More Water Trouble in Downtown Binghamton Building

Binghamton police and fire units were sent to a downtown building to investigate what triggered an audible alarm.

Police officers who were first to arrive at the structure that houses the Rathskeller and Jimmy's bars at 98 State Street reported the alarm was due to a water line break.

Firefighters who ventured down into the basement of the Rathskeller is located reported "a large water issue." Several inches of water had accumulated on the floor of the bar.

A Binghamton firefighter outside the Rathskeller bar on State Street on February 9, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The city fire marshal and a code enforcement representative were dispatched to assess the extent of water damage. A building representative declined to discuss the matter.

The building faced a similar problem during a cold snap in January 2013 when thousands of gallons poured from a broken pipe.

FLASHBACK: The building at 98 State Street sustained water damage from a ruptured pipe on January 4, 2013. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Binghamton fire department officials said several incidents involving burst water pipes have been reported around the city over the past couple of days. They're expecting more problems with the warmer temperatures that are expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

City officials two weeks ago urged residents to take action to prevent pipes from freezing during the extremely cold conditions.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to the Rathskeller building on State Street on February 9, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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