The 15,000-gallon water tank overflowed and sent water cascading down the building and into some apartments.
For frustrated residents, there was no running water, but plenty of it inside their apartments. The massive tank overflow atop the Gun Hill Houses temporarily displacing nearly two dozen residents. It also left some on the top floor of the 14-story building with a big cleanup.
"We thought the water came from the toilet, but when we checked, we saw all the water coming from the wall," one resident said.
The trouble started late Thursday night when electronic sensors designed to stop the tank from overflowing stopped working.
"One of the valves was stuck in the open position and about 7,000 to 8,000 gallons dropped down from the roof. The only way to shut it down was to shut off the main water supply in building," FDNY Chief Richard Blatus said.
Heat and water were cut to the entire building, then gradually restored. Residents were allowed back in their apartments early Friday morning and by 9 a.m., workers had completed the repair.
The heat and water has since been restored for these residents.
Meanwhile, crews continue to monitor the system to make sure it's working properly.
