Need water heater advice

[Chainfire]

11. Advice from a plumber.

For what it is worth, I have a master plumber license in three states.

The most cost effective way of dealing with your issue is have that vent cap fixed. That will have to be done regardless of what other steps you take. I believe that the missing cap is allowing wind to blow out your pilot.

It takes no special skill to replace that cap, it simply twists on, so no plumber or gas mechanic is needed. Anyone who is not afraid to go up on your roof can fix the thing. If you don't have the old cap, you can buy one cheaply at Lowes or Home Depot.

Since you have to fix that issue, do that first. If you don't fix it, you are allowing rain and bugs into your home. You may also have a problem with a thermocouple, but I doubt it. Thermocouple replacement is one of the least expensive repairs to make.

To answer your question about sizing the water heater, even a 30 gallon gas tank-type heater would serve one person without a problem.

A tankless water heater will save money in energy use and would serve your needs, but it is going to be quite expensive to change out and it will be a long time in seeing any cost benefit. In fact, it may not last long enough to pay for the cost of installation. Tank type heaters are very simple, they last a long time, and they are easily repaired.

If you decide that you want to change to a smaller tank-type heater, do not be impressed by anything other than the energy rating of the unit. When you pay for a big name heater, you are paying for the name only. I have never been able to see a difference in quality in any tank type heater, except for the quality of their insulation and thus energy rating. It is not a big secret, your plumber makes more money if he sells you more stuff, many or most will try to sell you more than you need.

Bottom line is this: If money is no issue, swap to a gas type tankless heater. If money is an issue, fix your present unit, or replace it with a 30 gallon gas heater. I would fix it.