Printer Advice

I have an Epson 218 which has stopped working since Wednesday, which maybe due to printhead issues - but I can't be sure. I have been using compatible cartridges for 2 years since I can no longer afford originals even if they are cheap on amazon!! (And I have the feeling Epson is slowly but surely phasing cartridges out) the printer is over 3 - 4 and half years years old. should I try to purchase or pursue having a replacement printhead for it fitted, or purchase a cleaning kit to clean it myself, or do I dump it due to it's age and install a HP envy that my uncle didn't want that he gave to me in it's place temproararily till I can get a new style Epson Ecotank one?

I had similar issues with an old Epson printer. Turned out it was the sponge that was full. If you open the printer lid, you can see it on the left hand side. Take it out and give it a good wash and make sure it`s dry before putting it back then just print a few test pages.
Mine only lasted a couple of months or so after, but it was really old and was my garage printer so it was exposed to all sorts, but doing that got it printing again.
I bought a Brother colour laser for about £135, which has worked in the same environment for best part of 2 years and a set of toners is only about £25 off Ebay. Never printed photos on it, so can`t say what they come out like, but everything I do with a printer comes out great

where would it be & what does it look like?

If you lift the printer cover like you do when changing the ink cartridges, it is to the very far left at the end of the printer head run. It`s basically a small sponge about and inch or so square, think it`s called the waste ink sponge. You might need a pair of tweezers or something just to lift it out of it`s base and it can be a bit messy if it`s proper full

*Edit** just found this youtube vid which may help if it`s not like the one I had

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsidWsxH2bE