Colonial Club floods during break after sprinkler pipe bursts

A fire sprinkler pipe in the attic of Colonial Club froze and burst, causing approximately $15,000 in damages, Colonial Club house manager Collin Dretsch '01 said.

The damage occurred on the east side of the building, flooding Colonial Club president Melissa Waage '01's room, where the sprinkler pipe burst. Water seeped down through the floors to the kitchen and dining room area before settling in the basement.

The pipes leaked rapidly for 30 to 45 minutes before the flooding was contained, said Waage, who was on campus when the incident occurred.

The costs of repairing the damage will be covered by the club's insurance, according to Dretsch. "The club has an insurance policy to cover this kind of damage and will not suffer any financial injury as a result of the incident," he said.

The sprinkler pipe probably burst because condensation built up in the pipe and froze, Dretsch added.

"We were very fortunate to have this happen at a time when the club was not open and in operation," Dretsch said.

Because the pipe burst during Winter Break, Colonial Club employees were able to complete the essential repairs before reopening Sunday.

"Colonial's normal operations have not and will not be adversely affected in any way. Additional repairs will be completed without disrupting club activities," Dretsch said.