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Liberty vs Zoeller Sump Pumps An Inside Look
This Liberty vs Zoeller sump pump review will not be your typical comparison of two sump pump brands. The reason is that just looking at their outward appearance and knowing they are both well established brands, have been in business a long time, and manufacture sump pump that perform well is not enough.
We give you an inside look which definitely reveals differences.
Looking at the Liberty and Zoeller sump pump brand functionally, it is easy to say they are the same. They both have a corrosion resistant body to protect and hold the motor, a float and switch to respond to the height of the water in the pit so as to trigger the switch to activate the motor, a vortex impeller to cause a centrifugal force with the aid of motor power to whirl the water from the basin up and out the discharge pipe system, a power cord to send electrical power to run the motor.
But its the design details and material that reveal differences. Learn the differences between these two manufacturers and then decide which differences are more important for your water pumping needs.
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Quick Info About Liberty vs Zoeller Sump Pumps
- Liberty Pumps and Zoeller Pump Company are family owned unlike many of the well-known brands like Wayne and Flotec that are part of a large corporation.
- Unlike other sump pump companies, Liberty and Zoeller still make sump pumps in the USA, though Liberty uses 3rd party motors and Zoeller builds their own motors.
- Liberty Pumps offers more float switch and pump housing material options.
- Liberty Pumps consistently uses magnetic draw vertical float switches while Zoeller uses snap action float switch to eliminate the need to clean the float head connect periodically.
- Quick power cord disconnect and Unibody construction to eliminate the motor seal ring are unique to Liberty Pumps.
- Liberty Pumps 240 Series 1/4 HP are cast iron and the heaviest on the market at 22 pounds.
- The maximum warranty for Liberty Pumps is 3 years while Zoeller has two 5 year models, M63 and M95.
- Zoeller Premium Series Models, M63 and M95, are the enhanced sump pumps upgraded and designed to extend the life of the Profession Series Models. The premium updates include an enhanced snap action float switch, a switch arm boot to protect from moisture entering the switch case, an LED plug which lights when electricity is available to the pump, and a 5 year warranty.
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Liberty vs Zoeller Sump Pump Review By Comparison Table of Contents
Learn which one is older. Discover which one is employee owned and which one is family owned. Be glad both do testing before shipping their pumps. One has more product lines than the other. The warranty period is longer for one than the other. See how the two companies stack up below.
Company History Zoeller Pump Company Is Oldest
Zoeller is the older of the two companies. Liberty Pumps was founded in 1965 with its headquarters in Bergen, New York. Zoeller was founded in 1939 with its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. Zoeller has the distinction of being one of the oldest family-owned pump manufacturers in North America. In fact, Zoeller is a fourth generation family business. Surprisingly its first model was known as the column or pedestal.
Zoeller And Liberty Pump Are Family Owned Liberty Also ESOP
The ownership of Liberty Pumps and Zoeller is very similar; both companies are family owned; however Liberty Pumps is both family and employee owned. A family-employee owned business provides additional incentive for employees to work hard and do a good job. Family ownership means less bureaucracy, more deeply rooted traditions and values with the ability to establish relationships with management and remain flexible to making changes.
Where Are Zoeller And Liberty Pumps Made?
Liberty and Zoeller sump pumps are made in the USA. This means they are engineered, built, assembled, tested and shipped from the USA. Zoeller Pump Company manufacturing headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky. Liberty Pumps manufacturing headquarters is located in Bergen, New York.
Brands like Wayne, Little Giant, Flotec, Basement Watchdog, and Superior are not made in the USA. Assembled in the USA is not the same as made (manufactured) in the USA.
3 Differences Between Liberty Pumps And Zoeller Pump Product Lines
The 3 differences between Liberty and Zoeller product lines include: 1) The number of pump types 2) The number of models per sump pump type 3) The classification of models by series.
Pump Types
Both Liberty and Zoeller carry primary sump pumps, battery backup pumps, water powered pumps, preassembled sump pumps with battery backup system, sewage, preassembled sewage systems, drain, grinder, explosion proof for hazardous area, utility, transfer pumps, and accessories; however Zoeller also carries pedestal, and elevator/vault pump-systems.
