
There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a critical print job when your large format printer suddenly stops working. The deadline is approaching, your client is waiting, and you’re staring at error codes that might as well be written in a foreign language.
At Steven Enterprises, we have built our reputation on being the large format printer repair shop that Orange County businesses can count on when they need help fast.
We service hundreds of plotters every year and the pattern is clear: customers who schedule one annual preventative maintenance visit and follow a few simple in-house habits rarely suffer surprise breakdowns.
Here’s why we’ve become the go-to choice for businesses that can’t afford to wait around for printer repairs, plus essential maintenance tips your team can implement today.
What Makes Steven Enterprises Different from Other Repair Shops?
When your large format printer breaks down, you need more than just a repair service. You need a partner who understands the urgency of your situation and has the expertise to fix it right the first time.
Factory-Trained Technicians Who Speak Your Printer’s Language
Our technicians are factory-trained and certified on multiple brands, which means we can read error codes and handle repairs on-site without needing to bring in third parties. We have direct lines to manufacturers, ensuring we get the technical support and parts needed to resolve issues quickly.
This expertise eliminates the “guesswork and delays” that come with repair shops that aren’t properly certified on your specific equipment.
Someone Always Answers the Phone
When your printer goes down, you need to talk to a real person who can help, not an automated system or voicemail. We pride ourselves on having someone who will always pick up the phone when you call.
Fast Response Times with Parts in Stock
We maintain most parts in stock and ready to ship, which means faster repairs and less downtime for your business. Our quick response times help ensure that a printer breakdown doesn’t turn into a business crisis.
Rental Units Available to Avoid Downtime
For critical situations where repairs might take time, we offer rental units to keep your operations running. This backup option ensures you never have to tell a client that their project is delayed due to equipment failure.
3 Essential Maintenance Tips to Avoid Large Format Printer Repairs
Maintaining your large format printer is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and avoids costly repairs.
Most businesses we work with find that scheduling one annual preventative maintenance check-up is sufficient, even when using the printer at high volumes.
Here are 3 essential maintenance tips your team should follow to keep your large format printer in top condition and minimize the need for service calls.
1. Run Your Printer Every 2-4 Weeks Minimum
Regular printer use is essential, especially for inkjet models, to prevent the ink from drying out.
Why? If a printer remains idle for too long, the ink can harden, resembling a crayon-like consistency that clogs the lines and print heads, leading to significant issues.
Many businesses experienced this problem during COVID because they weren’t in the office. As a result, their printheads needed replacement, costing businesses anywhere from $80 to $500, not including the service call fee of $200 to $400.
We recommend you run your printer at least once every week or month, depending on your printing needs.
Pro Tip: Nearly every wide-format printer stores a low-coverage “demo print.” It uses only 5–10 % ink but purges all channels. Can’t locate it? Call us at 800-491-8785 and a technician will guide you.
2. Monitor Ink Expiration Dates
Monitoring ink expiration is vital for maintaining print quality and preventing damage to your printer.
Ink typically has a shelf life of 12 to 18 months, and most printers will alert you when the ink is nearing or has passed its expiration date.
Although you might be tempted to use expired ink for a few weeks or even months, doing so can risk compromising print quality and potentially harming your printer.
It’s common practice to purchase four sets of inks at once and reorder when supplies start to run low, ensuring you always have fresh ink on hand.
PRO TIP: To keep track of expiration dates, plug your ink into your printer. The barcode will be scanned and the system will remind you when your ink is about to expire.
3. Keep Your Printer Loading Area Clean
Maintaining printer cleanliness is essential for all types of printers. For toner-based printers, it’s important to clean up residual powder regularly. Inkjet printers, while generally less messy, still benefit from regular cleaning to prevent operational issues that can lead to costly repairs.
How to Get Long-Term Use Out of Your Large Format Printer
In addition to the maintenance tips mentioned above, we always recommend our customers schedule annual preventative maintenance.
During this service, a professional large-format printing expert will flush the lines fully and run comprehensive tests on the machine to ensure every feature is functioning correctly. This maintenance is separate from software updates and requires an in-person visit.
This proactive approach helps catch potential issues before they become expensive problems that shut down your operations.
Explore Our Affordable Service Contracts at Steven Enterprises
Consider signing up for a service contract with Steven Enterprises to keep your large-format printer operating smoothly and reduce the likelihood of disruptions in your workflow.
Our contracts typically include one maintenance check per year and are often more cost-effective than paying for one-time services.
They can be paid monthly or annually, and every client is assigned an inside representative who assists with all supply needs.
For those with higher print demands, ask about our Cost Per Copy (CPC) contract to get even better rates on your supplies.
Why Orange County Businesses Choose Steven Enterprises
Regular demo prints, fresh ink, and a clean loading area go a long way—but nothing beats an expert tune-up.
If you’re looking for the best large format printer repair shop in Orange County, reach out to us at Steven Enterprises today.
We’ll answer the phone when you call—just give us a call at 800-491-8785 to speak with a large format printing expert who can help solve your printer challenges today.




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