Facilities teams fight clog monsters and leaks

On Thursday, October 2, a leak was discovered in the basement mechanical room of the Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory (AERL) building by the Building Operations Steamfitters. Energy & Water Services Steamfitters responded and identified the issue as an external District Energy System (DES) piping leak infiltrating the basement.

A coordinated repair effort followed on Friday, October 3, involving UBC Facilities trades, coordinators, and contractors. The AERL grass strip was excavated, the leak located, and new piping installed. By 8:00 pm, thermal heating was fully restored to all affected buildings.

Later that same day, Building Operations and Energy & Water Services Plumbers tackled a major sanitary backup in Chemistry North’s basement mechanical room. A blockage caused by accumulated paper towels extended all the way to outside manholes. A vacuum truck contractor was called in, and two full truckloads were removed.

Operating Engineers increased monitoring of the building’s sanitary pump through the weekend until repairs on Monday. A brief reoccurrence was managed, with crews successfully responding.

Both incidents were resolved thanks to the quick and dedicated work of all of our Facilities teams. Thank you for your dedication and teamwork!