Liberty Pumps and Zoeller both provide the typical options: float switch type and horse power and its associated GPM; however, Liberty Pumps provides more switch options for each sump pump series.
Both brand sump pump series can be classified by Grade. Zoeller and Liberty Pumps series classification is 1) Basic or Builders Series (Good) 2) Zoeller Professional Series and Liberty S Aluminun Series (Better) and 3)Zoeller Premium Series and Liberty Pumps Cast Iron Series (Best).
The Zoeller Premium Series pumps provide premium features for more reliability, longer durability and warranty than Liberty Pumps cast iron series.
Number Of Models Per Sump Pump Type
Both Liberty and Zoeller carry sump pump models varying by horse power, float switch type and pump housing material; however Liberty carries many more model options because 4 float switch types are offered for each of their models 230, S30, 240, 250, 280, 290, and 450 series for a total of 24 sump pumps. Zoeller on the other hand offers 17 sump pump models and the option between them are automatic and manual.
Classification Of Models By Series
Both Liberty Pump and Zoeller Pump Company classify its sump pump models into 3 Series. Liberty Pumps three Sump Pump Series are 1) Builder Series (Good) (Model S30) 2) Cool. Running (Aluminum) Series (Better) (Models 450) and Cast Iron Series (Best) (Models 240, 250, 280, 290).
Zoeller classifies its sump pumps models into 3 series 1) Basic Series (Good) (1052, 1073, 1075, 1096, 1099, 49) 2) Professional Series (Better) (Automatic: M53, M55, M57, M59, M98, Non-Automatic: N53, N55, N57, N59, N98) and 3) Premium Series (Best) (M63, M95). Obviously the Premium Series pumps provide premium features for more reliability, longer durability and warranty.
Compare The Liberty Pump and Zoeller Sump Pump Features
Learn which brand uses two housings for better heat dissipation. Discover their float switch similarities and differences. Find out which brand has greater pumping performance and uses less electricity. Both use a clog free design. One brand weighs more and the other has smaller pumps. One makes purchasing parts easier than the other. See how Liberty Pump and Zoeller Pump Company sump pump features compare below.
Float Switch Types How They Work And Which Is Best?
Choosing a pump with the right float switch type is key to sump pump operation. All sump pump float switches basically operate the same: the pump turns ON when the float rises in the pit to the ON height because the electrical contacts in the switch close and send current to the pump; however the mechanical switch and how it is activated is slightly different.
Tether Float Switch How It Works With Pros and Cons
Both Liberty Pumps and Zoeller offer sump pumps with a tether float switch; however unless special ordered, Zoeller only offers one tether float pump model while Liberty Pumps offers 6 models.
Choosing a tether float switch requires careful consideration of pit diameter available and the obstacles in the pit such as a backup sump pump which cause easy float entanglement. The tether swings up and out as the water rises thus requiring an 18 inch wide pit.
Tether floats are advantageous in that their length is adjustable and they pump at least 3 or 4 gallons more of water every pump cycle.
Failure occurs when the tether casing cracks and allows water to reach the electrical wires running through it or the mechanical switch after continuous usage wears out.
Liberty Pumps offers two types of tether float switches: one hard-wired to the pump and one with a separate plug known as a piggy back plug. A piggy back plug allows manual operation of the motor in case the float fails.
Vertical Float Switch How It Works With Pros and Cons
Both Liberty Pumps and Zoeller use the vertical float switch for their sump pumps. In fact Zoeller predominately uses the vertical float switch for most of its sump pump models.
The vertical float switch is ideal for small pits and those containing a battery backup sump pump because it moves up and down on a vertical rod attached to the switch head which takes less pit space and is less likely to get caught in the pit. Both Liberty Pumps and Zoeller use the vertical float switch. In fact Zoeller models predominately use the vertical float switch.
Though both brands use the vertical float switch, their style is different.
Liberty uses a magnetic vertical float switch that relies on a magnet to draw and connect the two electric contacts in the switch. The magnetic vertical switch works well in pits containing no ground water containing contaminates such as calcium carbonate. Water contaminates cover the magnet and cause it to stick and fail. One solution to remedy this problem is to periodically clean the magnetic connection. Not all ground water has noticeable traces of calcium carbonate.
