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Wayne vs Zoeller Sump Pump
Wayne vs Zoeller Sump Pumps comparison reveals both brands utilize the same basic components: 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 non-clogging design 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. Aside from these basic similarities, the detailed design and material used by both manufacturers varies. Learn for yourself the differences between the two manufacturers and decide which differences are most important for your water pumping needs.
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Wayne vs Zoeller Sump Pump Review By Comparison Table of Contents
- Wayne and Zoeller Pump Company are over 80 years old.
- Wayne pumps are popularly known as the Big Box Store Sump Pump while Zoeller pumps are known as the Plumbers Favorite though Zoeller sump pumps can be purchased online by homeowners now.
- Both Wayne and Zoeller sump pumps are reliable because they use the snap action vertical float switch. The snap action vertical float switch is more reliable than the magnetic draw vertical float switch used by many brands because ground water containing calcium carbonate contaminates the float switch connector and causes failure after a few years. The snap-action float switch connectors are not affected by ground water contaminates.
- Only Zoeller offers a 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP sump pump with a 5 year warranty, the M63 and M95 models.
- Only Wayne offers a 1 HP sump pump, model CDU1000.
- All Zoeller sump pumps are tested before leaving the factory, however Wayne only performs random sample testing.
- Zoeller consistently uses cast iron housing while Wayne uses carbon steel and stainless steel.
- Wayne pumps use top suction rather than a vortex impeller like Zoeller pumps which allows small spherical solids to pass through.
- Wayne offers one battery backup sump pump model,ESP25n, while Zoeller offers three, 507-0005, 508-0005 and 585, a pedestal backup sump pump.
- Wayne pumps are more budget friendly.
Ownership Type
- Both Wayne and Zoeller Pump Company started as family owned businesses. Wayne, originally known as Wayne Home Equipment Company, started in 1928 with its founder Norbert G. Berghoff in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Zoeller Pump Company began in 1939 in the family basement of August 'Pop' Zoeller in Louisville, Kentucky making what is known as the pedestal sump pump.
- Wayne now belongs to Scott Fetzer Corporation. In 1978, the Berghoff family made the decision to sell their home equipment company to the Scott Fetzer Corporation. Scott Fetzer is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Berkshire is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
- Zoeller Pump Company is still a family-owned water pump manufacturer. In fact Zoeller is one of the oldest family-owned water pump manufacturers in North America, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. They are proudly excelling with fourth-generation leadership and an expanding workforce.
- Wayne no longer manufactures sump pumps in the USA. They engineer the design and assembled them the US with foreign and domestic parts, but do not manufacture pumps.
- Zoeller continues to manufacture their pumps which includes building their own motors. This is why a Zoeller motor is housed in cast iron and fits so snuggly inside the pump cast iron housing. Zoeller motors are reported as lasting as long as 47 years. Our Zoeller M53 is only 18 years old and is still performing well. Zoeller continues its history of strong quality control with all products and parts engineered, made, assembled and tested in the United States.
- In 2000, Zoeller expands its product line with the purchase of Flint & Walling Incorporated which also manufactures water systems. This acquisition gives Zoeller an opportunity to own a manufacturing facility in Taiwan and supply pumps to the Asia market. The same standards and testing are maintained in Zoeller Taiwan. This product line is known as the Builders or Basic Series sump pumps. Do note there are some differences between the Basic Series and the USA made Professional and Premium Series sump pumps.
3 Differences Between Wayne And Zoeller Pump Product Lines
The 3 differences between Wayne 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 Wayne and Zoeller carry primary sump pumps, battery backup pumps, preassembled sump pumps with battery backup system, sewage, pool, lawn, well pumps and accessories; however Zoeller also carries water powered, pedestal, manual, drain, grinder, preassembled sewage systems, and elevator/vault pump-systems.
Wayne and Zoeller both provide the typical options of float switch type and horse power and its associated GPM; however, Zoeller goes a step further by providing sump pumps based on Product Line Series Classification Grade, Zoeller series classification is 1) Basic Series (Good) 2) Professional Series (Better) and 3) Premium Series (Best). Obviously the Premium Series pumps provide premium features for more reliability, longer durability and warranty; however the price is an additional $100 approximately.
Number Of Models Per Sump Pump Type
Both Wayne and Zoeller carry sump pump models varying by horse power, float switch type and pump housing material; however Wayne only carries 8 sump pump models (SPF33, SPF50, CDT50, CDU790, CDU800, CDU980E, CDU1000. and 58375-WYN1) Zoeller on the other hand carries 17 sump pump models and the option between automatic and manual.
