'It's Like Pouring Down Rain': Water Main Break Causes Extensive Property Damage To Beechview Man's Home

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A water main break in Beechview caused serious flooding and damage Thursday.

"It sounds like gunshots in my house," said Domenico Folino, a Beechview resident.

Instead, Folino woke up to gushing water early Thursday morning.

"I looked outside. I said, 'Oh my God, it's like pouring down rain,'" said Folino. "But, it wasn't pouring down rain. It was the street buckling."

The gushing water came from a broken eight-inch pipe near his Beechview home at the intersection of Voelkel and Wenzell Avenues.

While Pennsylvania American Water crews fix the main line, Folino is focusing on the the mess it left behind.

He had more than two-feet of water in his basement and a flooded yard.

"I think we're probably going to lose the hot water tank," said Folino. "Probably have to throw away all the couches down in the game room."

Folino's driveway and lawn also need extensive repairs. He says he's lived there for nearly 30 years and this has never happened.

Disaster restoration services will work with affected homeowners to make repairs.

Despite the destruction, Folino went on with his day.

"Make some breakfast and watch them dig," he said. "I don't know. It is what it is. That's what I say."

Folino says he's just thankful everyone is safe.

The utility company says service should be back later this afternoon.