A sewage pipe that led from a dishwasher in the Culp Center burst under the Main Meal cafeteria last week.
According to Tony Warner, assistant vice president for the University Center and I.D. Services, the damage was discovered at approximately 10:30 am Friday morning.
The drainage from the broken pipe made its way down into the Cave, which has been subsequently closed. Repairs and clean up began that day, said Warner.
According to Warner, a nearly 30-year-old, rusted-out, cast-iron pipe is suspected to have caused the accident. No other plumbing was affected and there was little damage, although there is an incredible stench.
The administration is confident that all repairs will be completed quickly, perhaps as early as Monday, said Warner.
Until clean up and sanitation is completed, the Cave will remain closed. And without the ability to wash dishes, meals will continue to be served on paper plates.
Campus organizations that regularly meet at Cave may need to find an alternate meeting location.
When contacted, Campus Minister Earl Chute of the Campus Crusade for Christ was unaware that the problems had occurred. Chute said he had hoped the closing of the Cave would not impair the meeting of the organization.
“We were unaware of the problem and hope to find a replacement room,” Chute said.
Organization members are asked to contact their organizations to see if alternate arrangements have been made.
Warner said that the university will assist organizations to find another room if it becomes necessary.
Any organization that has planned to use the Cave through this coming week should contact the Culp Center for more information or to make alternate arrangements.

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