WALDOBORO – Medomak Valley High School closed early for the holidays due to a sewer backup that sent students home midday Tuesday, according to SAD 40 Business Manager Scott Vaitones.

A pump mechanism inside the school building that moves sewage failed around 10:30 a.m., he said, and a backup of mostly clear water covered some floors.

“The system is almost 30 years old,” Vaitones said, noting the company that fixed the mechanics discovered five broken components. [It was] just old age.”

“The system is fixed and running,” he said.

School is canceled today because the problem was not repaired until 2 p.m. Wednesday and the building still needs to be cleaned to get rid of the smell, he said.

School is closed Friday for winter vacation. Classes resume Monday, Jan. 2.