Zoeller 1096 vs M98

Zoeller 1096 vs M98 is a great way to learn the difference between the two pumps and which pump is best to buy and install. Both sump pumps are made by Zoeller; however the amount of cast iron and thermoplastic used, size, where made, cost and other specifications differ. Learn why the M98 has an edge over the 1096 pump.

In many ways the 1096 is very much like the Zoeller M98. They both perform the same function; they look very similar and both have the same brand name. But when looking at their mechanics they do have differences. It is the differences that determine which is the best sump pump.

The following information explains how their similarities and differences compare.

♦ All Zoeller pumps regardless of model are tested before leaving the factory. Testing is performed to ensure the pump will work when installed. Many pump companies only test a representative number.

♦ Both use a non-clogging vortex impeller. This gives the pumps the capability of handling lint and debris. 1096 can handle spherical solids up to 3/8 inch while the M98 can handle ½ inch solids.

♦ The discharge pump port is 1.5 inches. An adapter can be screwed into the pump port to decrease its size to 1.25 inches or increase it to 2 inches,

♦ The pump base is made of thermoplastic which is the least likely place the pump will overheat during continuous heavy duty pumping.

♦ All hardware is made of stainless steel to prevent rusting. This includes screws, switch guard, handle, switch arm and seal assembly.

♦ Both models use a 2-pole vertical float switch which tend to last longer than the reed type of switch which fails because the arc is not created, the connector sticks, the contact gets build up or the magnetic field fails.

♦ The amount of water pumped per cycle is the about the same. The M98 float switch ON point is 9.5 inches and the OFF point is 3 inches. The 1096 float switch ON point is 9 inches and the OFF point is 3.78 inches.

♦ Both models are highly efficient with overload protection and an oil-filled motor.

♦ The warranty for both models is 3 years.

Indeed, they do have a lot of similiarities; but it is their differences that set them apart.

Both of these models are made by Zoeller, however, they have several differences. The differences between these two pumps are both visual and functional. Knowing the differences makes it easier to decide which sump pump to purchase.

The usage of cast iron for the switch case which sits on top of the pump housing is different. This is something that cannot be detected by eye sight; however if a magnet is held to the 1096 switch case it will not stick. Another way to tell is to tap the pump housing and the switch case. The sound will be distinctly different.

 

♦ The 1096 switch case is made of thermoplastic.

♦ The M98 switch case is made of cast iron.

Thermoplastic does not dissipate heat generated by the snap action of the switch when activating the motor as well as cast iron does. This will cause the switch connectors to get hotter and wear faster and fail sooner since it is a mechanical part. Both models have been tested to run 1 million cycles before failure, but the M98 cast iron switch case will increase the life of the switch.

♦ The M98 has two layers of cast iron to dissipate motor heat during heaving continuous pumping. Both the motor housing and pump housing are cast iron.

 

♦ Model 1096 has one layer of housing: the motor housing which as the pump housing as well.

The additional cast iron pump housing for M98 helps with motor heat dissipation adds an additional eight pounds which keeps the pump more stationary during heavy continuous pumping.

Even though both sump pump are one-half horse power, M98 has a slightly more powerful motor.

At the time of this writing, the biggest surprise is the difference in price.

Choose your favorite way to learn how to install a Zoeller Sump Pump.

M98 has the longer power cord, the longer shut off height, more cast iron housing for heat dissipation, more replacement parts for each purchase and installation, is made and tested in the USA and costs less than the model 1096. M98 is easy to purchase online and install.

We own a M98 (installed in 2017), M53 (installed in 2005) and a sewage pump M267 (installed in 2013). We find these pumps very dependable. The only replacement parts we have installed over the past 17 years is a float switch and switch cap gasket for the M53. The M98 and M267 are still functioned perfectly.

ZOELLER SUMP PUMPS MADE BY ZOELLER USA FACTORY

 

M53

M53 Submersible Sump Pump 1/3 HP Cast-Iron Vertical-Float-Switch 115v 9.7 Amps 2040 GPH @ 10 Ft 1.5 Inch-Discharge-Port 9 Ft Cord 1/2 In.-Solids-Handling Float-ON-7-1/4 In. Float-OFF-3-Inch No-Screen To-Clog-Vortex-Impeller Made In USA 100%
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M57

M57 Submersible Sump Pump 1/3 HP Cast-Iron Vertical-Float-Switch 115v 9.7-Amps 2040 GPH @ 10 Ft 1.5 Inch Discharge Port 9-Ft-Cord 1/2 In. Solids Handling Float-ON-7 1/4 In. Float-OFF-3-Inch No-Screen-To-Clog-Vortex-Impeller Made In USA 100%
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M63

Zoeller M63 PREMIUM SERIES Submersible-Sump-Pump 1/3-HP All Cast-Iron Vertical-Float-Switch 5 Year Warranty 1-1/2-Inch-Discharge-Port 10-Ft-Cord 1/2-Inch-Solids-Handling Float-ON 7 1/4 In. Float-Off 3 in. 9.7 Amps No-Screen-To-Clog-Vortex Impeller Made in USA
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M95

M95 Submersible Sump Pump 1/2 Horse Power cast-iron housing Vertical Float-Switch-115v 5 Year-Warranty 9.4 Amps 3660 GPH @ 10 Feet 1 1/2 Inch-Discharge-Port 15 Ft-Cord 1/2 Inch Solids Handling ON 9 1/2 In. OFF 3 in. No Screen To Clog Vortex Impeller Made in USA
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M98

M98 Submersible-Sump-Pump 1/2 HP Cast-Iron Vertical-Float-Switch 115v 9.4 Amps 3660 GPH @ 10 Ft 1.5 Inch Discharge Port 15 Ft Cord 1/2 Inch Solids-Handling Float-ON-9 1/2-In. Float-OFF 3-Inch No-Screen-To-Clog-Vortex-Impeller Made In USA 100%
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004705

004705 Switch Assembly 50 No Gasket for Zoeller M53, M55, M57, and M59
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004892

004892 Switch Assembly And Gasket For Zoeller M53, M55, M57, M59, M98
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004740

004740 Replacement Switch For Zoeller M137 And M266 and M267 Sewage Pumps
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