Update 1/26 (3:00 p.m.): Joe Cates, the director of facilities services, confirmed that the cause of the flood was a failed coupling, and more specifically a solder failing which allowed the pipe to uncouple and water to flow freely into the bathroom. The water in Villa Maria Hall was shut off at 6:14 am, according to Cates, but was restored once the urinal was isolated. Residence Life has not immediately responded to an inquiry from The Beacon.
Update 1/26 (7:00 p.m.): Seven student rooms in Villa Maria Hall were impacted by flooding, with water entering double-occupancy rooms and affecting a total of 14 students, according to an email to The Beacon from Andrew Weingarten, director of residence life. The university has made temporary alternative rooms available for those who wish to relocate. Additionally, credits have been added to the affected students' laundry apps to cover the cost of washing and drying clothes, according to an email to The Beacon from Weingarten.
A urinal pipe on the first floor of Villa Maria Hall bathroom burst at approximately 5:45 a.m. today causing severe flooding, according to Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Michael McNerney. The flooding affected multiple areas, including dorm rooms, the chapel, basement and other parts of the building.
Residents on the first floor, where the flooding was most severe, reported damaged personal items due to the burst pipe such as electronics, gaming consoles, tablets and clothing. Residents are working alongside facilities services to dry the hall and assess damage.
The water was shut off for half of the residence hall shortly after flooding began to prevent further damage, according to Shawn Denley, facilities services building maintenance supervisor.
It is yet to be determined when water services will be available or if there is any further disruption to water services in other parts of the residence hall.
Several first-floor residents, including junior Franz Hoffman, were startled awake by the sound of rushing water.
“I heard water gushing, like a waterfall,” Hoffman said. “I was like, ‘Well, that ain’t right.’ I saw my roommate across from me. He was calling one of the RAs, Matt, and talking about the situation. I didn’t really understand what was going on. Then I stepped down, took a few steps and splash — there’s water.”
Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and an external company is expected to assist, according to Denley. However, no timeline has been provided for completion.
It is unknown at this time whether students impacted by the flooding will be temporarily relocated, according to McNerney. Residents are awaiting updates.
Julianna Pedone is the News and Managing Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at pedone25@up.edu.
Camille Kuroiwa-Lewis contributed to this story. She can be reached at kuroiwal26@up.edu.
