Quick Answer
Okay so here's the quick version. No hot water probably means your pilot light is out. Nine times out of ten, you can relight it yourself for free just by following the directions printed right on the tank. If it lights but won't *stay* lit after you hold the button down for a minute, you're looking at a bad thermocouple. It's a cheap part, maybe $20, and a pretty easy DIY fix. But listen: if you smell a strong gas odor, stop what you're doing, get out, and call a professional. Don't mess with that.
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