The break happened around 4:30 at the Norman Blumberg Apartments, located on the 1500 block of Judson Street. The pipe burst in two floors of the 18-story high rise.
The fire department had trouble shutting off the water valve on the 11th and 12th floor, which led to about 2 inches of water throughout some apartments.
About 20 residents had to be evacuated.
Officials from Philadelphia Housing Authority and building supervisors were called to the scene to assist.
