Poncey-Highland business says copper pipe theft led to significant flooding

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A Poncey-Highland business is closed for repairs after its taproom was flooded.

Monks Meadery, located on the ground floor of a three-story building on North Highland Avenue, told Atlanta News First that late Wednesday night a thief ripped out copper piping and accidentally punctured a water line, sending water pouring into the business and flooding the taproom.

“Just covered in water. Water dripping everywhere,” Monks Meadery assistant manager Cassie Brown said. “It has affected all the insulation in our walls and ceiling, and has broken the ceiling and everything. Pieces of ceiling were on the floor when we came in, but basically, we have to get new ceiling, new walls. Everything was covered in water.”

Days later, dehumidifiers continue to run inside the taproom as crews work to dry out the space.

Brown said the water flowed for several hours before anyone realized what had happened.

“I don’t think I knew how bad it was going to be,” Brown said. “I was kind of like, ‘Oh, I have to work tonight — I’ll just go in early and clean up.’ But it was much worse than that.”

Ownership has filed an insurance claim and estimates the damage could cost between $20,000 and $30,000. The taproom will require significant repairs, including replacing or professionally cleaning furniture.

“People have been saying, ‘Oh my God, my second home is flooded,’” Brown said. “We mean a lot to a lot of people, and it’s really heartwarming to see the community come together and ask how they can help. While professionals are handling the cleanup, buying bottles online would really help us right now.”

Brown said the meadery hopes to begin offering in-store pickup within a week or two. In the meantime, Monks Meadery ships to 44 states.

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