We light the pilot liight, turn the gas from pilot and on and set the temperature to warm. Thie fire lights, stay on for 10 minutes to a couple of hours and then suddenly turns off -- no fire, no pilot, etc. Any ideas. The flame is a solid blue.

Hi Gary...

Sounds like the THERMOCOUPLE is on its way out... ;) Simple job to replace...

How old is the water heater? If new, it will be a little harder, but if over 5-6 years old you can run down to home supply store and purchase a 24" universal thermocouple and replace the unit using only a screwdriver and some open end wrenches.

Here, shut the weater heater gas valve to off and then remove the access door to the combustion chamber. Follow the thermocouple to where it attaches to the gas valve and unscrew the nut. Then follow the other end to the thermocouple and unscrew the screw holding it in place. Remove the thermocouple and install the new one. Do not overtighten the end that attaches to the gas valve. Turn gas back on and light the pilot as you have been doing. Set to the correct temperature and see how you make out.

If this is a newer model water heater let me know... OK?

Let us know if you need more info...

MARK