Merchants along Allerton Avenue in Bronxdale spent most of Thursday cleaning up after an eight inch city water main ruptured, flooding several basements and suspending water service to nearby homes.

It happened just before 9 a.m.

Officials say the water never gushed to street level but rather traveled underground and through the foundation of the properties. The fire department spent hours pumping the water out while the Department of Environmental Protection worked on fixing the problem.

"Approximately 300 families are out of water between the two buildings and whatever other residential homes are involved. And approximately 25 to 30 commercial retail stores are affected," said DEP Emergency Manager John Annunziata.

"No customers, so no money. Not good for me, nobody," said Melo Deli owner Jose Melo.

Allerton Avenue between White Plains Road and Bronx Park East was closed to traffic for several hours. Workers at Anthony's Hair Design say although there is a few thousand dollars in damage for them, they are thankful it wasn't worse.

"We have been here for 22 years. And this is the first time something major like this has happened. So I'm taking it calm and easy because worse things happen in other places," said Nilda Marrero of Anthony's Hair Design.

Beth Abraham's nursing home and rehabilitation center is on Allerton Avenue. The facilities had a reduction in water pressure and staff had to deliver bottled water to patients on the upper floors.

Along with the water being shut off for some, Consolidated Edison crews closed some gas lines while repairs were made -- all as a precaution.