On the other hand, Zoeller chooses to avoid water contaminates and uses a snap action vertical float switch design. The snap action design uses the quick action of the float to connect the two switch electric contacts together to send an electric current to the motor.
The downside of the snap action is the creation of friction which wears the two switch contacts so they eventually fail. To remedy this problem, Zoeller adds a bar between the two switch contacts which greatly increases the life of the switch to at least 3 million pump cycles as opposed to 1 million pump cycles. Zoeller Premium models M63 and M95 use this enhanced 2-pole snap action vertical float switch.
1) Zoeller Model 49 Water Riddr III, 1/4 HP, 1,500 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Motor Housing, Thermoplastic Pump Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
2) Liberty Model 241 and 243 1/4 HP, 1,560 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
3) Liberty Model 231 and 233 (with piggyback switch) 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
4) Liberty Model 251 and 253 (with piggyback switch) 1/3 HP, 2,160 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
5) Liberty Model S38 (with piggyback switch) 1/3 HP, 2,100 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Thermoplastic Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
6) Liberty Model 451 and 453 (with piggyback switch) 1/2 HP, 2,520 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
7) Liberty Model 281 and 283 (with piggyback switch) 1/2 HP, 3,300 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
8) Liberty Model 291 and 293 (with piggyback switch) 3/4 HP, 4,260 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
Vertical Magnetic Float Switch Models
1) Zoeller Model 1073, 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
2) Zoeller Model 1075, 1/2 HP, 2,400 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
3) Zoeller Model 1075, 1/2 HP, 2,400 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
4) Zoeller Model 1099, 3/4 HP, 3,720 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Housing, Two Magnetic Vertical Float Switches For Redundancy Protection, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
5) Liberty Model 247 1/4 HP, 1,560 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
6) Liberty Model 237, 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
7) Liberty Model 257, 1/3 HP, 2,160 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
8) Liberty Model S37, 1/3 HP, 2,100 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Thermoplastic Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
9) Liberty Model 457, 1/2 HP, 2,520 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
10) Liberty Model 287, 1/2 HP, 3,300 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
11) Liberty Model 297, 3/4 HP, 4,260 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
Snap Action Vertical Float Switch Models
1) Zoeller Model M53, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Switch Case, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
2) Zoeller Model M57, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
3) Zoeller Model M98, 1/2 HP, 3,660 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
4) Zoeller Model 1096, 1/2 HP, 3,860 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Motor/Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
5) Zoeller Model M137, 1/2 HP, 4,740 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
Enhanced Snap-Action Vertical Float Switch Models
1) Zoeller Model M63, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 5 Year Warranty. Premium Series.
2) Zoeller Model M95, 1/2 HP, 3,660 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 5 Year Warranty. Premium Series.
No Float Switch Manual Operation Models
The following sump pumps are ideal for those who wish to add their own float switch preference. Our favorite float switch is the HC6000 electronic switch we have used since 2011. This switch has not failed yet. That's over 12 years ago it was installed.
1) Zoeller Model N53, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Switch Case, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
2) Zoeller Model N57, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
3) Zoeller Model N98, 1/2 HP, 3,660 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Switch Case, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
4) Liberty Model 240 1/4 HP, 1,560 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
5) Liberty Model 230, 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
6) Liberty Model 250, 1/3 HP, 2,160 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
7) Liberty Model 450, 1/2 HP, 2,520 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
8) Liberty Model 280, 1/2 HP, 3,300 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
9) Liberty Model 290, 3/4 HP, 4,260 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
The Eco-friendly way to fix a float switch is to replace it. Rather than discard a sump pump when it fails, check the float switch. 95% of the time only the switch is bad. A switch is bad if reaching into the pit and raising the float to its highest point, turns the pump motor on, the switch is bad; the motor is good; keep it; just replace the switch. Replacing a float switch is easy. Loosen 4 bolts that attach the switch case to the pump housing for a vertical float switch and replace the switch head with a new switch head that contains a new switch. Replacement switches for Zoeller sump pumps are easy to buy online and doing the job takes less than 30 minutes. For Liberty Pumps replacement switches, a local dealer or Liberty Pumps can provide a new switch.
