Do the hot water and cold water lights stay lit at all times?

the thermal couple is likely bad .
when you release does pilot stay lit or only as long as you hold the button .

if it stays lit then the thermal couple is good
if it only blows out as you turn on the heat then its draft issue.

Many water heaters today are pilotless.
Call manufacturer with model and serial number

Gene.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

You need to inspect and clean the air intake located on bottom of unit. Get more fresh air to the water heater and see if problem continues.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Flame-trap-inspection-325.jpg
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/State-select-air-intake-400.jpg

Instructions for lighting the unit are located on front of water heater.
Other possible causes include: bad gas control valve, dirty combustion parts, reverse draft down the stack (caused by wind and opening door inside closed utility room), low gas pressure, air in gas line, etc.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html

Propane gas is heavier than air. So if you have a gas leak, then smell close to floor. Leave house immediately if you smell gas. Install a gas detector close to floor level near gas appliances.
Most water heaters today are extremely safe, because we experimented on prior generations of people, who then passed along their experience.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Gas water heaters don't have elements, so I am confused about what type water heater you have..
Look on the side of tank for the label.
Find the brand, and type. Does it show BTUs? Or does it show wattage?
Then re-post question with this information, for best possible answer.
Also post question on Tank forum.
http://www.thetankatwaterheaterrescue.com/forums/forum3/

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

You need a new gas control valve.

Hi,

If it is one of the new ones with the fancy gas control and the blinking light... does the light blink?? or not??
If it is blinking then the pilot should stay lit...
If it will not blink then the sensor is bad or not in the right place...

Or... the gas control is bad... this is happening alot...

If it is brand new... take it back...

heatman101

Probably a bad solenoid in the gas valve. Higher voltage of a new thermocouple keeps it open longer but it still fails over a period of time. Look into a new gas valve for the water heater.

get a long stick match, a flashlight remove lower inspection cover, find thermocouple and pilot light will be next to it,turn gas valve to pilot light and hold down,stick the match in by thermocouple till the pilot lights and hold valve down till pilot stays lit,this may take a minute or more,then release gas valve and see if pilot stays lit, if not retry,if it wont stay lit,the thermocouple is defective and needs replacement

The manual says to hold a match near the pilot while the ignitor is trying. It says that if the unit lights the pilot orifice may be dirty or clogged. Then the manual says to check the voltage on the igniter. It should be 1.3 volts DC minimum if it is not means the electronic control box is defective.

Let me know the status ...Kevin

check ur pilot light if it doesnt staay lit replace the thurmocuple