Wet Basement Blog

Please Help If You Can

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:19:00 +0000

Standard Water Control Systems, Inc. likes to take an active role in the communities we service. We are proud to help where we can, especially during these difficult economic times. Como Park Zoo is working extra hard and they need our help. The Zoo took in quite a number of animals from the Minot, ND Zoo due to the flooding last year. It costs $14,839 to feed all the animals for a month. Our goal is to raise that amount by April 15th, 2012.

So, Standard Water will donate $100 for each draintile or egress window system installed between now and April 15th. This is a win for everyone. Have Standard install your draintile or egress window and $100 will be donated to the Como Park Zoo in your name.

We encourage you to consider a separate donation to the Como Park Zoo. You can do so, securely online at the Zoo’s website.

A Good Review

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

We recently received the following review for a job we installed recently in the Twin Cities. We always say it's one thing to toot your own horn but another thing when someone else toots it for you. These kind folks gave us straight A's. We're really proud of the work our on site team did for these customers. -mike

"... They were so thorough and courteous from the moment I received the estimate up until I hired them for there services. I was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently they work. It took two days to do the project. On the first day it was about 4 people, and they each had their specific responsibilities. They had 99 percent of it completed in about 7 hours. The next day two workers came in to complete the job which was essentially just pouring concrete and clean up. Speaking of clean-up, they take great strides in seeing that vents are covered, furniture is covered, they protect the entry-way floor, etc. This is so important given the drilling they have to do and the amount of dust. Lastly, we were tremendously satisfied with the cost."

It's January And Time To Start Planning For Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:17:00 +0000

To some it may seem a little odd that we're already talking about spring but there is no better time to get ahead of the wet weather we're sure to see in the not too distant future. As a reward for thinking ahead Standard Water is offering a 10% discount for work scheduled before February 28th and completed by April 13th. Don't be caught off guard the way so many people were last spring. Take care of your basement water problem now. If you already have a functioning basement waterproofing system this is the time to have your pump and discharge system checked and when the wet weather arrives you'll have complete peace of mind. Call us today 1-800-978-7867 or visit us at standardwater.com -mike

Something You Don't See Every Day

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

We're really excited about winning the Angie's List Super Service Award for Basement Waterproofing in both DesMoines and the Twin Cities. But we were blown away when we were informed that Standard Water had also won Super Service Awards for Wells and Pumps as well! And again -- in both the Twin Cities and DesMoines!

This is outstanding news. We're delighted, proud and a bit humbled. Of course, not so humbled that we aren't telling EVERYONE ... this is really cool! -mike

6 Years Running

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

We just got these in and we're pretty excited about it. The first (on the right) is our certificate from Angie's List that says we've won the Super Service Award for the sixth straight year for Basement Waterproofing in the Twin Cities. The second is our first Super Service Award for Basement Waterproofing in the DesMoines area. How cool is that?

Standard Water continuously strives for excellence and we're extremely proud of our employees for doing the kind of work that gets the company noticed. We're also grateful to all our customers who believe in us so much they tell their friends, family and Angie's List! -mike

Helping the Como Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:26:00 +0000

We've talked before about our commitment to giving back to the community. Como Zoo is one of the organizations we like to work with and when we donate the zoo says "thank-you" with stuffed animals. We love the stuffed animals because we can then donate those to the Sojourner Project so some kids going through a tough time can have something special for Christmas. This year was no different and, as a bonus, the Como Zoo wrote a nice article about Standard Water in their newsletter! You can read it below if you like.

When it comes to worthy causes we can't think of two better than the Como Zoo and the Sojourner Project. Please consider including them in your charitable giving too.

Click on picture to read article

Your Wet Basement and the Law

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:16:00 +0000

Basement Health Assoc. Attendees

Not too long ago the Minnesota Plumbing Board discussed the issue of whether they would require a plumbing license for the installation of sump pump discharge piping. The Board’s interpretation of the State Plumbing Code holds that this work constitutes “plumbing” that would require a plumbers license to install.

