and toners can also leak or become clogged, resulting in poor-quality prints.
The best way to prevent cartridge and toner issues is to keep spare cartridges and toners on hand. When the ink or toner runs low, replace the cartridge or toner. If the cartridge or toner is leaking or clogged, remove it and clean the contacts.
3. Streaks or Lines on The Paper
No one wants their copies to resemble zebra crossings. Unless, of course, they’ve taken a photocopy of a zebra crossing. The truth is, streaks or lines on the paper are another common photocopier problem. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a dirty photocopier glass or a faulty drum unit. Streaks and lines can be distracting and make the copies look unprofessional.
To fix streaks and lines, clean the photocopier glass with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. If the problem persists, check the drum unit for damage or wear. If the drum unit needs replacing, you probably need professional photocopier servicing.
4. Wrinkled Pages
Just as no one wants their photocopies to look like zebra crossings, no one wants them to look like accordions either. Wrinkled pages are a common photocopier problem caused by a variety of factors, such as worn-out rollers, dirty photocopier glass, or a jammed paper path. If you need to practice your jump shot with the waste paper bin, wrinkled pages are great. Otherwise, it should be a hard no.
To fix wrinkled pages, start by checking the paper path for obstructions. If there are no obstructions, clean the photocopier glass and the rollers. If the rollers are worn out, they will need to be replaced. Again, if you’re unable to fix the issue yourself, you’ll need professional photocopier servicing.
5. Discolored Printing
When your photocopies come out looking like decades old newsprint, it’s definitely a sign that your photocopier is ill. Discolored printing is another common illness that befalls photocopiers. It’s caused by a variety of factors, such as a low-quality toner, a dirty photocopier glass, or a malfunctioning drum unit. Discolored printing will make the copies look faded or washed out.
To fix discolored printing, start by checking the toner or ink levels. If the levels are low, replace the cartridge or toner. If the problem persists, clean the photocopier glass and drum unit. If the drum unit is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced by a professional.
6. Random Spots
Enjoy the idea of your photocopies being covered in Morse code? We didn’t think so. Random spots are a frustrating photocopier problem that can ruin otherwise perfect copies. These spots can be caused by various factors, such as a dirty photocopier glass, a malfunctioning drum unit, or a leaky cartridge.
To fix random spots, start by cleaning the photocopier glass and the drum unit. If the problem persists, check the cartridge for leaks or clogs. If the cartridge is damaged, replace it with a new one.
In the end, photocopier problems can be a major inconvenience, but with a little patience and common sense, they can be easily fixed. Whether it’s a paper jam, a cartridge issue, or a mysterious spot, the solutions are often straightforward. By keeping your photocopier clean and well-maintained, you can prevent most problems from occurring. And if a problem arises that you can’t fix, don’t hesitate to get professional photocopier servicing.
Still need help with your photocopier? Or perhaps you’ve decided it’s time to replace your current photocopier with a better one? Either way, for repairs, servicing, and sales, get in touch with the friendly, expert team at Ideal Technology BD – Photocopier Service Center in Bangladesh. No matter what your photocopy needs are, we’ll be able to help.