Replacing a sump pump float switch is NOT something only a plumber can do. It is something you can do. Learn more about how to replace your own sump pump float switch.
Always keep an extra float switch on hand so that the float switch can be replaced when it fails. To avoid the failure of a sump pump float switch. Both companies recommend switch replacement every 3 to 5 years depending upon usage frequency. Avoid the need to wait for a plumber.
The Zoeller snap action vertical float is puncture proof so should not need replacement because it is solid, buoyant, and made of polypropylene; however a float replacement is also available online.
Comparing Liberty Pumps and Zoeller sump pumps involves horse power and flow rate at a specified vertical height.
- Horse power defines how much power a pump generates while emptying the sump pit through the discharge pipe and away from the house.
- Vertical height defines how high pump specified horse power can elevate the water even when dealing with friction caused by elbows and PVC piping.
- Pump manufactures provide a pump performance curve or performance chart that shows each pumps pumping capability to pump the water from the pit vertically and then to its destination.
Liberty Pumps and Zoeller sump pumps are very similiar when it comes to pump performance at a specified height during a specified time period.
Models By Performance And Horse Power
1/4 HP Models
1) Zoeller Model 49 Water Riddr III, 1/4 HP, 1,500 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Tether Float Switch, Cast iron Motor Housing, Thermoplastic Pump Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
2) Liberty Model 240 (manual), 241 (tether), 243 (tether), 247 (vertical magnetic) 1/4 HP, 1,560 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
1/3 HP Models
1) Zoeller Model 1073, 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Magnetic Draw Vertical FLoat Switch, Cast iron Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
2) Zoeller Model M53, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast iron Switch Case, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
3) Zoeller Model M57, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
4) Zoeller Model M63, 1/3 HP, 2,040 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Enhanced Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 5 Year Warranty. Premium Series.
5) Liberty Model 230 (manual), 231 (tether), 233 (tether), 237 (vertical magnetic) 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Aluminum Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cool Running Series.
6) Liberty Model 250 (manual), 251 (tether), 253 (tether), 257 (vertical magnetic) 1/3 HP, 2,160 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
7) Liberty Model S38 (tether), S37 (vertical magnetic) 1/3 HP, 2,100 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Thermoplastic Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
1/2 HP Models
1) Zoeller Model 1075, 1/2 HP, 2,400 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Magnetic Draw Vertical Float Switch, Cast iron Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
2) Zoeller Model 1075, 1/2 HP, 2,400 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Magnetic Draw Vertical Float Switch, Cast iron Housing, 2 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
3) Zoeller Model M98, 1/2 HP, 3,660 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast Iron Switch Case, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
4) Zoeller Model 1096, 1/2 HP, 4,860 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast Iron Motor/Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
5) Zoeller Model M137, 1/2 HP, 4,740 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast Iron Switch Case, Base, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Professional Series.
6) Zoeller Model M95, 1/2 HP, 3,660 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Enhanced Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Cast Iron Switch Case, Impeller, Motor and Pump Housing, 5 Year Warranty. Premium Series.
7) Liberty Model 451 (manual), 451 (tether), 453 (tether), 457 (vertical magnetic) 1/2 HP, 2,520 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
8) Liberty Model 280 (manual), 281 (tether), 283 (tether), 287 (vertical magnetic) 1/2 HP, 3,300 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
3/4 HP Models
1) Zoeller Model 1099, 3/4 HP, 3,720 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast iron Housing, Two Magnetic Draw Vertical Float Switches For Redundancy Protection, 3 Year Warranty. Basic Series.
2) Liberty Model 290 (manual), 291 (tether), 293 (tether), 297 (vertical magnetic) 3/4 HP, 4,260 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Cast Iron Pump Housing, 3 Year Warranty. Cast Iron Series.
Even though both Liberty and Zoeller sump pump motors operate in a bath of oil to lower friction and heat, motor and pump housing material play a big role in keeping the motor cool and giving it longevity. Housing material is especially important when a pump motor runs continuously or every few seconds.
The four most common housing materials are 1) Cast Iron 2) Stainless Steel 3) Aluminum and 4) Thermoplastic.
