To manage this, Epson has implemented a software counter that estimates how much waste ink these pads have absorbed. When this counter reaches a predetermined threshold, the printer locks down and displays an error message like "Service Required: Waste Ink Pad is full," effectively stopping all printing functions until the counter is reset.
Resetting the waste ink counter is a temporary solution. The physical ink pads inside the printer will eventually become fully saturated and require professional cleaning or replacement by a qualified technician. epson l3118 resetter adjustment program install