If you tend to have frequent flooding or dampness is a low-lying area of your home, it may be in your best interest to purchase a sump pump. Sump pumps can help remove water from a property and send it away to an area such as a dry well or municipal storm drain, where it is no longer an issue. However, if you do not have any experience with sump pumps, trying to purchase one could be overwhelming.
When browsing online or at your local hardware or plumbing store, you’ll likely come across sump pumps from dozens of different manufacturers. One of the companies you’re likely to come across is Zoeller. If you’re curious about learning more about a Zoeller sump pump, you’ve come to the right place. This review contains everything you need to know about Zoeller sump pumps.
What are Zoeller Sump Pumps and How Do They Work?
Zoeller is a company that first began designing pedestal sump pumps in 1939. Since then, the company has operated in the United States, expanding its product line. According to Zoeller, customers should use their pumps in pits. Property owners can also use them to transfer water that contains solids less than two inches in diameter. Customers have ten options from which to choose when buying, including:
Considering that these are residential sump pumps, our review will focus mostly on these products. Those who own commercial properties may want to look elsewhere for sump pumps from Zoeller. The pump that you should choose depends significantly on the needs of your home, such as how much water you have and where you will use the device.
For instance, Model 49 Sump Pumps are entirely submersible. They can pass solids that are up to 3/8” in diameter. 50 Series Sump Pumps are automatic, professional-grade pumps that customers can use for dewatering or effluent purposes. Users can also use more powerful pumps, such as the Model 98 or 130 Series, with enhanced flow STEP systems or low-pressure pipes.
When you visit the Zoeller website, you should be able to find each one of the products quickly. When on the product page, you can view things such as the features and benefits of the product, in addition to the product specifications and technical data about the unit. We recommend checking out the product specifications before determining which Zoeller sump pump is best for your needs.
What Makes Zoeller Sump Pumps Unique?
There are numerous aspects of Zoeller sump pumps that help set them apart from other units. First and foremost, the company’s pumps are resistant to corrosion, thanks to a powder-coated epoxy finish. Additionally, Zoeller constructs all of their pump shells with cast iron, which helps make them incredibly durable. Furthermore, the motor, base, pumping house, and switch case are all cast iron as well.
Other companies use sheet metal when constructing their sump pumps, which increases the risk of corrosion. Because sump pumps are in constant contact with water, the odds of them corroding is already at high risk. Similarly, Zoeller chooses only to use screws, arms and handles made of stainless steel, further decreasing the risk of rust or corrosion.
One of the most significant features that set Zoeller apart is the fact that all of their pumps have a reserve powered design. This is a safety feature included for unusual conditions. Additionally, there are some alternative features that customers can choose to have included in their unit. To opt into these features, customers must consult the factory.
Customers can choose to have electrical alternators when there is a duplex system. Zoeller can include an alarm for these situations. Furthermore, Zoeller can also add mechanical alternators to duplex systems. Customers can choose to have these features with or without an alarm switch. Also, customers can choose to install float switches as well.
There are variable-level float switches, which allow customers to control both single and three-phase systems. Users also have the opportunity to add double piggyback, variable-level float switches to their sump pump, giving them control over long-cycle controls. The fact that customers can add these features is unique in and of itself, as other companies do not allow customers to customize their pump.
Pricing
Unfortunately, when browsing the Zoeller website, it is difficult to find the cost of its products. That’s because Zoeller works with distributors, from who you can purchase their products. This means that you must contact a trusted distributor before you can determine the price of your pump. The rate is also entirely dependent on the size of the area you’re addressing and how much water you need to drain.
However, it appears that you can buy Zoeller sump pumps from third-party websites, such as Amazon. For instance, the Zoeller 57-0001 M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump costs just under $190 on Amazon. The M633 Premium Series Submersible Sump Pump costs less than $ 250. The prices for other products appear to be similar. Customers can expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for the pump.
Additionally, Zoeller offers a warranty on their sump pumps. Warranties are manufacturer’s warranties that can range from three years to five years. To access the warranty, it’s vital that you first register your product. Registering your product allows Zoeller to confirm that you are indeed the owner of the sump pump so that they can issue your warranty replacement quickly.
Public Perception
- 3/10 HP pump for residential sump pits or septic...
- 1½" discharge, passes 1/2" solids
- Automatic model with integral float switch
- Performance: 43 GPM at 5' TDH, shut-off: 19.25'...
- All cast iron construction with stainless steel...
When browsing online, it appears that customers were quite satisfied with their Zoeller products. For instance, the M57 model has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with nearly 370 customer reviews. Of those who reviewed the product, more than 80 percent gave the product a five-star rating. Combined, less than ten percent gave the product a three, four, or five-star rating.