Classification Of Models By Series
Wayne does not classify its primary sump pumps; however Zoeller classifies its sump pumps 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.
How Do Wayne And Zoeller Resolve Sump Pump Float Switch Problems?
The first thing that usually causes sump pump failure is the switch and sump pump switch failure often leads to a flooded basement. Both Wayne and Zoeller provide a new solution to sump pump switch failure; however they both provide very different solutions. Zoeller enhances an already functioning float switch and Wayne designs a completely new solution.
Zoeller Enhances The Snap Action Float Switch
Both Zoeller and Wayne use the snap action vertical float switch and their test results show the switch performs at least 1 million pump cycles; however since the float switch is usually the first thing that fails, Zoeller enhances it for the Premium Series models M63 and M85, to perform at least 3 million pump cycles before failure. 3 million cycles is a lot of pump cycles; that would be 7 pumping cycles per minute every hour of the day for 71 days per year for five years. No sump pump runs that much.
The snap action float switch is not affected by ground water contamination like the magnetic draw vertical float switch; however friction wear happens when the float reaches the ON position and the switch positive and negative connections close. To decrease switch wear, Zoeller adds an additional bar between the positive and negative connections to reduce the friction and increase its reliability and durability.
Wayne Designs A New Float Switch Solution - The Electronic Air Switch
Wayne Replaces The Snap Action Float Switch. Wayne replaces the snap action float switch with an electronic monitored air switch for its model 58375-WYN1 (The Basement Guardian Halo). This innovation replaces the snap action moving float with a stationary hose and the mechanical friction bearing switch with an electronic no impact air switch. Its Wi-Fi connectivity app sends pump status messages to a mobile phone. This innovation is tested to 1 million pump cycles and is warrantied for 5 years. Its success is yet to be determined.
3 Traditional Float Switch Types Used
Though both Wayne and Zoeller continue to look for ways to improve the float switch, most of their models still use the traditional float switch successfully.
These traditional float switches operate very similarly. They all have a float switch that turns the pump on. The float and switch operate together so the pump turns on and off. Failure of either the float or switch to operate properly causes sump pump failure. When the switch gets stuck in the ON position or never reaches the ON position, sump pump failure occurs.
All three of these traditional float switch types are prone to switch failure. The tether float switch type easily catches on the pit walls. The magnetic draw float switch type easily gets contaminated with ground water and doesn't engage properly. The snap action float switch type lasts longer but friction eventually causes switch failure.
The Snap Action Float Switch
Friction heat is a factor to consider when it comes to snap action switch life. Zoeller and Wayne both use the snap action float switch for most of their submersible primary sump pumps, however their approach to addressing switch friction heat is different.
The switch is enclosed in a case which sits above the motor and pump body housing. Heat is generated when the two switch ends connect due to float ON action. Over repeated usage, heat affects the switch and eventually it fails.
Zoeller chooses to house the switch in a cast iron switch case which sits above the motor and pump housing. Wayne houses the switch in a thermoplastic switch case. Cast iron is known for dissipating heat while thermoplastic is known for trapping heat. Thus it can be said Zoeller's engineering design takes additional precautions to extend the life of the snap action 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) Wayne Model CDT50, 1/2 HP, 3,150 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Carbon Steel Housing, 2 Year Warranty.
Magnetic Draw Vertical 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.
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, 4,860 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.
6) Wayne Model SPF33, 1/3 HP, 2,718 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Carbon Steel Housing, 1 Year Warranty.
7) Wayne Model CDU790, 1/3 HP, 2,700 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Carbon Steel Housing, 3 Year Warranty.
8) Wayne Model SPF50, 1/2 HP, 2,900 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Carbon Steel Housing, 1 Year Warranty.
9) Wayne Model CDU800, 1/2 HP, 3,840 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Carbon Steel Housing, 3 Year Warranty.
10) Wayne Model CDU980E, 3/4 HP, 4,743 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Stainless Steel Housing, Cast iron Base, 5 Year Warranty.
11) Wayne Model CDU1000, 1 HP, 5,100 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Stainless Steel Housing, Cast iron Base, 5 Year Warranty.
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.
Electronic Air Switch Models
1) Wayne Model HALO 58375-WYN1, 3/4 HP, 4,600 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Stainless Steel Housing, Cast iron Base, 5 Year Warranty.
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.
