Tech arrived and was shown to water heater room , while customer explained the problem. Coming home to no hot water and a after attempting to light the pilot with no success she called her insurance company prior to calling RA Nichols. Tech confirmed that there was gas goin to the unit and all water was flowing as it should. Numerous attempts were made to ignite the pilot however it was unsuccessful. Due to the age (approx 10 years) and indicators of normal use and indications of age on and wear on the other components to the unit the technician determined a replacement unit be installed. Customer authorized work be performed. Water was turned off and drained out of the unit . A new unit matching up to the old make and model was installed as well as a new expansion tank that needed to be replaced. Water was turned back on and tech confirmed that no leaks were present and the water heater was functioning properly.