It is our position that this interpretation of the State Plumbing Code does not serve the public interest. First and foremost, draintile installation does not connect in any way with potable water or the public sewer system, so there are no health or safety concerns. Furthermore, the State does not require a full plumbers license for contractors who dig wells for drinking water. Well drillers have a specialized limited license that allows them to continue offering their services at a fair price. We feel that the Plumbing Board’s interpretation of the Plumbing Code will only raise the cost of installation to the homeowner by forcing draintile installers to obtain and maintain a plumbing license or subcontract a licensed plumber, without providing any benefit whatsoever.

Standard Water Pres. Mike Hogenson

On Wednesday, December 21, 2011 the Basement Health Association held a meeting at the Maple Grove City Hall to discuss Plumbing Code legislation regarding sump pump installation, Limited Licensing, how to deal with inspectors and more. Speakers at the event included Mike Hogenson, President of Standard Water Control; Victor Barke, President of Complete Basement Systems; Noah Rouen, Lobbyist and Steve Andras, President of the Basement Health Association.

Attendees were treated to coffee, donuts and a lively discussion of the matters at hand. The speakers outlined the issues and suggested possible solutions. A note from Charlie Durenberger, Manager, CCLD Enforcement Services Unit of the Minn. Dept. of Labor and Industry was passed out. In the note Mr. Durenberger noted, after meeting with the Commissioner it was decided, that while the code did require a plumbers license, the Department would not take enforcement action against installers who are not licensed plumbers or registered apprentices and would not object to the issuance of building permits to draintile contractors who intend to install sump pumps.

Lobbyist Noah Rouen

However, Mr. Durengerger stated that when the Commissioner is replaced at the Department the new appointee could change that policy at any time. So it is important for both contractors and consumers that action be taken now to ensure the best wet basement solutions at the best prices.

In an effort spearheaded by the Basement Health Association, a national non profit organization, legislation is being drawn up to support a limited license for sump pump and draintile installers similar to the license for well drillers. In this way the basement waterproofing industry in Minnesota can be responsive to the health and safety concerns addressed in the Plumbing Code and the cost sensitivity felt by homeowners statewide.

Standard Water is proud to be a part of this effort and is throwing its shoulder to the wheel along with the Basement Health Association to find a solution that creates a win for the State of Minnesota, contractors and -- most importantly -- homeowners.

To Our Friends and Customers

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:30:00 +0000

At the Holiday Season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who

have made our progress possible. It is in this spirit we say ...

THANK YOU AND BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Getting Water Out of Block Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:21:00 +0000

There are a number of different ways contractors use tofacilitate the movement of water from the inside of hollow concrete blocks,over the footing and into the drainage field. In this case the previousinstallers inserted tubes into holes created at the base of the blocks. Thishas never been our preferred method as the holes of the tubes are pretty smalland are often clogged with mineral deposits. We’ve replaced quite a number ofthese systems over the years.

Diamond Drainage Board

We use our own, patented, Diamond Drainage Board which has no tubes or small holes that might clog. Our solution facilitates the free flow of water from the blocks, across the footing and intothe drainage field where the water is directed to the sump basin and pumpedaway from the house. We’re so confident in our system that we offer a transferablelifetime warranty.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any thoughts orquestions. We’d love to hear from you. Just click the gold Standard Water logo below and you'll find all the contact information you need on our website.

Supporting Families in Need

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:46:00 +0000

We’ve mentioned our support for the Sojourner Project before. During the holiday season the good folks at the Sojourner Project supply us with a list of 10 families in need of some help, hope and happiness at Christmas. The entire Standard Water team (families included) chips in. The thank you notes and letters are heartfelt and sweet; precious, really.

“Thank you so much for the most gracious/generous act of kindness that our family has ever received. It came to us at a time in our lives when things have been very disruptive, scary and with hopeless. I cannot begin to express to you what your act of giving did for myself and especially my children. Not only did you send gifts, you sent a message of love and hope at a much-needed time. … The look of disbelief on our faces as we opened our presents this past Christmas morning soon melted away to amazement and great joy! … A most sincere thank-you and many blessing to you. Karen and Kids.”

