How to know when a water heater is going bad?
A State PR650XCVIT gas water heater is usually going bad when you see persistent leaking, rusty or smelly hot water, rumbling or popping noises from sediment, or repeated ignition failures that leave you with no hot water. These symptoms point to tank corrosion, heavy scale buildup, or failing ignition and safety components.
Key warning signs to watch for
- Water around the base or moisture at fittings that keeps coming back after drying
- Rusty, gritty, or foul-smelling hot water (often worse at the first draw)
- Rumbling, popping, or banging during burner operation (sediment and scale)
- Hot water runs out fast or takes much longer to recover
- Pilot or burner will not stay lit, or the unit cycles off unexpectedly
- Sooting or scorch marks near the burner area (stop using and have it checked)
Quick checks we recommend (safe, homeowner-level)
- Look for active leaks at the tank seam, drain valve, and piping connections.
- Listen during a heat cycle; loud rumbling usually means heavy sediment.
- Check hot water quality at a faucet after running it 30 to 60 seconds.
- Note ignition behavior; repeated failed starts often point to the ignitor or a safety switch.
- Compare performance over a week; a steady decline is more meaningful than a one-time bad day.
When parts are the likely cause (and what we stock for this model)
If the tank is not leaking but you are dealing with ignition problems, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | What it often points to | Model-matched part to check |
|---|---|---|
| No ignition, clicking but no light | Failed ignitor or ignition module issue | Ignitor,pg 100109355 |
| Unit shuts down or will not run consistently | Safety/limit or pressure-related switch issue | Switch 100111732 |
For more guidance on diagnosing indicator lights and lockouts, use State gas water heater error codes.
Why it matters
Catching failure early helps prevent water damage, avoids repeated no-hot-water events, and can keep a repair limited to serviceable components (like an ignitor or switch) instead of a full replacement.
To order replacement parts for your PR650XCVIT, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with state select water heaters?
Common problems we see on State Select gas water heaters like model PR650XCVIT include the pilot going out, no hot water, temperature swings, rumbling or popping noises from sediment, and occasional leaks. Many of these symptoms trace back to ignition or safety-control issues, airflow problems, or normal wear in key components.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Pilot will not stay lit: ignition system fault, dirty burner area, or a safety switch opening
- No hot water: ignition failure, control not calling for heat, or gas supply issue
- Water too hot or not hot enough: temperature setting or control problem
- Rumbling, popping, or banging: sediment buildup in the tank
- Discolored or smelly hot water: sediment, bacteria, or corrosion reactions
- Water around the heater: loose fittings, leaking valve, or tank leak
Quick checks we recommend (safe, no disassembly)
- Confirm gas is on at the shutoff valve and other gas appliances work.
- Check the status light or display and match it to the troubleshooting steps in State gas water heater error codes.
- Look for airflow blockage around the base and intake areas; clear lint and dust.
- Listen during a heat call: no ignition attempt often points to an ignitor or control/switch issue.
- Inspect for leaks at plumbing connections and the temperature and pressure relief valve discharge tube.
Parts that commonly solve “won’t ignite” or “pilot issues”
If your PR650XCVIT is failing to light or keep a stable flame, these model-matched parts are often involved:
| Symptom | Commonly related part | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| No spark or no ignition | Ignitor,pg 100109355 | Creates ignition to light the burner |
| Intermittent operation or shutdown | Switch 100111732 | Opens/closes a safety or operating circuit |
Why it matters
Pilot and ignition problems can leave you without hot water and can also cause repeated shutdowns that stress the ignition system. Sediment and minor leaks tend to get worse over time, so catching them early helps protect efficiency and the tank.
Ordering the right replacement part
We recommend ordering parts using the PR650XCVIT parts list to match by model and symptom; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why are gas water heaters being phased out?
Gas water heaters are being phased out in some areas because local and State clean-air rules target nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from gas-burning appliances. For a State PR650XCVIT gas water heater, this is a policy and permitting issue, not a parts issue; your unit can still be serviceable where gas appliances remain allowed.
What is driving the phase-outs
Most phase-out proposals focus on reducing air pollution from combustion appliances, especially in dense metro areas.
- Cutting NOx emissions that contribute to smog
- Meeting regional air-quality targets and public-health goals
- Shifting new installations toward electric heat pump water heaters
- Setting future compliance dates for new equipment sales or installs
- Requiring low-NOx models in some jurisdictions instead of a full ban
What it means for your State PR650XCVIT
In practice, rules usually affect new installations and replacements more than existing equipment.
| Situation | What typically happens | What you can do now |
|---|---|---|
| Existing working gas water heater | Often allowed to keep operating | Maintain it and repair as needed |
| Replacement after failure | May require low-NOx or electric, depending on location | Check local code requirements before buying |
| Remodel or permit-required work | May trigger updated compliance rules | Confirm permit rules with your installer |
Repair vs. replace: practical guidance
If your PR650XCVIT is otherwise in good shape, repairing common ignition or control issues can extend its life and delay a forced changeover.
- If the burner will not light or the pilot/ignition fails, check the ignitor,pg 100109355
- If the unit is shutting down unexpectedly, inspect the switch 100111732
- Use the LED/status light pattern to identify the fault before ordering parts
- Keep the combustion air intake and venting clear (safe draft is critical)
- Flush sediment periodically to help efficiency and reduce overheating
Why it matters
These rules can change what you are allowed to install when your water heater fails. Knowing your local requirements ahead of time helps you avoid delays, rework, and surprise costs.
For help decoding status lights and lockouts on State gas models, use State gas water heater error codes. For parts ordering, start with the PR650XCVIT parts list on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why do plumbers not recommend tankless water heaters?
Plumbers often don’t recommend tankless water heaters because they cost more to install, require stricter maintenance (especially with hard water), and can disappoint during high simultaneous demand. For many homes, a tank-style unit like the State PR650XCVIT is simpler to retrofit and more predictable.
Why plumbers push back
- Installation complexity: Tankless upgrades often require larger gas lines, different venting, and sometimes electrical or condensate changes.
- Hard water sensitivity: Scale buildup reduces performance and can cause nuisance shutdowns unless descaled on schedule.
- Peak-demand limits: Multiple showers plus laundry or a dishwasher can exceed a single unit’s usable flow at your needed temperature rise.
- Service and parts access: More sensors and tighter packaging can make diagnosis and repairs more time-consuming.
- Comfort complaints: Longer wait for hot water at distant fixtures and occasional temperature swings between draws.
Tankless vs. tank: quick comparison
| Topic | Tankless | Tank-style (like PR650XCVIT) |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Higher | Lower |
| Retrofit difficulty | Often higher | Often lower |
| Hot water | Continuous within flow limits | Stored hot water, then recovery |
| Maintenance | Descaling is critical | Flushing is helpful |
If you are deciding between the two
- Add up simultaneous hot-water uses (showers, appliances) at peak times.
- Plan for annual descaling if you have moderate to hard water.
- Confirm gas supply and venting can support the upgrade.
- Consider whether a tank replacement meets your needs with fewer changes.
Why it matters
Most “tankless regrets” come from mismatched sizing, water quality, or installation constraints. If you’re troubleshooting a State gas unit instead, use State gas water heater error codes to narrow the problem quickly.
Parts that commonly come up on gas ignition issues
- Ignitor,pg 100109355 (spark/ignition component)
- Switch 100111732 (safety or control switching function)
You can order model-matched parts from the parts list for PR650XCVIT, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026


