Figures. I was in the middle of doing annual "plumbing
maintenance" (flushing all the water heaters and preparing to inspect/
probably replace the anodes) which was prompted by the failure of the
T&P valve on the main (gas) water heater - I figured that since the
basement floor needed a good mopping I'd start doing all the dirty
work I needed to do anyway prior to clean up. Well anyway I hadn't
touched the gas heater yet except to replace the T&P valve as the
drain valve was messed up, last night's project was supposed to be to
replace the drain valve. Got home, no hot water, pilot light was
out. Had to run to store to get matches - couldn't find any in the
house, I guess there's not much need for matches anymore as all
appliances except the water heater use spark ignitors or resistive
ignitors (furnace) so I never stocked up. Anyway, I got it lit again
and it cycled OK and then went out. a few seconds later I heard the
gas valve snap shut which is good, at least the thermocouple is
working OK. Lit it again and it was still on this AM. I'm hoping
there was just a slug of something in the gas line but if this starts
happening regularly it'll be new water heater time unless simply
cleaning the pilot assembly fixes it; it's so old it's not worth the
money to buy any parts for it unless they can be scavenged when it is
eventually replaced.

So the question... what's the group's current opinion on gas vs.
electric for a water heater? I keep hearing that gas is no longer
much cheaper than electric, although my own back of envelope
calculations don't seem to support that. I also like the much quicker
recovery time of the gas heater. Is replacing a gas heater with
another gas heater still worth the extra money? not only would it be
more expensive to purchase, but I think that while I could install an
electric heater myself I might feel more comfortable having a
professional install a gas heater due to gas piping and flue issues...
I really don't want to blow my house up or kill myself in my sleep due
to trying to save a few bucks.

thanks for any opinions...

nate