The six-inch water main gave way just after 7:00 in the 400 block of Kingsley Street. Philadelphia Water Department crews shut off the main before any major flooding occurred, although roads were closed in the area. It was one of three such breaks across the city on Friday.
A water department spokesman said the difference in temperature between the water in the pipes and the temperature on the streets was the culprit.
The pipes freeze, warm water rushes through, the pipes crack and then break causing an icy mess on streets and sidewalks.
Water department crews were out delivering bottled water to the 85 homes affected.
Officials said the main would probably not be repaired. Some residents were grateful this incident happened going into the weekend as opposed to the middle of the week when they have to go to work and kids go to school.