Cast iron makes good sump pump housing because ...
1) It does not heat up as quickly, but does dissipate heat well after heating up.
2) It is very durable because it is epoxy coated to combat corrosion. It lasts several decades. Our M53 is 18 years old; some owners claim theirs lasted 40+ years.
3) It adds weight to the pump so it remains stationery during continuous pumping caused by heavy rainstorms.
Stainless steel is used because ...
1) It does not rust.
2) It is more cost effective than cast iron.
3) It is lighter but the pump moves more during heavy pumping.
4) It does cool quicker that cast iron; however it heats up much faster.
Aluminum housing is used because ...
1) It is more cost effective than cast iron or stainless steel.
2) It heats up quickly but Liberty Pumps housing design adds fins so more surface area is cooled by pit water.
3) It is light weight so the pump will move during heavy pumping.
Thermoplastic housing is used because ...
1) It is very cost effective.
2) It does not rust.
3) It is serviceable for small pumping situations; however thermoplastic traps heat, warps and cracks.
Models By Housing Material
Cast Iron Housing Models
1) Zoeller Professional Series Models M53, M55, M57, M59, M98 and M137 and Premium Series Models M63 and M95 .
- All the above models have a cast iron motor housing, pump body housing, and switch head.
- Models M57, M63, M95m M98, M137 have a cast iron base. M53 has a thermoplastic base and M55 and M57 have a bronze base.
- Zoeller builds their own sump pump motors; thus they use cast iron for their motor housing. This gives these models the advantage of two layers of cast iron: 1) Pump Motor Housing 2) Pump Body Housing. This design draws additional heat from the motor and gives the motor a snug fit to eliminate dead air pockets. Two layers of cast iron gives these motors longevity. One is reported to last 47 years. Our Zoeller M53 is 18 years old and still running very well.
2) Liberty Pumps Model Series 240s, 250s, 280s and 290s
Liberty Pumps takes a different approach. They use 3rd party USA made motors with stainless steel motor housing. Stainless steel heats up much quicker. So their cast pumps only have one layer of cast iron for heat dissipation.
- Liberty Eliminates One Motor Housing Seal Ring On Four Model Series: the 240, 250, 280 and 290 Series. This means that the potential for one of the motor housings to leak will not happen because it is eliminated.
3) Zoeller Taiwan Models 1052, 1073, 1075, 1096 and 1099.
- Models 1052, 1073, 1075, 1096 and 1099 have cast iron housing but a thermoplastic switch head and base. The switch case will get hotter than cast iron during pumping.
Aluminum Housing Models
1) Liberty Pumps Models 230, 231, 233 and 237 1/3 Horse Power 2,160 GPH at 10 feet.
2) Liberty Pumps Models 450, 451, 453 and 457 1/2 Horse Power 2,640 GPH at 10 feet.
- Liberty Pumps models 230 and 450 series use aluminum housing as a budget friendly option for homeowners. Since aluminum housing heats up quickly, fins have been added to these models so there is more cooling surface for water to keep the motor cooler. The motor will remain cool unless heavy continuous pumping occurs. The motor housing for these models is stainless steel and the base and head are thermoplastic.
Thermoplastic Housing Models
1) Zoeller Model 49 Water Riddr III 1/4 Horse Power 1,500 GPH at 10 feet.
Zoeller and Liberty Pumps limit the number of sump pump models using thermoplastic housing. Zoeller builds one model, 49 Water Riddr III, and Liberty includes three models, S37, S37-p and S38. The Zoeller 49 Water Riddr III handles motor heat slightly better than the Liberty models. It uses cast iron motor housing which draws some heat from the motor.
2) Liberty Pumps Models S37.S37-p and S38 1/3 HP 2,100 GPH at 10 feet.
On the other hand, Liberty S37, S37-p and S38 use stainless steel motor housing which does not draw away motor heat. Thermoplastic housing is a budget friendly way to provide sump pump protection for infrequent and certainly not long continuous pumping because it traps motor heat.
Liberty vs Zoeller Sump Pump Testing Before Company Shipment
Both companies test each pump before it leaves the factory. Each pump goes through a leak test to ensure that all gaskets, seals and mating surfaces will hold under pressure.
