Replace waste ink pad

Short version: on the Artisan 1430 a pad swap is a two-part job, and the new pads alone will not clear the message.

1. Who can replace them. Epson's own FAQ for this message ("Epson Printer Parts 'Service Required' Message", epson.com/support/wa00369) says the ink pads can be replaced by Epson Service & Support or by a certified local technician. Epson does not publish a do-it-yourself procedure, so if you open it yourself you are working without an official guide.

2. The counter. The printer does not sense how wet the pads are. It keeps a count of the ink it has sent to them and stops at a fixed limit. Fitting new pads (or an external waste-ink bottle) does not change that count. After the hardware work, the counter also has to be reset with service software over a USB cable, or the printer keeps saying the parts are at the end of their life. A technician who replaces the pads normally does both steps; if you get a quote, ask whether the counter reset is included.

3. If you do it yourself. The old pads are soaked with ink. Work on a plastic sheet with gloves, keep the printer level when you move or turn it, and have the replacement pads (or the waste bottle and tubing) ready before you start, so the printer is not left open for days.

4. Check first. Before paying for parts, make sure the message really is the pad counter and not a paper path or carriage error. Ask whoever services it to read the counter value first: if it is well below 100%, the pads are not the cause.