Maintenance & Troubleshooting for the State ProLine 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater
(Keep your system efficient, quiet, and reliable year after year)
If you own a State ProLine High Capacity 74-Gallon Gas Water Heater (GS6-75-XRRS), you’ve invested in one of the most capable gas storage systems for large homes. It’s built tough, delivers high recovery rates, and can easily handle multiple showers, dishwashers, and laundry cycles running at once.
But even the best water heater benefits from routine care. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or prefer calling a pro, this guide will walk you through the maintenance practices, performance checks, and troubleshooting tips that keep your system running smoothly for 15–20 years.
🧰 1. Why Maintenance Matters
Neglecting maintenance on a gas water heater can lead to higher energy bills, reduced efficiency, and shortened lifespan. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that sediment buildup alone can increase operating costs by up to 25%, as the burner must work harder to heat the same amount of water.
Regular maintenance also helps detect issues early — like small leaks or pilot light problems — before they cause expensive damage.
The EPA’s Energy Efficiency Program emphasizes that a few simple annual tasks can maintain optimal performance and improve household safety by preventing carbon monoxide leaks or excessive pressure buildup.
🧽 2. Annual Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a yearly maintenance routine you (or your HVAC tech) should follow for your State ProLine 74-gallon gas water heater.
✅ Step 1: Flush the Tank
Sediment from minerals in your water settles at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this buildup insulates the water from the burner flame, reducing efficiency and making noise (that familiar “popping” sound).
How to do it:
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Turn off the gas supply.
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Attach a hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank.
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Run the other end of the hose to a floor drain.
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Open a nearby hot water faucet to let air in.
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Open the drain valve and let water flush until it runs clear.
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Close the valve, remove the hose, and relight the pilot.
According to the DOE’s Energy Saver guidelines, flushing every 6–12 months can significantly extend the life of your heater.
✅ Step 2: Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod prevents tank corrosion by attracting minerals that would otherwise attack the tank lining.
Check it every 2–3 years (annually in areas with hard water). If it’s worn to less than ½ inch thick or coated in calcium, it’s time to replace it.
A magnesium or aluminum anode rod typically costs under $40 and can add years to your tank’s lifespan.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recommends replacing it before full deterioration to prevent internal rust and leaks.
✅ Step 3: Test the Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve
The T&P valve is a safety component that releases pressure if the water gets too hot or the tank over-pressurizes.
To test:
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Place a bucket under the discharge pipe.
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Lift the valve’s lever briefly.
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You should hear a quick hiss and see a burst of water.
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If no water comes out, replace the valve immediately.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) notes that this valve should open at 150 psi or 210°F. If it doesn’t, it’s a hazard and must be changed.
✅ Step 4: Clean the Burner and Pilot Assembly
Dust, lint, or pet hair can collect near the burner compartment, affecting flame quality and combustion efficiency.
Turn off the gas, remove the access panel, and gently vacuum around the burner. A soft brush works for tight spaces.
Look for a steady blue flame with yellow tips — this means proper combustion. A lazy yellow or flickering flame indicates restricted airflow or a dirty burner.
Following ASHRAE’s residential combustion safety standards, always ensure the burner chamber has clean, unobstructed air.
✅ Step 5: Inspect Venting and Airflow
Since this model uses atmospheric venting, the exhaust relies on natural draft. If the vent is blocked or incorrectly sloped, combustion gases may backdraft into the home — a serious carbon monoxide risk.
Check that:
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The draft hood is properly seated.
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Vent pipes slope upward ¼ inch per foot toward the chimney.
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There are no gaps or corrosion in the pipe joints.
The EPA’s Clean Energy program urges homeowners to test draft draw with a match or smoke pencil — smoke should be pulled into the hood, not blown out.
🔥 3. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Even with regular maintenance, issues can pop up. Here are the most common problems with the State ProLine GS6-75-XRRS, what causes them, and what you can do.
⚠️ Problem 1: Water Isn’t Hot Enough
Possible causes:
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Thermostat set too low (should be around 120°F)
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Sediment buildup insulating the burner
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Partially closed shutoff valve
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Faulty gas control valve
If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t help, try flushing the tank. Persistent issues could mean the thermostat or gas control valve needs replacement — a job best left to a licensed technician.
The DOE recommends testing hot water at the tap with a thermometer to verify consistency.
⚠️ Problem 2: Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Possible causes:
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Dirty pilot orifice
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Faulty thermocouple
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Insufficient combustion air
Use compressed air to gently clean the pilot orifice. If it still won’t stay lit, test or replace the thermocouple — it’s a small, inexpensive part that senses the pilot flame and keeps the gas valve open.
The ACCA emphasizes ensuring adequate ventilation, especially if the unit is in a small utility closet. Lack of oxygen can extinguish the flame.
⚠️ Problem 3: Rumbling or Popping Sounds
This is classic sediment buildup. When water gets trapped beneath mineral deposits, it flashes into steam and makes noise.
Flush the tank thoroughly, then refill it with fresh water. If the problem continues, install a whole-home sediment filter to reduce buildup from the source.
The Energy Star maintenance guide confirms that regular flushing restores quiet operation and faster heat-up times.
🧠 4. Preventative Tips for Long-Term Reliability
If you want your water heater to perform like new for decades, follow these long-term habits:
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Install a thermal expansion tank if your home uses a closed plumbing system.
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Wrap the hot and cold water lines with pipe insulation to minimize heat loss.
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Keep the area around the heater clean — dust, lint, or storage clutter restrict airflow.
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Check the vent annually for corrosion or loose joints.
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Replace the anode rod before it’s completely consumed — waiting too long risks internal corrosion.
The NREL notes that simple preventative steps like these can extend a gas water heater’s lifespan by up to five yearswhile maintaining full efficiency.
🏁 5. Jake’s Take: Simple Care, Serious Payoff
Here’s the truth: gas water heaters aren’t complicated, but they do need attention.
The State ProLine 74-gallon is built to deliver serious hot water for big households. Keep it clean, keep it flushed, and make sure it can breathe. That’s it.
Jake’s advice?
“Give it an hour a year — flush it, check the rod, test the valve. Do that, and this heater will outlast your dishwasher, your washer, and probably your furnace.”
In the next Blog we will learn more about State ProLine vs AO Smith vs Rheem vs Bradford White