By Sarah Opdahl

On Tuesday, October 27, New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) discussed the damaging flooding that occurred at New Fairfield High School in mid-October. The culprit of the massive flood was identified as an “unpressed” two-inch pipe in the ProPress fitting of the new school’s piping infrastructure.

The leak originated in the lower level by the gym and the Athletic Director’s office in a small room that is often used by referees and as a dressing room for the school’s theater department.

Colliers International’s Mr. Mark Schweitzer explained, “There is a two-inch water main or water pipe that runs through here. It basically occurred above the ceiling.” Nearby, there was another instance of this happening in a three-quarter inch pipe during construction before the school opened, and “we ended up replacing part of the gym wood floor,” he reminded the PBC. Regarding the recent flood, “what ended up happening was not only was it under pressure because it feeds the rest of the building, but it also drained the rest of the building too because it was basically a low point for it.”  He went on to share, “The pipe slipped out of the fitting and separated, causing the leak or flood.”

Project Engineer Mr. Mike Bouchard from Consulting Engineering Services identified by photo that this was indeed a “missed press” though he said it was “subject to multiple pressure tests with air before the system was filled with water back during construction. Usually, that’s how this kind of thing is caught.” Though the testing documentation is broad, identified in large swaths such as “Area D,” he verified that there was quite a bit of testing in the area in which the pipe is located. Sadly, it was confirmed that it is possible to pass pressure tests without a press, as evidenced in this case.

Damage was sustained to the gymnasium flooring which will require repair, as well as the entrance vestibule. The theater’s stage, which is wood, will need repair, plus the water flowed into the orchestra pit. PBC Chair Mr. Don Kellogg noted that the special floor painting in the gym will need to be repaired as well, “that was one of the little special things that we gave the school that I want to make sure gets done appropriately…back to new condition.”

PBC members discussed how best to mitigate any future issues and how best to double check joints, especially for the two-inch lines. Defending ProPress fittings over soldering, a method in which a leak would be immediately apparent, Bouchard said, “We are using ProPress or press fittings on 90 to 100% of projects based on the skilled workforce that may not be able to solder anymore, and the cost savings from the contractor.” He went on to explain, “I just want to point out this: what you saw in that photo is a valve manufactured by Milwaukee Valve Company, they have a press fitting. The rest of the building has copper fittings manufactured by Viega, which is the pioneer in the press fitting system. They have some other safety measures that are meant to purposely fail if they’re not pressed. So, if it makes you feel better, the vast majority of joints in the building are Viega Propress, and they’re less likely to have this issue.” PBC members agreed to ask if the school’s maintenance staff can double check all large pipes, especially the domestic hot and cold water, rather than heating lines. Bouchard will supply an approximate count of the one and a half to two inch valves.

Regarding the bus lot that will be built at 302 Ball Pond Road, Schweitzer reported that Town Engineer Mr. Tony Iadarola sent a letter to the Department of Transportation asking them for approval for the low bidder, BMP Construction. 

The leaking fire tank joints at the elementary school continued to be a topic of conversation, with Schweitzer explaining that there is a five-year warranty on the piping. There was also brief mention of the need for propane pipe replacement to the high school’s science classrooms. The PBC is waiting for more information on a potential wicking method, but no updates were forthcoming from the manufacturer. The Town’s attorney is currently reviewing the revised Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project.

The next regular New Fairfield Permanent Building Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.