A drain-line pipe broke Feb. 16 under the Student Center on NE Campus leaking cafeteria wastewater.

The water leaked into an area comprised primarily of dirt and concrete, so nothing was damaged, said NE facility manager Mike Tankersley.

TCC hired a water removal company to vacuum up the wastewater and properly dry and treat the contaminated area.

“There’s absolutely no risk” to faculty and students, Tankersley said. The leak site was tested for any possible health hazards, so people do not need to worry about being affected, he said.

The 40-year-old damaged pipe, which feeds into the sewer pipeline, has been mended temporarily with a secure patch until the entire line is replaced during spring break, he said. The price of the replacement line has not been determined yet.

Each building on campus is periodically checked for maintenance and repairs, and the leak happened between these inspections, Tankersley said.

It is common for old pipes to wear out and leak, he said. They need to be replaced over time just like the pipes in a house.

— Leah Bosworth