“...Thank you for bringing Christmas to our home. … Thank you for making my mom smile. It means a lot to see that. I am very grateful. Love, Tabitha”

“...I wear my hat and gloves to school every day and my classmates want to know where I got it. … I can’t wait to play Operation with my mom. She asked for the game when she was little and never got it. Thanks for everything, I love everything a lot. Vendela”

“Thank you very much for what you did for my family this Christmas! You made my mom speechless because of the wonderful present you gave her. She has not had something that nice in a very, very long time. Sincerely, Brianna”

“There are no words adequate enough to describe how grateful we are to you. We were blown away and speechless with your generosity. Your kindness and compassion are inspiring. … This world needs more people like you. … We will never forget what you did for us. Warmly, Lauren”

It’s amazing that such a little thing can make such a big difference but it does. It makes a difference for us as well and we encourage you to support the Sojourner Project too. Your participation would be completely anonymous.

The Sojourner Project is an effort of critical importance in our community. Focused on providing safe shelter for women and children along with advocacy and education for individuals and communities victimized by domestic violence, Soujourner gives essential support to those that need it at difficult times in their lives. By providing some added help at the holidays we hope to give people dealing with very tough situations a few reasons to smile.

"...best experience with a contractor by far!"

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:32:00 +0000

Gosh, thanks. You're making us blush. We recently completed the installation of a drain tile system in Des Moines -- a home that was built in 1950. The job went well from our perspective and, apparently, from the homeowners perspective too as we were given a glowing report on AngiesList. Here are a few of the comments:

"How does the value of the work compare to the price? I got exactly what I paid for

Why did you choose this contractor? reputation, other, Compared water control systems of other companies

What did you like most about this contractor? Quality/Professionalism

What did you like least about this contractor? n/a

What surprises came up during the course of the work? How business like the workers were...hard workers!

What words of advice would you give other members considering this contractor? Compare other systems, but you should use this company!

This is your space. Feel free to give us your two cents ...or quote your favorite movie? I wish other contractors were as good as Standard."

I don't want to sound too corny but we live for this stuff! Can anything be better than doing a good job for someone and having them appreciate it this much? -Mike

Value of home remodeling projects fall in U.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Remodeling your basement may be a very good idea, especially if you/re going to stay in your home for a while. The extra space can be used for bedrooms, home offices, game and TV rooms. You should be sure to take care of any basement water problems before you begin your remodeling project. We can help you with that. -Mike

"Thinking of a home renovation? Smaller might be better. Adding a sweet sunroom or luxe master suite sounds great, but don't expect to recover the costs anytime soon." More>>>

Helping the Suburban Law Enforcement Association

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:33:00 +0000

For some time Standard Water has been supporting the Suburban Law Enforcement Association. This year the fundraising golf tournament was held on August 8th with 100 golfers participating. We just received a letter from the President of the Association and would like to share his thoughts. -Mike

"On behalf of the members of Suburban Law Enforcement Association I would like to thank you for your continued support for our organization's 14th annual charitable fund golf tournament that was held on Monday August 8th at Sundance GC in Dayton, MN. This year 100 golfers participated in the event. We had a beautiful August day and everyone had a great time on the golf course. Our tournament raised $4100 and we could not have done it without your financial support. While our tournament's revenue was down from previous years, your generous support continues to play a significant role in funding the Annual School Patrol Appreciation Day for the metro area school patrols. This past May Suburban Law Enforcement Association hosted over 4,000 kids at Nickelodeon Universe-Mall of America. Thank you again for helping our organization recognize and reward the school patrols who do a great job at keeping their fellow classmates safe.

Sincerely,

Nate Gove

President

Suburban Law Enforcement Association"

Straight A's

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:54:00 +0000

It's always nice to know you've met a customers expectations and we're always proud when someone thinks enough of us to write a review of our work. Such is the case here with some good folks in Forest Lake, Minnesota. -Mike

Overall	A
Price	A
Quality	A
Responsiveness	A
Punctuality	A
Professionalism	A

"The experience was the best I have ever had working with a contractor. I had multiple quotes and was able to find other companies that could do the work earlier but at the end of the day, I knew that I would be paying a similar price for a sub-par product. Here is what sets SWC apart from other companies.

