Water Heaters - Water Heater Pilot Light

The pilot light on my hot water heater has gone out several times over the past two days. In searching, it appears that a failed thermocouple is a common problem.

However, the normal symptoms I read for a failed thrmocouple are that the pilot will not stay lit after releasing the "pilot" button. Mine does stay lit after relighting, and the burner fires up when I turn the unit on. Subsequently, though, after heating a tank of water, the pilot light goes out again.

Is this also a common symptom of a failed thermocouple as well? Or, does it sound like there is another problem?

Thanks!

Can be thermocouple on the margin, gas valve on the margin, but there are other problems.

1) If you are in a very hot climate and the water heater is in your attic, pilot problems are a known issue. ( If this applies, let us know and I will explain)

2) In general, and especially if it is a newer water heater, adequate supply of combustion air is important.

3) Sometime gusty winds blowing down the flue are trouble.

Looks like was the thermocouple getting flakey. Worked on-and-off for a couple days, then failed completely about the time I got to the store to buy a replacement.

Installed and all is well.

Thanks for the reply.