If your Epson ET-15000 printer is showing Error Code 000031 and warning about a paper jam—even though there’s nothing stuck—it can feel confusing. This issue is one of the most common error messages Epson users encounter, and it’s often not caused by paper at all.
At Reduce Refill Recycle, our mission is to help people extend the life of their printers and reduce e-waste. Instead of throwing away a machine when errors appear, learning why they happen can help you keep your printer running longer while protecting the environment.
What Is Epson Error Code 000031?
Error 000031 may show up when your printer thinks there’s a paper jam, but in many cases, the underlying issue is something else. Common causes can include:
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A misaligned or jammed printhead carriage
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A loose carriage belt that affects movement
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Internal gears or levers are slipping slightly out of place
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Improper cable alignment or dust inside the printer
While the printer may display “paper jam,” the real issue is often about internal alignment. Recognizing this helps users avoid unnecessary replacements and keep equipment in service longer.
Why Does This Matter for Sustainability?
Millions of printers are discarded each year due to minor issues like error codes. By taking time to understand what these messages mean, you can:
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Extend the usable life of your printer
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Reduce unnecessary electronic waste
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Save money on replacements
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Support a culture of repair and reuse
At Reduce Refill Recycle, we believe that education is key to sustainability. Knowing how to care for and maintain your printer helps the environment as much as it allows you.
Preventing Future Errors
Instead of focusing on “fixing” after the fact, the best approach is prevention. Here are a few eco-friendly maintenance tips to reduce the chance of seeing Error 000031 again:
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Clean regularly – Dust buildup can confuse sensors. Wipe surfaces and gently clean inside areas.
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Use quality paper – Lower-grade paper can shed fibers and create jams.
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Check cable alignment – If the printhead feels stiff, review cable positioning before problems arise.
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Power down correctly – Avoid unplugging while the printer is in motion to protect internal gears.
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Schedule maintenance – Just like a car, printers last longer with occasional tune-ups.
Learn More with Our Educational Resources
For those who want to see a walkthrough of this error, we’ve created a step-by-step video to demonstrate the issue and explain how the mechanism works. Watching the process can help you understand why these errors happen and what you can do to reduce them.
Join the Movement: Repair, Refill, Recycle
Our goal isn’t just to solve one error—it’s to help reduce printer waste around the world. By learning how your printer works and sharing that knowledge, you’re taking part in a bigger mission: cutting down on e-waste, conserving resources, and saving money.
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Error codes like 000031 can be frustrating, but they’re also a chance to learn how your printer works. The more you understand, the longer your machine will last—and the fewer printers will end up in landfills. Together, we can reduce, refill, and recycle for a more sustainable future.
