Water Heaters - LP water heater issue

the water heater here is having some issues. it keeps going out. the water heater itself is not old but for some reason goes out and is sometimes hard to light.

any help??

The pilot burner is likely dirty. It will require disassembly to clean. Do NOT use anything hard like a drill or wire to clean the orifice.

After cleaning the pilot the next step would be to observe the size of the pilot flame. If it does not fully engulf the thermocouple then the size needs to be increased by adjusting at the pilot control valve.

If it still won't stay lit the thermocouple itself should be replaced.

After all this and it still fails the main regulator probably needs replacement.

If it is "not your house" then you probably shouldn't do anything beyond requesting that your landlord fix the problem.

its my inlaws house. They are too lazy and I want a HOT shower!!! There is 3 lines going into the heater, large(assume main burner line), medium (assume pilot) and a very small copper flexible one. Am i wrong?? I am capable to do the work I just have never doen anything to a water heater before.

i take the pilot line out and just clean it with what??

Check out these links.

http://homerepair.about.com/od/plumbingrepair/ss/hwh_tank_gas_4.htm

http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=10816

Use compressed air (blow it backwards) to clear the orifice.

The smallest copper line is the thermocouple. It is an electrical connection so treat it gently.

that sounds like my problem. ill try it tonight!!

thank you