Rather than discard the sump pump when the float switch fails, keep the pump. The housing with its good motor is still functioning. It's just the float switch that needs replacement. Replacing a float switch is easy. Loosen 4 bolts and replace the switch head that contains a new switch. Replacement switches are easy to buy online and doing the job takes less than 30 minutes.
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 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 Wayne and Zoeller sump pumps requires consideration of horse power and flow rate at a specified vertical height.
- Horse power defines how much power your pump can produce to empty the sump pit through the discharge piping.
- Vertical height defines how high the water can pump due to friction and horse power limitations.
- Pump manufactures publish a pump performance curve or performance chart that shows the pumps horse power capability to pump the water from the pit vertically to its destination.
Wayne 1/3 HP and 3/4 HP sump pumps pump more water at a specified height during a specified time period. Wayne and Zoeller 1/2 HP sump pump performance is very similar.
- Zoeller offers a 1/4 HP sump pump; Wayne does not.
- Wayne offers a 1 HP sump pump; Zoeller does not.
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.
1/3 HP Models
1) Zoeller Model 1073, 1/3 HP, 1,800 GPH at 10 Foot Vertical Height, Magnetic Drqaw 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) Wayne Model SPF33, 1/3 HP, 2,718 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Carbon Steel Housing, 1 Year Warranty.
6) Wayne Model CDU790, 1/3 HP, 2,700 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Carbon Steel Housing, 3 Year Warranty.
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) Wayne Model CDT50, 1/2 HP, 3,150- GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Tether Float Switch, Carbon Steel Housing, 2 Year Warranty.
8) Wayne Model SPF50, 1/2 HP, 2,900 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Carbon Steel Housing, 1 Year Warranty.
9) Wayne Model CDU800, 1/2 HP, 3,840 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Carbon Steel Housing, 3 Year Warranty.
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) Wayne Model CDU980E, 3/4 HP, 4,743 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Stainless Steel Housing, Cast iron Base, 5 Year Warranty.
3) Wayne Model HALO 58375-WYN1, 3/4 HP, 4,600 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Electronic Air Switch, Stainless Steel Housing, Cast iron Base, 5 Year Warranty.
1 HP Models
1) Wayne Model CDU1000, 1 HP, 5,100 GPH at 10 foot Vertical Height, Snap Action Vertical Float Switch, Stainless Steel Housing, Cast iron Base, 5 Year Warranty.
Wayne vs Zoeller Sump Pump Testing Before Company Shipment
Zoeller and Wayne sump pump quality control testing is vastly different.
- Wayne does not test each pump before it leaves the factory. Random tests are performed.
- Zoeller tests each pump twice before it leaves the factory.
Each Zoeller pump goes through two tests.
1) A leak test to ensure that all gaskets, seals and mating surfaces will hold under pressure
2) A performance test by running each pump underwater to ensure that it is capable of its published head capacity and flow rate.
This testing guarantees the pump will operate when installed. In fact this is why plumbers like Zoeller sump pumps. They can be confident the pump will work.
Clogging occurs when sump pumps use a bottom screen in a debris filled pit. Neither Wayne nor Zoeller use a bottom screen that requires periodic cleaning; however Wayne and Zoeller approach pit debris handling differently.
- Wayne uses top suction so their pumps are known as sump pumps because they are not made to handle small debris and solids. Not all pits have debris and small solids.
- Zoeller pumps are more versatile because they are both sump pumps and effluent pumps. Their bottom suction vortex impeller is capable of handling small debris and spherical solids 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.
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 lower the amount of electricity used; however the lower the AMPs the harder the motor must work when pumping.
- Comparing AMPs used shows the Wayne 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP pumps use less AMPs than Zoeller pumps with the same horse power; however this also means Wayne motors work harder and Zoeller motors work less. Less stress on the motor means a longer life span.
- Wayne and Zoeller 3/4 HP sump pump use almost the same number of AMPs.
Housing Material Differences
Wayne and Zoeller differ in their use of pump housing material and motor housing material.
- Several years ago Wayne used cast iron pump housing, but has now migrated to carbon steel, a lower grade of housing, and in the years to come is migrating to stainless steel.
- Zoeller consistently uses a high grade of cast iron for pump housing.
Cast iron has 3 advantages.
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.
- Wayne pump housing will not last as long.
- Zoeller uses two layers of cast iron housing. One for the motor and one for the pump. All Zoeller motor housing is cast iron.
- Zoeller's Professional and Premium Series are known for their cast iron motor housing, switch case, base and impeller.
