Addressing leaks is vital to maintaining campus infrastructure and supporting the VPFO’s campus excellence and sustainability goals.
The UBC Facilities team has shown their dedication, expertise, and quick-thinking while responding to leaks over the past few weeks. Utilities Plumbing has gone above and beyond to address critical infrastructure challenges. Here are some examples of their good work!
Trouble at the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF)
In the early hours of November 7, the Utilities Plumbing team was called to address a significant District Energy System (DES) water leak at the BRDF’s Grate-Fired Boiler. Despite the challenges of a high-pressure leak, the team acted swiftly to contain the situation. They implemented a comprehensive containment plan to protect the campus storm system, safely cooled and pumped the hot DES water to the sanitary system with Safety & Risk Services’ approval. The site was monitored through the day and night until the vacuum truck arrived the following morning.
Record response time
Just a week later, a watermain leak in East Campus housing required immediate attention. The team quickly assessed the area and determined that an emergency repair was the best course of action. With support from our civil emergency contractor, the area was secured, excavated, and repaired in record time—all within three hours.
Watermain leak repair
On November 21, the team tackled a longstanding issue behind the Mathematics Building, where winter ice buildup and damp grass indicated a persistent underground leak. With careful planning, they executed a one-day shutdown to try to locate the leak. With contractor support, the issue was resolved within seven hours, marking an efficient and well-coordinated effort.
The Utilities Plumbing team showed exceptional dedication, initiative, and ingenuity—whether responding to emergencies in the early morning, late evening, or during peak hours. Thank you for your support in maintaining campus infrastructure and preventing water wastage.