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Zoeller Pump Company responds to more recent frequent, heavy rainstorms and the need for more reliable and durable sump pumps by taking its highly popular M53, known as the Plumbers favorite for over 40 years, and creates a new model, M63. The Premium Series model M63 is very similar to the M53 except for its highly sought after upgrades. Thus the need for this Zoeller M53 vs M63 Review By Comparison exists.
This Zoeller M53 vs M63 Review By Comparison points out the similarities and differences between these two models. It's their differences that award the M63 with upgrade status and make it a much more reliable and durable automatic submersible sump pump built for more than a decade of flood protection.
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Zoeller M53 vs M63 Review By Comparison Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Reveals M63 Is More Reliable. Why?
A quick comparison of Zoeller M53 vs M63 reveals M63 is more reliable and well-built for durability. Here's why.
The Premium Series Model M63 is more reliable because
1) Its switch is tested to last 3 million pump cycles. That's a lot of pump cycles - well over 5 years of pumping. The switch lasts longer because a bar added between the positive and njegative current leads to decrease friction wear on the switch.
2) Its switch arm connection to the switch case where moisture can potentially reach the switch and cause electrical failure, is protected by an additional boot known as the Viton boot.
3) The LED lighted plug tells homeowners if the electricity is flowing to the pump.
3) Zoeller Pump Company is so confident the upgrade will extend the life of the M63 pump, they offer a 5 year warranty.
M53 is a good sump pump and replacing its switch every 4 to 6 years makes it very reliable too. Our M53 has been installed since 2005. That's over eighteen years of usage in a high water table area where the pump runs even when it is not raining. The switch needed replacement once during the 18 years. Replacing a Zoeller sump pump switch is easy and it's available for purchase online.
Five Upgrades Make The Zoeller M63 Better Than The M53
Five upgrades to M53 make the new model M63 the best. The five upgrades are 1) 5 year warranty 2) Advanced switch technology 3) Added switch arm boot 4) LED lighted plug 5) 10 foot power cord.
5 Year Warranty
Zoeller's 5 year warranty is the best in the industry. Compared to the M53 3 year warranty, the M63 is 2 years longer. That is a significant positive difference.
Zoeller extends the warranty because Model M63 includes upgrades to those parts that fail quickest. The float switch is the part that fails first for nay sump pump. It has advanced switch technology. Water or moisture entering the pumps electrical parts definitely causes failure. An additional switch arm boot and additional protection where the cord enters the pump body help to keep moisture out.
Zoeller's advanced switch technology reduces switch wear by adding an additional bar between the positive and negative charge in the switch head made of cast iron.
When the float reaches its ON height a snap action is created which causes the positive and negative current to close the electrical circuit and run the pump. Such action causes friction and heat. Over time this causes wear on the switch connectors.
The 5 year warranty indicates the advanced switch technology reduces the wear impact by more than 50%. This switch technology has been tested to last for 3 million pumping cycles.
To put 3 million pumping cycles in perspective, if the M63 ran once an hour for one year, the number of pumping cycles would be 8,760. If the pump ran 5 times an hour 365 days a year that would be 43,800 cycles a year. At 43,800 cycles a year, the M63 switch would last 68 years. That is a long time. This upgraded switch certainly offers more pump reliability.
Viton Switch Arm Boot
Zoeller's Viton switch arm boot located outside the pump body provides superior sealing from water and moisture entering the switch case where the switch is located. Any moisture intrusion into the switch area causes electrical havoc and pump failure.
Our Zoeller M53 installed for over 18 years has never had water enter the switch case through the switch arm; however any additional protection against water intrusion definitely adds reliability to a submersible sump pump.
LED Lighted Plug
An LED lighted plug is a unique plug that glows green when electricity is flowing from the wall outlet to the pump. The LED lighted plug is also visible in the dark.
10 Foot Power Cord
A 10 foot power cord is very helpful for those who have a cord length problem. Using an extension cord is not a safe solution when the power cord is too short. The M63 power cord is one foot longer than the M53 Mighty Mate.
12 Similarities Between The Zoeller M53 And M63 Sump Pump
As mentioned earlier the M63 basics are similar to the M53. Those similarities include 1) Horse power 2) Cast Iron motor housing 3) Corrosion-resistant, Powder Coated Epoxy Paint 4) No Screen To Clog 5) 100% Factory Tested 6) Total Dynamic Head Height 7) GPM and GPH and 8) Pump Discharge Port Diameter.
Horse Power
Both the M53 and M63 submersible sump pump use a 1/3 HP motor. This means the pump can get covered with water and still function properly and the motor provides enough power to pump 2,040 gallons of water per hour from the pit through the pump and through the attached discharge system at a vertical head height of 10 feet.
Cast Iron Motor Housing
Cast iron motor housing adds an additional layer of cast iron for motor heat dissipation. Because Zoeller makes their own motors, they fit very snugly against the pump body housing controlling the amount of air gap.
Corrosion-resistant, Powder Coated Epoxy Painted Cast Iron Pump Housing and Switch Case
Zoeller applies powder coated epoxy paint to make the outer surface of the pump housing corrosion-resistant. This protection works very well because Zoeller's sump pumps are still intact even after decades of being submersed in water.
John Bachand of Newington, Connecticut informed Zoeller Company they had a sump pump that was still intact and operating after 47 years. Our M53 is only 18 years, but is still intact and operational. Even though cast iron is subject to corrosion without a corrosion retardant, it is a very good heat dissipating material, adds weight to keep the pump more stationary during heavy continuous pumping, and is strong and durable with heavy usage.
Rust or corrosion is not an issue for other metal parts because stainless steel is used for screws, the switch arm, float guard and carrying handle. Sheet metal parts are not used. Float leaking or puncturing to the point of taking in water is not possible because the float is made of solid buoyant polypropylene.
