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Installation & Setup Tips for the State ProLine 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater

(Get safe, efficient, and lasting performance from day one)

Installing a high-capacity gas water heater like the State ProLine High Capacity 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater (GS6-75-XRRS) isn’t just about connecting pipes and turning on the gas. It’s about ensuring efficiency, safety, and longevity. When properly installed, this heater can deliver reliable hot water for 15 to 20 years with minimal maintenance. But mistakes — even small ones — can cause performance issues, safety hazards, or voided warranties.

This guide breaks down installation steps, setup tips, and code best practices so you can make sure your State ProLine performs at its full potential from day one.

🔍 1. Planning the Installation

Before bringing your new water heater home, check that it fits your space and your household’s hot water demand.

✅ Measure Your Space

The ProLine GS6-75-XRRS stands around 61 inches tall and 26 inches in diameter, requiring clearance on all sides for airflow and service access. According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), lack of proper clearance is a common cause of overheating and poor combustion airflow.

Maintain at least:

2 inches of clearance on the sides
12 inches in front
18 inches above the draft hood

Also, confirm the vent path is straight and terminates above the roofline for consistent draft flow.

✅ Choose the Right Location

Per ASHRAE residential standards, avoid installing gas water heaters in bedrooms, bathrooms, or small enclosed closets without dedicated combustion air. A utility room, basement, or garage corner with adequate ventilation works best.

Jake’s tip:

“If your unit’s struggling to breathe, it’ll burn dirty, waste gas, and wear out early. Airflow is everything.”

🔥 2. Proper Venting Setup

The State ProLine 74-gallon model uses atmospheric venting, which relies on natural convection to exhaust flue gases. This simple system requires precision — poor venting can lead to dangerous backdrafting or reduced heating efficiency.

✅ Vent Pipe Sizing

Follow DOE’s venting guidelines for 75,000 BTU gas heaters:

Use Type B double-wall vent pipe
Minimum 3-inch diameter for short runs, or 4-inch for longer vertical runs over 10 feet

The vent should rise ¼ inch per foot toward the termination to promote smooth airflow. Avoid horizontal runs where gases can cool and condense.

✅ Check Draft Performance

Once installed, test the draft using a smoke match or incense stick near the draft hood. The smoke should pull upward into the vent. If it spills back into the room, the flue may be blocked or undersized.

The EPA’s indoor air quality recommendations warn that poor venting can allow carbon monoxide buildup. If the vent draft is weak, consult a qualified technician before use.

🧱 3. Gas Line and Supply Setup

The ProLine GS6-75-XRRS requires a ¾-inch gas supply line to support its 75,100 BTU/hr burner input. Undersized lines cause ignition delays, yellow flames, or low recovery rates.

✅ Connection Guidelines

Use black steel or flexible gas piping approved for residential applications. Install a manual shut-off valve within 6 feetof the heater, as required by most plumbing codes.

Apply thread sealant rated for natural gas — not standard Teflon tape — to prevent leaks. Once connected, test the line using a soap solution or an electronic gas leak detector. Never use an open flame for testing.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), even small leaks can waste energy and increase household carbon emissions, so early checks are crucial.

💧 4. Plumbing and Water Line Connections

✅ Cold Water Inlet and Hot Water Outlet

The cold inlet connects on the right, and the hot outlet on the left. Always use dielectric unions between copper and steel fittings to prevent galvanic corrosion.

The DOE’s Energy Saver guide recommends adding heat-trap fittings or loops to minimize heat loss through the pipes when the heater is idle.

✅ Pressure and Expansion Management

If your home uses a closed plumbing system with a backflow preventer, install a thermal expansion tank. This small add-on absorbs pressure fluctuations, protecting both the heater and plumbing fixtures.

Check that the Temperature & Pressure (T&P) relief valve is installed directly into the tank and piped down to within 6 inches of the floor — never capped or plugged.

🌡️ 5. Setting Temperature and Testing

Once your gas and water connections are secure, it’s time to fill the tank and set your preferred temperature.

✅ Filling the Tank

Close the drain valve.
Open a nearby hot water faucet.
Turn on the cold supply and let the tank fill completely until water flows steadily from the faucet.
Only then should you light the pilot.

Lighting before filling can crack the glass lining, according to Energy Star’s installation guidelines.

🔧 6. Insulation and Energy Efficiency Setup

Even though this model already includes foam insulation, you can take a few extra steps to improve efficiency:

Wrap the first 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes with foam pipe insulation, as recommended by the DOE Energy Saver program.
In cold climates, insulate the tank with an Energy Star–rated water heater blanket to reduce standby losses by 4–9%.
Install low-flow fixtures to reduce demand without sacrificing comfort.

Jake’s advice:

“You can’t make an atmospheric heater into a condensing one, but you can stop heat loss. Small upgrades add up fast.”

🧠 7. Post-Installation Checks and Startup Testing

Before you walk away from the installation, go through this quick checklist to ensure everything is safe and running efficiently.

Startup Checklist:

✅ Vent pipe secured, properly sloped
✅ Gas line leak-free and sized correctly
✅ T&P valve installed with discharge line
✅ Pilot burning stable blue flame
✅ No water leaks around connections
✅ Thermostat set to 120°F
✅ Area around heater clear of flammables

Once everything checks out, test several fixtures in your home to confirm consistent hot water flow. Allow the unit to complete a full heating cycle and monitor for any unusual noises or venting smells.

The EPA’s Clean Energy program encourages homeowners to perform this test at least once annually to ensure safe combustion and proper airflow.

🧾 8. Permits, Codes, and Professional Support

While DIY installation is technically possible for experienced homeowners, most states require a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to install gas water heaters. Improper venting or gas setup can be dangerous.

Local building departments often follow International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)standards. Always pull a permit and have the installation inspected.

The ACCA and ASHRAE both stress that professional setup ensures proper draft and combustion testing — critical for both safety and efficiency.

Jake’s bottom line:

“You can save a few bucks skipping a pro, but one venting mistake can cost way more — or worse. Always play it safe with gas appliances.”

🏁 9. Jake’s Final Thoughts

The State ProLine 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater is a tank built for families who need serious capacity and long-term dependability. Install it right the first time, and it’ll deliver hot water without complaint for decades.

Keep the vent clear, test the pilot once a year, and flush it regularly. That’s all it takes to keep this powerhouse working efficiently and safely.

Jake’s final advice?