Originally posted by Legate
I've also noticed a small leak just above the pilot and I think this is what originally put it out.
I really hope I don't need a new tank.
A water leak? If your tank has a water leak it's time to replace it, especially if it's over 7-10 years old. The anode rod has probably rotted away and now the tank is rotting.
I just replaced mine last week. Wife went to take a shower and there was no hot water. Went to the basement and there was water everywhere. I have gas also, went to sears and got a 30 gal power miser 9 for about $340.00. I stayed with the 30 gal because combined with gas the small tank makes for quick recovery, we very rarely run out of hot water.
I used to work with a friend of mine, we replaced dozens of them so I knew what I was doing, even brought the old gas line up to code.
Natural gas can be intimidating, but it is low pressure and if the job is done right you will have no problems. You can check for leaks of current(and new)connections with soap & water(it will bubble).
It also saves you money, I cook and heat my hot water with gas and my bill is under $25 a month. If I was doing both with electricity it would cost me at least four times that. My brother has his hot water connected to his boiler(oil) and he has gone through a tank of oil the past month.
So if you replace it and are thinking of going electric, my advice would be to stick with gas. Good luck.