Need water heater advice

[quaint]

Hello all, I would greatly appreciate all advice and information.

I'm in SoCal and my 12yo 50 gal water heater "pilot" has gone out 2-3 times a year. It went again in March and I found the roof gas vent cap missing with rain pouring into the tank from the 4 inch rooftop vent pipe. So far, no call backs when I've left messages wanting a new 40 gal and vent cap. I don't know if that's because of CV closures or because someone has to go on the roof.

I live alone and currently heat water in pots for showering, etc. After two months, it's gotten old.
Can a 40 gal electric easily replace my old 50 gal gas? Would that be a bad decision?

Thanks.