[Cushla]

Damsel in Distress!
My gas water heater State Select Serial number PR640 NO 5971L H 98883450. It's not heating. I've had it lit two times and for a short while it works and heats the water. However, a few hours later the Pilot goes off and that is what my problem is. This unit is about 12 years old and unless I have company I am the only occupant so I don't feel the system has had a lot of use. I don't know if I need a plumber or heating and air person.
Thank you in anticipation
Carmel

[KBC]

Hi Cushla,

It does take some time for certain people to become available to answer questions.

The first thing I would have checked(by a handyman or plumber)would be the thermocouple.This is the copper looking piece where the flame comes out from the gas line.Typically they fail.. cost of a new piece is minimal.
If the person who installs this is a professional(plumber,etc),they can tell you if the system is defective,out of dated,etc.It might need replaced.it is 12 years old, that's a pretty good lifespan for a State Heater.

[CHayn]

Replace the thermocouple. Try that before replacing the heater. Thermocouples are cheap and easy to replace.