After a flood, resulting from a ruptured water line, caused damage to Porter Hall, officials have initiated repairs and the building is expected to be open by the time classes start.
Ohio University officials expect Porter Hall, which suffered flood damage in late December, to be open when classes resume on Jan. 12.
The flood began after a hot water line failed and caused damage to the carpet, ceiling tiles, walls and some equipment, Steve Wood, executive director for facilities management, said in an email.
“Damage from a failed water line is not a common problem,” Wood said. “Occasionally, a system failure can lead to significant damage like that experienced in Porter Hall.”
The leak was discovered by a faculty member on Dec. 31.
Based upon the observed damage, it appeared the pipe had been leaking for some time, Wood said.
“The leak caused damage starting on the third floor and cascaded down to the ground floor of the southwest side of Porter Hall,” Wood said.
The facilities crew finished cleaning up the damage and is using industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas.
“An incident like this causes great disruption to the faculty, staff and students who use Porter Hall,” Stephanie Filson, director of external communications, said in an email.
Fire protection, electrical and classroom audio-visual systems were checked and confirmed to be fully operational, Wood said.
“Later this week, we will conduct an inspection of the damaged areas and make recommendations regarding more extensive facility repairs based on the effectiveness of the dehumidification process,” said Wood in an email.
Constructed in 1959, Porter Hall received its last major renovations in 1993. The building is home to the Psychology, Environmental and Plant Biology departments as well as the Psychology and Social Work Clinic.
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