- Wayne pumps use 3rd party canned motors not made of cast iron and do not use cast iron for the switch case. Wayne stainless steel pump housing models use a cast iron base to add weight to the light weight pump body.
- Zoeller sump pumps are built for reliability and durability.
Both manufacturers offer a three year warranty on most of their pumps; however Wayne offers a five years warranty on the CDU980E, HALO 58375-WYN1, and CDU1000 while Zoeller offers five years for the M63 and M95.
Zoeller Sump Pumps Weigh More
Zoeller cast iron housing pumps weigh more than Wayne carbon steel and stainless steel housing pumps. The Zoeller M63 one-third horsepower weighs 28 pounds. The Wayne CDU790 one-third horsepower weighs 16 pounds. The Zoeller M95 half horsepower weighs 38 pounds. The Wayne CDU800 half horsepower weighs 18.5 pounds. Zoeller pumps use a different grade of cast iron and more cast iron parts.
Wayne Pumps Are Slightly Shorter And Narrower
The Zoeller M63 is 10-3/32-inches wide and 10-1/16-inches tall. The Wayne CDU790 is 9-3/4-inches wide and 11-1/2 inches tall. Other models have a similar comparison.
The standard cord length for Wayne Pumps is 8 feet. Zoeller Pumps standard cord length is 9 feet for one-third horsepower and 15 feet for one-half horsepower.
Installing a sump pump with the right length of power cord is important because an extension cord should not be used with a sump pump.
Total Shut Off Head Height
The total shut-off head height indicates the maximum height a sump pump can pump before it can no longer pump. User manuals often refer to shut-off head height as Total Dynamic Head (TDH) or Maximum Head. Regardless of which term is used, it is important to know the vertical height pumping is required so the proper pump is installed. Based on manufacturer's published facts, both Zoeller and Wayne's total dynamic head is generally 19.25 to 20 feet. Zoeller's latest Model M95 is capable of 25 feet (TDH).
Wayne sump pumps cost less because of 2 major reasons: 1) material 2) the product to market process.
Wayne pump housing is migrating to stainless steel per product support from carbon steel and cast iron. Their 3rd party motors are housed in stainless steel. Zoeller uses cast iron for the motor housing, pump housing, switch case and base except for the M53 base is thermoplastic. Their quality of cast iron is maintained.
The product to market process is different for Wayne and Zoeller. Wayne engineers and use imported and domestic parts to assemble their pumps before shipment. Testing is done at the model level. Assembly includes such things as adding the switch head to the pump housing with its encased motor made by 3rd party vendors.
Zoeller product to market process is different. Zoeller builds its own motors and houses them in cast iron to get an air tight fit. Zoeller engineers, make, assemble and test each of their Professional and Premium Series pumps for leaks and performance in their USA factory. Wayne testing is limited to model sampling to make sure it works as defined in the user manual.
Wayne is a big business arm of Scott Fetzer Corporation. Zoeller is still a family owned business seeking to maintain its reputation of a quality brand people can trust.
Recommendation
Wayne and Zoeller sump pumps are similar in many ways. Their most significant similarity is the usage of the snap action float switch which is more dependable than the tether, magnetic draw vertical or electronic air switch.
Their most significant differences are the quality of material and testing standards. For these reasons and more, we prefer the Zoeller Professional and especially the Premium Series sump pumps. Though the Premium Series sump pumps, M63 and M95, are more costly, their premium features offer more reliability and durability.
Here are a few questions to aid in further clarification.
If cast iron components are important, Zoeller is the best way to go.
If the sump basin is narrow, Wayne pumps are narrower by 1 inch.
Both brands have replacement parts available online.
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 wish you much success in finding the sump pump that best meets your water pumping needs.
As with any review, there are always lingering questions. Here are the four most common questions asked when it comes to choosing Wayne or Zoeller Sump Pump.
Is Wayne Or Zoeller Better?
Zoeller is the better sump pump brand. Their Professional and Premium Series are more reliable and durable with quality materials made and tested in the USA. The Premium models, M63 and M95, are best with an enhanced snap action vertical float switch, an extra boot to prevent water or moisture from entering the switch case, cast iron used for motor, pump housing, base, switch case, an LED lighted plug, a 10 foot power cord and a 5 year warranty. The switch is tested for 3 million pumping cycles so will last longer than 5 years. Another option is Zoeller N53, a manual sump pump, with the electronic switch, Hydrocheck HC6000. HC6000 is very dependable. We installed ours in 2011 and its still functioning without issues. That's over 11 years ago. Level Guard electronic switches are not as dependable.
