Response from Standard Water Control Systems Inc
After checking our records, I discovered we have never done any work for this member but she did call back on March 7th, 2011 regarding water issues in the basement. At that time the homeowners decided they would try sealing some cracks and other options. On April 29th, 2013 this member spoke again to one of our Representatives and explained she had a drain tile system installed but was getting water at the base of the chimney. At this point the members experience and our memory of the situation diverge rather significantly. I wonder if the member may have Standard Water and another company confused. We take great pride in helping everyone whether we do any work or not. We freely offer information and advice all the time because we know people reward companies that help them by telling all their friends. Good referrals are the lifeblood of our business, which is why everyone that calls for information also gets a free DVD and brochures ... so they can pass them on. On the other hand, not helping people results in damage to our reputation which is our most valuable asset and we take great pains to protect it. Admittedly, this would be a fairly small job but we would be happy to help. However, there is a less costly solution. Our advice is to contact the company that installed the original drain tile system. Reputable companies offer a transferable lifetime warranty which should result in a solution to the problem at no cost to the homeowner. One way to find the company is to check with the local city to see who pulled the permit to do the work. Most cities require permits especially Minneapolis & St. Paul. Homeowners should beware of companies who say a permit is not necessary and should never deal with a company that isn’t licensed and doesn’t pull permits. Without that permit the homeowner has little to no recourse. In the end I’m left scratching my head trying to figure out how something like this could happen. We simply don’t deal with customers this way because it’s bad for our reputation and, therefore, bad for business. This is why I believe we may have been confused with another company and I am sorry for that. I can see where it could easily happen when you’re calling anywhere from 3 to 5 different companies for estimates. I hope this member finds a lasting solution to their water problem. Mike Hogenson, President Standard Water Control Systems, Inc.