They have a patented diamond board designed to allow water to flow behind it while still providing structural integrity.
They use large rigid PVC with holes that will not clog all sloped towards the sump well.
They drill large holes in every void including seams/corners.
They use a high quality, sealed sump well and pump.
They install piping for the future backup pump installed just in case.
Lifetime transferable warranty compared to limited or non existant.

In addition to the above points, SWC has dedicated crews for the drain tile and concrete work. On the first day, they stop out with two huge dump trucks with everything they need. They cover everything they can with plastic and cover the walking path in the lawn with plywood. They already had all of the materials layed out and were beginning to prep the basement during the 5 minute conversation I had with the foreman. They also opened up the concrete for me to replace the existing floor drain.

The second day, the concrete crew stopped out and poured the concrete and finished the job. The installation was very high quality and well worth it. When I received the quote, I cringed at the cost but I know I would be completely disappointed had I gone with one of the other contractors just because they could complete the job a little faster. The competitors used cheap builder grade materials, didn't seem to have any where near the expertise and provided no warranty at a comparable price.

There is a reason SWC is booked sometimes for months at a time!! Thankfully they were able to move me up a bit but I'm glad I waited a month."

Update on North Dakota Flood Damage

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:41:00 +0000

So far only a few homes in Bismarck damaged by the summer flooding have had to be demolished.

More>>>

Our Como Zoo Brick is Finished!

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:53:00 +0000

We think it looks pretty cool and thought you might like to see a picture of the final product.

Giving Back to the Community

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Standard Water Brick at Como Zoo

At Standard Water Control Systems it has been a long-standing tradition to be active in the community we serve. Over the years we’ve been proud to be part of community events, local programs for children like Little League, and ongoing support of community resources and nonprofit organizations. As a company, it is important to us that we do all we can to improve our community just as we do all we can for our customers.

Over the past few years we’re particularly proud of our involvement with two organizations in the Twin Cities helping provide joy and comfort to both children and adults. The Como Zoo is a long-standing treasure for many families in our area where visitors are able to enjoy animals, plants, and educational opportunities in a wonderful setting. Its mission “To inspire our public to value the presence of living things in our lives” can be seen in each exhibit and on the faces of guests as they enjoy a day out at one of the great zoos in the country. Our goal is supporting the zoo in to ensure that it can continue to provide these special memories to children and their families long into the future.

The Sojourner Project is another effort of critical importance in our community. Focused on providing safe shelter for women and children along with advocacy and education for individuals and communities victimized by domestic violence, Soujourner gives essential support to those that need it at difficult times in their lives. By providing some added help at the holidays we hope to give people dealing with very tough situations a few reasons to smile.

As a thank-you for financially supporting The Como Zoo, we receive quite a number of stuffed animals that we, in turn, donate to the Sojourner Project so the kids involved can have some special gifts in a time of need.

We thank all our employees, customers, and partners who make it possible for Standard Water Control Systems to work to be a positive member of our community. If you’d like more information on how you can help, please visit www.comozooconservatory.org/ or www.sojournerproject.org/

Iowa withdraws from Missouri River Association

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:11:00 +0000

Missouri river flooding caused an estimated $207 million in lost crop sales and related economic activity as over 280,000 farm acres were impacted, according to Iowa Farm Bureau estimates. Further, 350 homes met FEMA’s definition of destroyed or major damage. There is no figure on how many homes suffered less than major damage yet had significant losses due to flooded basements . As of Friday Iowa's Governor no longer believes the association is the best way to pursue the state's interests.

More>>>

Survey Says We Made the Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:41:00 +0000

In early September we helped a homeowner in the Twin Cities area with their basement water problem. The homeowner felt pretty strongly about the job we did and posted a review on Angie's List. I have to say that I'm proud of the way our crews handle themselves on the job. They sure made the grade this time.