However, Zoeller performs an additional test. Each pump is run underwater to ensure that it is capable of its published head capacity and flow rate. This testing guarantees the pump will operate when installed.
Liberty vs Zoeller Clogging Design Differs
Many Liberty Pump models have peripheral openings approximately two inches above the entire base, others have the vortex style impeller and the three-quarter horse power pumps have the vortex impeller and a bottom screen; however there are legs to elevate it above the basin floor.
Zoeller consistently uses the vortex impeller without bottom screens and peripheral openings around the base. If there is no debris and only limited very small pebbles all of these designs will function well. Debris could clog peripheral openings around the base. Vortex impellers can handle pebbles limited to less than the size mentioned in the features without clogging
AMP Usage
AMP usage clarifies two things: 1) How much electricity is being used during pumping 2) How hard the motor works.
- The lower the AMPs the less electricity used; however the lower the AMPs the harder the motor works when pumping.
- Liberty Pumps classifies the 230, 250, 280 and 450 series as Energy Efficient. Their Amps draw is very similar to Zoeller Basic series pumps. The Liberty Pumps 230 and 250 series use 5.2 Amps
- Zoeller Basic Series 1052, 1073, and 1075 draw 5 Amps. The Liberty Pumps 450 series draws 7.5 Amps and the 280 series uses 8 Amps while Zoeller Basic Series 1096 and 1099 draws 8.8 and 9 Amps respectively.
- However Zoeller Professional M50 Series draw 9.6 Amps; M63 draws 9.7 Amps and the Premium Series M95 draws 10.7 Amps.
- Zoeller builds their own motors and keeps 20% in reserve for heavy pumping demands.
- Liberty Pumps uses 3rd Party motors.
Liberty and Zoeller Pump Warranty Similarities
Liberty consistently offers a three year warranty on all its sump pumps. Zoeller offers a three year warranty on most of its sump pumps.
However Zoeller offers five years for two models, the M63 and M95 belonging to the Premium Series.
Zoeller offers a two year warranty for most of the Basic Series Sump pumps and a 3 year warranty on its Professional Series pumps which include the Mighty Mate Series and the Flow Mate Series.
Liberty vs Zoeller Standard Power Cord Length Differs
The standard power cord length difference between Liberty and Zoeller sump pumps is one foot. Liberty Pumps standard length is 10 feet. Zoeller Pumps standard cord length is 9 feet.
- Additional cord lengths are readily available for Liberty sump pumps. The cord length is identified as follows: model number followed by a dash. For example model 283-1 is 10 feet; model 283-2 is 25 feet; model 283-3 is 35 feet and model 283-5 is 50 feet.
- Zoeller power cord custom length options are also available directly through Zoeller or a plumbing supplier.
- Changing the power cord for a Liberty sump pump is easy because of their patented Quick Disconnect for the power cord which eliminates without breaking the seal.
- Using an extension cord with a sump pump is not recommended.
Impeller Material
Liberty Pumps sump pump impellers are consistently made from polymer.
Zoeller uses engineered plastic for some of its pumps; however models M57, M63, M95 and M137 have a cast iron impeller. Plastic impellers work fine if there are no small pebbles in the pit. Small pebbles nick the impeller eventually causing it to fail.
Sump Pump Weight Comparison
Zoeller cast iron housing pumps weigh more than Liberty cast iron pumps.
- Zoeller Professional and Premium Series use 2 layers of cast iron: motor housing and pump housing and the switch case and base, except for M53, are cast iron
- Whereas Liberty pumps cast iron pumps have only one layer of cast iron: pump body housing.
- Liberty 290 Series weighs 31 pounds whereas the M137 weighs 45 pounds. Some of the weight can be attributed to the fact that many Zoeller models have cast iron impellers and cast iron motor housing whereas Liberty pumps have polymer motor housing. The weight is the same when comparing Zoeller 49 Water Riddr III with thermoplastic outer housing to the Liberty Aluminum housing 240 Series. They both weight 11 pounds.
Liberty vs Zoeller Sump Pump Dimensions
Liberty Pumps Are Taller And Narrower.
- The 290 Series, which are Liberty greatest horsepower pumps, are 13-inches tall and 10-inches wide.