How Long Will A Zoeller Sump Pump Last?
A Zoeller sump pump will last decades. Zoeller prides itself with its quality and testing measures. It builds its own motors in its USA factory. Quality cast iron and stainless steel are used. The cast iron is strong and epoxy coated to extend its longevity. The snap action float switch is tested to 1 million pumping cycle but needs replacement every 5 years or so depending on its usage. Our M53, located in a high water table area causing it to run daily, is 18 years old and still running perfectly. The float switch was replaced once. Zoeller sump pumps are durable.
Can A Wayne Sump Pump Be Replaced By A Zoeller Sump Pump?
Yes, a Wayne sump pump can be replaced by a Zoeller sump pump. The biggest impact will be the dimensions and the GPH. In general Wayne sump pumps are 1 inch narrower and 2 inches taller. So this means the Zoeller pump takes one more inch of pit diameter and the pump port discharge pipe needs to be longer. The volume of water pumped will vary, but the same horse power means the GPH will be very similar.
Should I Get A 1/3 Or 1/2 HP Sump Pump?
The 1/3 HP sump pump is most commonly used for homes with a 1,200 square foot footprint found in low to average water table height with sloping terrain around it. The 1/2 HP sump pump is most commonly used with a larger home in a higher water table area causing the pump to run even when it's not raining and gets some run off from other areas during heavy rainstorms.
The next time it rains observer your current sump pump. Is it keeping up with the ground water flowing into the pit? If the pump runs continuously for long periods of time, the next larger horse power pump is recommended. In general 4 to 6 gallons of water is removed every pumping cycle for an 18 inch diameter pit. This means a 1/3 HP sump pump runs every 9 seconds or 6 times a minute and removes around 35 gallons of water from the pit. This means a 1/2 HP sump pump runs every 5 seconds or 12 times a minute and removes around 60 gallons of water from the pit.
Too much horse power causes too much motor start, short run and stop, better known as motor short cycling. Short cycling causes early motor failure.
A Wayne vs Zoeller Battery Backup Sump Pump review reveals 7 differences. Reviewing these differences makes selecting the best battery backup pump to provide protection when the primary sump pump fails.
1) Wayne battery backup pump model ESP25n is made of carbon steel housing and cast iron base rather than thermoplastic like Zoeller backup pumps models 507-0005 and 508-0005; however due to the weight, Wayne backup pumps must be installed on the bottom of the sump pit rather than inline in the discharge pipe above the primary pump. Since the Wayne ESP25n is 10 inches in diameter, it cannot be installed with a Zoeller primary pump in an 18 inch diameter pit.
2) Zoeller backup pump protection is greater in several ways. Its length of run time can be doubled by connecting two batteries parallel. Wayne ESP25n can run only one battery. Zoeller 507-0005 and 508-0005 can accommodate multiple battery group sizes: 27,29,31 with longer Amp Hour options as well; Wayne battery size limit is Group 27 and its installation manual indicates 75 Amps hours works best. Using only one battery for either brand indicates both have around 6 hours of continuous pumping for 100 to 120 hours of run time for one pump cycle per minute. The Zoeller 507-0005 and 508-0005 10 Amp battery charger is ten times stronger than Wayne's less than 1 Amp charger so will charge Zoeller depleted batteries 10 times faster.
3) Zoeller model 508-0005 offers the longer warranty at 3 years while the Wayne model ESP25n offers a 2 year warranty and the Zoeller model 507-0005 offers a 1 year warranty. The older Wayne Battery Backup Sump Pump Model WSM3300 also hass a 3 year warranty, but this model is discontinued.
4) Zoeller's 508-0005 motor is more powerful and capable of pumping 1,800 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height while the Wayne model ESP25n pumps 1,500 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height. Zoeller Model 507-0005 has a less robust motor and pumps at 900 GPH.
5) Zoeller offers Wi-Fi connectivity with both of its models with APak which sends free email, text, and push notifications for all alert conditions that trigger the auxiliary output. An internet home modem router and usage of the Z Control Cloud application on a computer or mobile device makes this possible. The Wayne ESP25n is not Wi-Fi capable.
6) Zoeller backup pumps are built with a silence button to quiet the annoying sound of the alarm when the backup pump is running. Wayne does not offer such a feature.
7) The Wayne ESP25n is more budget friendly at $350 vs the Zoeller 508-0005 at $500.
The 7 differences mentioned above give help for choosing the best backup sump pump to protect your home when your primary sump pump fails.
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