-Mike

Overall A

Price B

Quality A

Responsiveness A

Punctuality A

Professionalism A

Description Of Work:

SWCSI installed a basement waterproofing system which included foundation wrap, excavation around the perimeter of the foundation, adding rock and drain tile, filling back in with cement and installing the sump pump.

Member Comments:

We received an advance call telling us when to expect the crew to arrive. The crew arrived on time; established a work route in our yard that would have the least amount of impact on our grass etc. They used poly and taped off all openings to limit the amount of dust that could migrate upstairs. Although there was jackhammering and drilling noise it was at a tolerable level. The crew was very professional and left our basement very neat/clean. It was very obvious they knew what they were doing and completed the entire job in one day. About two weeks later a rep from the company called to check if we were satisfied or if there were any complaints. We were very impressed with this company.

We love it when a plan comes together

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:49:00 +0000

This time it came together for Eric in Crystal, Minnesota. We fixed Eric's basement on October 21st and he gave our crew high marks for their good work. Here are just a few of the quotes from Eric:

"We were actually surprised by how clean it was when they finished. We were expecting thick layers of dust everywhere."

"I am impressed by how much time and attention was put into the job at my house. Everyone was very focused and made the install look flawless."

"Thanks for making us feel like a VIP customer."

Thanks for the kind words Eric. We're really proud of our crew for meeting and exceeding the homeowners expectations.

Road Trip!

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:48:00 +0000

Unable to find a contractor to solve water problems in 15 homes the Fort Berthold Housing Authority in New Town, North Dakota called Standard Water Control. Our crews spent 3 weeks in New Town, Parshall, White Shield, Mandaree and Four Bears Village giving people peace of mind.

Next spring those good folks in North Dakota won't have to worry about their basements flooding and we were glad to help.

Dayton Heritage Day Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Having a great time hanging out and participating in the Dayton Heritage Day parade with one of our very own employees as McGruff the Crime Dog. Great folks and fun. The kids sure loved grabbing the candy and we sure loved sharing it. Have a favorite parade or community event you make sure to catch each year?

The Minnesota Plumbing Board

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Despite years of successful installations and pleasedcustomers, there is discussion underway regarding current Minnesota plumbing statutes beinginterpreted by the Minnesota Plumbing Board to include the installation of sumppumps and discharge pipes after previously declining to exercise jurisdictionover the waterproofing industry. This determination by the Board, if upheld,requires that a licensed plumber be involved on any installation.

The challenge with this concept is that added regulatoryrequirements strain small companies and add cost to each job. The majority ofwaterproofing professionals are already licensed as residential remodelers inaccordance with Minnesotalawwhich includes two or more skills in remodeling existing residentialproperties. Included in the list of skills with this license is work includingexcavation and masonry/concrete work which are defined to include trenching,drain systems, and water resistance and water proofing to cover the type ofwork being discussed.

Based on these factors, we believe that having additionalregulation is not improving the outcome for consumers. Instead, our focus is onbetter serving our customers by providing high-quality work at reasonableprices. Added regulations, when there is no risk to the public being servedwith the current installation process for sump pumps and discharge pipes, areneedless as these projects can be handled safely without impacting potablewater used by consumers.

Standard Water Control and other basement waterproofingcompanies are working with the Minnesota Plumbing board toward a permanentsolution that will ensure quality and safety without the burden of additional unnecessarycosts.

Standard Water Article in National Publication

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:44:00 +0000

The Minnesota Plumbing Board's additional regulation will result in higher costs to consumers with no discernible benefit. You can read the entire article in the Basement Health News (our article is on page 10).

Prepare for the Cold Weather Now

noreply@blogger.com (Standard Water Control) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:08:00 +0000

Winter is coming and the time is near to winterize yoursystem, at the end of the month disconnect you discharge pipe as close to thehouse as possible and put the diffuser cap (screen) on. For those of you thathave the free flow buried discharge system there is nothing you need to dounless you have a heat cable; that should be plugged in once we have snow coverand below freezing temperatures (32º F).