Low severity Quality Code: Streaks / Lines

Prints have streaks, lines or banding

Output shows horizontal banding, vertical streaks, or smudges. On inkjets it points to nozzle or alignment issues; on lasers, to the drum, fuser or toner.

Symptoms

  • Horizontal white bands
  • Repeating vertical lines
  • Smudges or ghosting

Likely causes

  • Clogged nozzles / misalignment (inkjet)
  • Dirty or worn drum (laser)
  • Low toner
  • Debris on the glass (when copying)

How to fix it — step by step

Work through these in order; most people are fixed by the first two or three.

Clean and align (inkjet)

Run head cleaning, then print-head alignment. Repeating lines at the same spot usually means a clogged nozzle row.

Inspect the drum/toner (laser)

Evenly spaced repeating marks suggest a drum issue. Gently rock the toner to redistribute it; replace the drum/toner if marks persist.

Clean the scanner glass

If only copies/scans show lines, wipe the glass and the narrow ADF scan strip.

Use the right paper

Rough or damp paper causes streaks — use fresh, supported media.

Sponsored

Cross-promote a Service

Inline promo example shown inside articles and error pages. Replace this with one of your…

Visit site
Still not fixed? For hardware faults still under warranty, contact the manufacturer's official support. This is an independent guide — always confirm steps for your exact model in its manual.

Printers this affects

Primera LX500 Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

Still stuck with your printer?

Browse step-by-step setup guides, error-code fixes and driver help for every major brand sold across the USA & Canada.

Fix an error Find your printer