By reading some of the earlier posts, I have determined that the sulfur odor emanating from the water is being generated by a deteriorating anode in the water heater. We have a "Speed-O-Matic" 17 gallon water heater, model 4217C, which was made by the General Processing Corp. of Crossville, Tennessee. I have had no problem locating heating elements for this thing but have had some difficulty locating an anode. I am assuming that the anode can be changed when necessary and as long as I am at it, I intend to change the heating element at the same time.

Where can I find an anode to fit this water heater? I have tried a search for the manufacturer with no luck and I would like to get all parts together for jobs I want to do during the winter layup period.

As usual, any help is greatly appreciated and OH will compensate you with your favorite beverage. He may still have some 200 year old rum he purchased on Tortuga just after it was bottled. Pirate would be the second choice for pilfered beverages which may be cheaper because he steals them from OH. What a vicious circle!

Thanks

I THINK General Processing either changed its name or was bought out by
Manchester Tank...who no longer seems to make water heaters.



That's the bad news. The good news is anodes are pretty generic...the
only thing that matters is whether they fit the diameter or depth
(depending on whether yours is a marine/rv or household water heater)
of your tank. In marine/rv water heaters, the anode is a
magnesium rod, about 3/4" in diameter that is attached to the inside of
the hot water "out" nipple, via a plastic coupling. It is electrically
isolated from the fittings and from the tank. It extends all the way
across the inside of the tank, stopping just short of the other side.



Give Vic Willman at Raritan a call...800-352-5630 x 6. Raritan makes
water tanks and sells anodes. He'll either be able to sell you
what you need or (Vic's a good guy) tell what you to ask for at a
hardware or plumbing supply that sells water heaters.

Thank you Peggy for the fast reply. The unit in question is configured as an rv or mobile home water heater. It is squat and of a diameter which makes me think that it may have been installed before the deck was built over it and that makes me want to take real good care of this thing.

I will give Vic a call and see if he can help me out with parts or other pertinent information.

Thanks again.