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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Downdraft Bad Odor

I have a bad odor coming from the downdraft. It is not the grease jar or the filter. It smells like something is dead in the line. I cannot locate anyone that cleans these lines. Does anyone have any home remedies to clean the downdraft line? Desperate!

Patsy Ybarra
- San Antonio, Texas
2003

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It's not clear to me what this "downdraft" line is. Are you talking about the exhaust from a Jen-Aire or similar kitchen stove? If so, you need to find out where the exhaust line goes. Yes it is possible that there is a bird nest or mouse nest or something like that within the duct work.I think a company which service and repairs these stoves would take care of the problem for you.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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Patsy,

As Ted said, you sure have NOT defined the area the smell is coming from. Is this from a 'home' or a Condo ... and larger Condos do have high level 'push' plenums providing fresh (?) and/or heated air for hallways... in which case it's possibly a putrid mesh filter which needs replacing.... or a dead mouse/rat/cat/squirrel/bird in the ducting (the word you used of 'line' doesn't mean anything (to me, anyway).

If you can be more precise, then possibly any advice will be better, too, eh? Don't you agree?

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
2003