Hi there—Mike Sanders again. Look, I get it. Most folks don’t think twice about their water heater until something goes cold. But if you’re the kind of homeowner who likes to stay ahead of problems (and save money), proper maintenance on your State ProLine 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater is a no-brainer.
This guide will walk you through:
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The essential maintenance checklist
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How to flush the tank, inspect the anode rod, and test heating elements
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Common signs of wear
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Real timelines for upkeep
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And tips that’ll help you push your water heater past the 10-year mark
Let’s keep your hot water flowing—and your wallet happy.
🗓️ 1. Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Think of your water heater like a truck. Sure, it runs without much attention. But if you never change the oil or rotate the tires, something’s going to give.
🔧 Benefits of Regular Maintenance:
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Prevents sediment buildup and loss of efficiency
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Reduces risk of leaks and tank corrosion
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Ensures faster heating and lower energy bills
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Can extend lifespan by 3–5+ years
According to Energy.gov, well-maintained electric units can last 10–15 years—longer if you take care of the anode rod and drain valve.
📋 2. Mike’s State ProLine Maintenance Checklist
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check for leaks or rust | Monthly |
| Test pressure relief valve | Every 6 months |
| Flush tank to remove sediment | Once a year |
| Inspect heating elements | Every 2–3 years |
| Replace anode rod | Every 3–5 years |
| Check electrical & thermostat | Annually |
| Insulate pipes & tank (if needed) | Once |
✅ Pro Tip: Put reminders on your phone or calendar. Maintenance costs less than one cold shower.
💧 3. How to Flush Your Water Heater (Step-by-Step)
Why flush?
Sediment settles at the bottom of your tank over time—especially if you have hard water. It can:
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Reduce heating efficiency
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Cause popping or crackling noises
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Lead to premature element burnout
Tools Needed:
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Garden hose
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Bucket or floor drain
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Flathead screwdriver
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Gloves
Step-by-Step:
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Turn off power at the breaker box (240V double pole breaker)
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Turn off the cold water supply valve
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Connect a garden hose to the drain valve (bottom of the tank)
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Run the hose to a floor drain or outside
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Open a hot water faucet upstairs to relieve vacuum
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Open the drain valve using screwdriver or hand knob
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Let it drain completely (can take 20–30 min)
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Close the drain, turn cold water back on
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Leave the faucet open until water runs steadily
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Turn power back on when the tank is full
📚 Guide with visuals: Family Handyman – Flushing Water Heaters
🧲 4. Checking & Replacing the Anode Rod
What is it?
The anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that attracts corrosion, protecting the tank lining.
When to check?
Every 3 to 5 years. If more than 50% of the rod is gone—it’s time to replace it.
Steps:
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Turn off power and water
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Open hot faucet and drain a few gallons
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Locate the rod (usually top of tank under hex nut)
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Use a socket wrench to remove it
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If corroded or under ½” thick—replace it
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Wrap threads with Teflon tape, install new rod, and tighten
🔗 Learn more: StateWaterHeaters.com Maintenance Tips
Mike’s Tip: Use magnesium anode rods for better performance—especially if you use softened water.
🔥 5. Inspecting the Heating Elements
Most electric water heaters (like the State ProLine) have two heating elements—one at the top and one at the bottom.
Signs of element issues:
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Water takes forever to heat
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Only lukewarm water
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Breaker trips when heater is on
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Popping noises
Tools:
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Multimeter
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Screwdriver
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Wrench
Testing:
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Turn off power
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Remove access panel and insulation
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Set multimeter to ohms
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Disconnect wires from element
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Touch probes to screws on element
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10–16 ohms = good
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0 or infinite = bad
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If bad, replace with a 4500W screw-in heating element.
🛠 How-to: The Spruce – Replacing Water Heater Elements
🚿 6. Testing the Pressure Relief Valve
The T&P valve (top or side of the tank) protects against excess heat or pressure.
Test every 6 months:
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Place a bucket under the valve
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Pull the lever up for 3–5 seconds
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Water should spray out
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If it drips after resetting or doesn’t release water, replace it
Failure here can lead to dangerous over-pressurization.
🔗 Guide: Home Depot – Testing Water Heater T&P Valve
🔌 7. Thermostat and Electrical Checks
Each heating element has a thermostat behind the access panel. Default is 120°F.
Inspect:
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Loose wires or scorch marks
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Breaker tripping
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Burnt insulation smell
Use a multimeter or call an electrician if you’re unsure. Faulty wiring can increase heating times—or worse, cause shorts.
❄️ 8. Insulating Pipes and Tank
In colder climates, pipe and tank insulation can reduce heat loss by 25% or more.
Materials:
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¾" foam pipe wrap
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Fiberglass tank jacket (if your unit isn't already insulated)
📌 Note: The State ProLine already has solid insulation—only add jackets if you’re in an unheated garage or attic.
📖 More tips: EnergyStar.gov
🧭 9. Mike’s Maintenance Timeline
Here’s the routine I recommend to every homeowner with a State ProLine or similar:
Monthly
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Check for leaks, corrosion, or wet spots
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Listen for strange noises
Every 6 Months
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Test T&P valve
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Check drain valve for blockages
Every Year
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Full tank flush
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Thermostat check
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Inspect wiring for wear
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Clean around tank
Every 3–5 Years
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Pull and inspect anode rod
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Replace if 50%+ depleted
Every 6–8 Years
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Inspect heating elements
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Replace if corroded or shorted
🧯 10. When to Call a Pro
Not everything has to be DIY—especially if:
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You notice electrical burning smell
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Tank is leaking from bottom (replacement likely)
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Circuit trips even after element replacement
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Water smells rotten or metallic despite flushing
🧑🔧 Licensed plumbers and electricians can also perform routine maintenance as part of a seasonal HVAC/plumbing service.
🛠 Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cold water | Breaker tripped, bad element | Check breaker, test elements |
| Smelly water | Bacteria in tank | Flush, replace anode rod |
| Noisy popping | Sediment | Flush tank |
| Water too hot | Thermostat set too high | Reset to 120°F |
| Leaking from top | Loose connections | Tighten fittings |
🏁 Final Word From Mike
If you treat your water heater like the silent workhorse it is—and give it a little TLC now and then—it’ll pay you back with years of reliable hot water and fewer surprise repairs.
The State ProLine Series makes maintenance easy, and with just a few tools and about 2 hours a year, you’ll keep it running like new.
In the next topic we will know more about: Is the State ProLine 50-Gallon Water Heater Energy Star Qualified and Eligible for Tax Credits?
