Public Service Commission. Camera west of 5th Avenue on 23rd Street, view looking east showing northwest corner of 5th Avenue and 23rd Street. Damage caused by a break in a 48-inch water main. In addition to having to close two 48-inch valves, workers had to close another six valves in order to prevent more water from leaking into nearby businesses. The men were commended by the bureau for being able to close all eight valves in a little over an hour—an impressive feat considering it took 300 turns to shut off a single 48-inch valve. March 9, 1914.