Copier repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What copier repair is

A technician services office copiers and multifunction machines, fixing paper jams, print quality problems, scanning faults and worn parts. You need it when the copier slows the office down or produces poor copies, and you want it working without a long wait.

Signs you need it

  • The copier jams often or the paper feed slips
  • Copies come out streaky, faded or with dark lines
  • The scanner shows lines, does not send to email or fails to scan
  • The copier shows error codes that staff cannot clear
  • The copier makes grinding or loud noises during a job

What the pro does

  • Checks the error codes and runs a test copy and scan
  • Inspects the feed path, rollers and sensors for wear or damage
  • Cleans the scanner glass, drum, fuser and toner path as needed
  • Replaces the worn parts, such as rollers, pads, drums or the fuser where the model uses them
  • Tests copying, printing and scanning, and gives you a service record

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The copier model and its age, and how common its parts are
  • The type of fault and whether it is cleaning or a part replacement
  • Whether the copier is on a service contract, which changes the charges
  • The urgency and the response time
  • Whether the copier is in a hard to reach office or building
  • Whether the repair is more than the cost of a replacement

What a written quote should spell out

  • The diagnosis and the test used to confirm it
  • The parts replaced, with model and whether they are new or refurbished
  • Cleaning and maintenance included
  • Labor and response time
  • Warranty for the parts and the repair

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the copier on a service contract, and what does it cover?
  • Which parts are worn, and what test showed it?
  • Is the repair worth doing compared with a new copier?
  • What is the response time for a call?
  • Do you use genuine or compatible parts?
  • What warranty do you give on the repair?

Red flags

  • Says the copier needs a major part without showing the test
  • Pushes a new copier without explaining the repair option
  • Will not give a response time or a service record
  • Works on the copier's network or security settings without permission

What you can do yourself

Clear visible paper jams using the copier's instructions, and clean the scanner glass with a lint free cloth. Do not open the fuser area, the high voltage parts or the drum while the copier is warm or powered, since these can burn or shock. Call a technician for any repeated jam, a print quality fault or a scanner problem.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for copier repair. Check with your state or local licensing agency about any business registration that applies, and ask the technician to show proof of training or certification.

Copier repair questions

Why does the copier keep jamming in the same place?

A worn roller, a sensor or a dirty path is a common cause. A technician should check the feed path and the sensor, not just clear the paper.

Should I buy a service contract?

It depends on how much the office uses the copier and how fast you need it back. Ask the provider what the contract covers and how fast it responds.

Can I use any toner?

Some copiers work with compatible toner, but others can be damaged or lose warranty. Ask the technician about your model.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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