Frozen sprinkler system leads to downpour at Cook County courthouse

BY GEORGE SLEFO Staff Reporter January 7, 2014 10:14PM

Updated: January 8, 2014 8:40AM

Frozen pipes led to icy conditions across the city indoors including at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.

About one inch of water poured into the courthouse at 26th and California, after maintenance workers attempted to remove a frozen sprinkler system, said Kristen Mack, spokeswoman for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.

Workers noticed the frozen sprinkler about 4 p.m. and decided it would be best to repair the unit after courts closed about an hour later, Mack said.

The workers turned off the fire pump in preparation for the repair, Mack said. When they took the sprinkler head off they realized they didnt completely turn off the pump. Thats when the flooding happened.

The downpour occurred just beyond the metal detectors near the entrance of the courthouse. There were no injuries, Mack added.

Workers will stay overnight to make repairs if needed to make sure the building will open at its normal time Wednesday, Mack said.

It will have no impact on court, she said. It will be business as usual.

In Albany Park, a commercial buildings sprinkler system burst about 10:40 p.m., sending water pouring into the 4900 block of North Pulaski.

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Frozen sprinkler system leads to downpour at Cook County courthouse