Why does the fire of my water heater (gas) keep going off?

Question

We lighted it up but in a few hours or days, the fire went off again. Why and how can we make it work?

Answer 1

first check that the damper is working properly if it goes out more ofter when it is windy then the pilot light is being blown out.

Answer 2

Good chance your thermocouple is bad or misaligned.  It should be heated by the pilot when it is lit which allows the valve to the burner to open when required.  They are normally inexpensive to replace, less than $10.

Answer 3

The water heater is trying to tell you: "replace me".  

I bought a house and the water heater had the same problem.

replaced the heater, problem solved.  Old friend called me a year ago and had same problem as you.  I suggested he replace the thermocouple, he did and was very happy for two weeks, then total failure.  Second half of same tale: didn't replace water heater himself, went to famous national retailer and bought the heater ($300)and install (another$300).  "There may be additional costs at time of install".  At Install, the additional costs came to another $600.  His wallet went into shock.  Beware.  

Answer 4

Clean the pilot light hole till the flame is blue.

Answer 5

Find the thermocouple which is basically a tube extending into the flame.  Take a piece of steel wool and polish the soot and build up of it it.  It should take care of the problem.