- The Zoeller M137, which is the greatest horsepower pump, is 12.75-inches high and 12-inches wide.
- The Liberty Model 230-Series is 10.5-inches high and 9.6 inches wide.
- The Zoeller M53 is 10-1/16-inches tall and 10-3/32-inches wide.
The cost for both brands is comparable, except when comparing the pumps with the highest pump performance curve, the Liberty 290 Series and the Zoeller M130 Series, The Zoeller M137 cost approximately $40 more. The additional cost is associated with the fact that the M137 has more cast iron components.
How To Choose The Best Sump Pump
How to choose the best sump pump depends upon your water pumping needs, matching your needs with the differences between Liberty Pumps and Zoeller Pumps, and adding your personal preferences.
Here are specific thoughts that will help identify your needs and define your preferences.
- The width of the pit determines what float switch will fit. A tether switch requires an 18 inch pit diamter. A vertical float requires 11 inches. Liberty Pumps are taller and narrower by 1 to 2 inches.
- If the ground water flowing into the pit contains calcium carbonate, a magnetic float switch becomes contaminated and will fail unless cleaned every 6 months or so. Your local plumber can tell you about the ground water in your area. Liberty Pumps and Zoeller Basic Series pump models have a magnetic float switch. Zoeller Professional and Premium series pumps use a snap action float switch which is not affected by ground water contaminates.
- Is pump motor longevity important or would you prefer to buy a new pump every 5 to 10 years? Thermoplastic and an aluimimum pumps will not last as long. Cast iron is much more durable. Zoeller Professional and Premium series pumps have 2 layers of cast iron for better motor heat dissipation. The motor can last decades. Our M53 is 18 years old and still pumping well.
- No float switch will last as long as the pump motor; therefore, if you are a do-it-yourself homeowner, buying and installing a Zoeller replaement switch is easy. Zoeller parts are readily available on Amazon. Liberty Pumps replacement parts are available through the Liberty Pumps website.
- If heavy continuous pumping occurs frequently, an all cast iron pump is best. Cast iron adds weight to keep the pump in place and it dissipates heat best.
- If a total vertical pumping height more than 20 feet is needed, Liberty sump pump Model series 280 and 290 are the best option.
- If you prefer not to deal with having to replace the float switch every 3 - 5 years, why not consider a manual (non-automatic) sump-pump and install the highly-rated electronic switch HC6000. We installed our HC6000 in 2011 and it is still working without fail. It's over 13 years old now and keeps on working.
- If your sump pump runs continuously during heavy rain storms, a one half or three-quarter horse sump pump is best. You can learn more about how to find the right sized sump pump you need here.
If your goal is to install a sump pump with a float switch that will far outlast the popular M53 we recommend the Zoeller M63 one-half horse power and the M95 three-fourths horse power effluent submersible sump pump.
We recommend the M63 and M95 for the following reasons ...
- They boast a 5 year warranty, the best in the industry. .
- Cast Iron is used throughout (motor housing pump body housing, switch case, base and M63 has cast iron impeller) which lasts well over 25 years.
- Cast Iron gives weight to the pump so it will remain stationary in the pit during heavy continuous pumping.
- The float is puncture proof because it si solid polypropylene and the swtich head has a sturdy stainless steel guard to keep the float from getting hung up on the basin wall.
- The switch has been upgraded. A bar is used to reduce the friction caused by the positive negative close circuit activity which ultimately reduces the wear on the switch so it lasts much longer. The switch is tested to run 3 million cycles. That is well over 5 years.
- An extra boot enclosues the switch for another layer of protection against moisture entrance when the gasket between the pump housing and pump head waers thin with age.
- Only 80% of the motors power is used during normal pumping. If more horse power is required the motor can use its reserve power.
- The M63 pumps 2,040 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height and the M95 pumps 3,660 GPH at a ten foot vertical height.
- A vortex impeller is used so small solids can flow through the pump and there is no screen to clean.
- The plug led light indicates if power to run the pump is working properly.
- Each pump is made in the USA and double tested so it will work when it is installed.
We wish you much success in finding the sump pump that best meets your water pumping needs.
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