- Housing material : Cast iron
- Submersible
- Horsepower : 3/10 HP
- 1-1/2" NPT discharge
- Maximum discharge flow : 43 gym
Similarly, the M63 Model has a 4.1-star rating on Amazon with more than 40 customer reviews. Of those who reviewed the product, Of those who considered the unit, nearly three out of every four gave it a five-star rating. Less than 15 percent of customers gave the product a three, four, or five-star rating. Other sump pumps from Zoeller sold on Amazon have reviews consistent with the M57 and M63.
Customers who commented on the sump pump seemed quite satisfied with their purchase. Many customers noted that their Zoeller pump was significantly quieter than the sump pump they were replacing. They said that the pump did not make much noise when it was draining the water and that it did so quickly and efficiently.
The only concern that appeared to arise in the comments came out of fear, rather than a substantiated claim. A few users said that they were skeptical of Zoeller products, because the switch on their previous sump pumps from Zoeller broke as soon as the warranty expired. These customers bought another Zoeller product but were worried that something would again break when the warranty expired.
However, many other customers said that they were impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of this unit. They said that their previous sump pumps had lasted for nearly two decades, and they see no reason why their new Zoeller models could not do the same. Multiple customers indicated that their sump pump from Zoeller far exceeded its price and that they received incredible value for the product.
How They Compare
When looking for a sump pump, you’re likely to come across many options. Another well-known manufacturer who you may discover is Wayne. Although Wayne produces many sump pumps, their best is arguably the CDU980E HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless-Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Float Switch.
Customers will likely find that this sump pump is incredibly compatible with their existing infrastructure. It features a large float as well as a thick motor cover. Also, this pump contains a 1-1/2” NPT discharge, reducing the likelihood of it becoming blocked or damaged. The pump also features a stainless-steel handle, much like Zoeller models.
Wayne also makes its sump pumps of cast iron, just as Zoeller models. Amazon reviews of this product were quite similar to reports of the Zoeller product. The Wayne CDU980E model has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with more than 1,050 customer reviews. Of those who reviewed the product, more than 70 percent gave it a five-star rating.
You can purchase the Wayne sump pump on Amazon for less than $150, making it comparable to the Zoeller pumps. Additionally, the Wayne pump also comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, the same as Zoeller. So, in summary, the Wayne pump is a viable alternative that is very consistent with the sump pumps that Zoeller produces.
- 2115 GPH Power: Powered by a durable, oil-cooled...
- Ingenious Design: Outlet can be adapted for...
- Higher Base Plate: This sump pumps has a higher...
- Automatic Float Switch: Automatic shut off float...
- Great For Draining: Great to Drain the Dirty Water...
Compare these products to the Homodox ½ HP Submersible Sump Pump 400W. This unit retails for just under $50, making it noticeably cheaper than some of the other options available. However, this pump features much less favorable reviews on Amazon, as it carries a 3.7-star rating. Of those who reviewed the product, a mere 54 percent gave it a five-star rating, while more than 15 percent rated it one-star.
Customers indicated that this pump did not last very long, with some saying it worked for less than six months. Additionally, some reviewers mentioned there was a problem with the float that is responsible for keeping the pump running. However, there were also users who say they liked this pump and that they felt they received excellent value when purchasing the product.
What We Think
We feel that when purchasing a sump pump, Zoeller is an excellent brand from which to choose. Our team genuinely appreciates the fact that Zoeller is an American-based company who has been operating for nearly eight decades. This has resulted in a reputable company that those in the plumbing and construction industries have grown to trust.
We spoke with many plumbers who indicated that the M53 model is an excellent value choice that will prove to be useful for most homeowners. They also said that the quality of this product is unmatched by other pumps available on the market today and that it performs incredibly well. Another thing we liked about this model is that it came with an optional float-activated switch.
Some may not wish to have this attachment on their pump, and we liked the fact that customers had the option to choose one way or the other. However, if you were interested in this feature, it could prove to be worthwhile as it means that the pump would start to work automatically when the water breached a particular point so that you can leave the device alone without worry.
Another thing that stood out to us about this, and other sump pumps from Zoeller, was exceptional durability and construction these products offered. The construction on Zoeller pumps was some of the best we came across during product testing. In addition to the cast-iron housing, the stainless-steel screws and fastenings make for increased durability.
In addition to the M53 model, you may want to also consider the M98 sump pump from Zoeller. One reviewer called this product the “Rolls Royce of sump pumps,” and we couldn’t’ agree more. This unit’s tensile strength is very high. It features a ½ HP motor, allowing it to move high volumes of water quickly. There is also an option for a float switch with this device as well.
Customers may find that the M53 model is more expensive than other sump pumps with a 1/3 HP engine and that the M98 is one of the costlier pumps available, but we feel that the cost is well worth it. We can confidently say that when purchasing this product, you are making an investment in your home or property and that you are buying a product that should last for years to come.
However, if you do run into problems with your device, it’s nice to know that Zoeller’s exceptional customer service is there to have your back. The five-year warranty is impressive, matched by only a few other sump pump manufacturers. This can give customers peace of mind knowing that in times of crisis, Zoeller will be there to help get their pump running again as soon as possible.
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