2-Pole Snap Action Vertical Float Switch
A 2-pole snap action vertical float switch consists of a float and a switch. The float is buoyant and puncture proof so it moves freely up and down on a float rod secured at the bottom and top based on the height of the water in the sump pit. The switch consists of a positive and negative electrical current connector which connect and close the circuit when they touch each other. A closed circuit runs the pump.
A 2-pole snap action vertical float switch is not affected by water contaminates such as calcium carbonate like the vertical magnetic reed float switch is.
Automatic reset overload thermal protection is in place in case the motor gets too hot. If the motor overheats it will shut off and cool down. The thermal relay will reset and the pump will be ready to run again. Thermal protection shuts off the pump before there is any damage.
No Screen To Clog
Both the M53 and M63 have no bottom screen to clog. Instead they have a vortex impeller which is able to handle small semi-solids. The vortex impeller eliminates the need to clean a screen.
100% Factory Tested
Every Zoeller sump pump is 100% factory tested. In fact each sump pump goes through two tests: one for leakage and the other for performance. A 100% factory tested Zoeller sump pump means that it will work when first installed. Many other brands test only one pump as a representation of an entire model group.
Total Dynamic Head Height
Total dynamic head height (TDH) refers to the vertical lift height a specified horse power motor can pump water vertically through a discharge pipe that is impacted by friction, check valves and elbows. Generally discharge piping located beyond the highest vertical point of pumping is angled downward to reduce the impact of further friction. The TDH for these sump pumps is 19.5 feet before the motor will not pump.
GPM and GPH
The GPM (gallons pumped per minute) and the GPH (gallons pumped per hour) is 43 GPM and 2580 GPH at a 5 foot vertical height and 34 GPM and 2040 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height. This means the pump could run every 7 seconds per minute pumping 4 gallons per pump cycle at a 10 foot height in an 18 inch diameter pit since the float switch ON OFF height difference is 4 inches.
If more pumping performance is needed, the Zoeller 1/2 HP M95 or M98 is a better choice. The M95 has the same upgraded features as the M63. The Zoeller M98 features are similar to the M53, but with more horse power.
Air Lock Hole
Both require a small 3/16 inch angled downward drill hole in the discharge piping below the check valve and above the float ON position in the discharge pipe to prevent air lock. Make sure the hole is well below the top of the pit because water sprays out when the pump stops running.
Pump Discharge Port Diameter
The pump discharge port diameter is the distance from one side of the sump pump port to the other. The sump pump discharge port allows water to flow from the sump pit through the pump and out the pumps discharge port through a discharge pipe to its intended location. The pump discharge port diameter for M53 and M63 is 1 1/2 inches, the most common diameter for pump discharge ports.
Zoeller M53 and M63 sump pump are similar in many ways, but they also have their differences.
115 Volts
The motor uses 115 volt. Outlets in a home are standardized to 120V, but due to a number of factors like line length and distance from the grid, you may only get 110V to 115V but that is enough to run either model.
3 Differences Between Zoeller Model M53 and M63 Besides The Upgrades
The following differences between the Zoeller Sump Pump M53 and M63 will help you to make the best decision for which sump pump is best for your water pumping needs.
Pumping Cycle Capability Testing
Pumping cycle capability testing reveals model M63 pumps at least 3 million cycles before failure. This is 2 million more pumping cycles than the M53 pumping capability testing cycles. M53 is tested to pump at least 1 million cycles before failure. 2 million more pumping cycles is made possible by the M63 upgraded switch.
Cast Iron Usage
Both M53 and M63 use cast iron for the motor and pump housing and the switch case; however M63 also uses cast iron for its pump base and impeller while M53 uses thermoplastic. Using additional cast iron gives more weight to a pump so it will be more stationary during heavy continuous pumping and adds durability.
Price Difference
The M63 costs around $90 more than the M53. The cost difference is due to the additional enhancements which extend the warranty two additional years. The additional cost provides additional protection against sump pump failure for $45 a year. The motor and sump pump body will last far longer than 5 years; however a switch replacement will most likely be needed.
The other differences already mentioned are the enhancements added to M63: a 5 year warranty vs 3 years; additional bar inside the switch head case to decrease wear on the switch connectors; Viton switch arm boot protector adding additional protection against moisture entering the switch case; LED lighted plug showing power flowing to the pump; and a 10 foot power cord.
Our Recommendation
We highly recommend the M63 upgraded model of the original M53. M63 is built for longer durability. The fact that its switch has been tested to 3 million pumping cycles indicates the switch will last much longer than the M53 with its 1 million pumping cycle testing. M63 also includes additional protection against moisture entrance into the switch case with its Viton switch boot. This pump is made and tested in the USA with quality materials. Its cast iron housing and motor are reported to last several decades.
Our M53 is already 18 years old and is functioning as expected with only one switch replacement. Owning the M63 is smart even though it costs around $90 more than the M53. The additional cost averages out to $45 per year for the additional 2 year warranty plus the upgrades. Zoeller is a brand you can trust.
If cost is a concern, the Zoeller M53 is a good alternative. Its cost is around $90 less. Even though the switch will not last as long, replacement switches are easy to purchase online and easy to install.
How does Zoeller M53 and M63 compare to other Zoeller Sump Pump Models?
Zoeller M63 vs M95
M63 and M95 are very smilar with the same upgrades (enhanced switch, 5 year warranty, Viton switch arm boot, LED lighted cord) however the M95 is 1/2 HP with GPH at 10 feet of 3,660 GPH and a 15 foot power cord length and weighs 15 pounds more at 38 pounds.
Zoeller M63 vs M57
Zoeller M57 does not have the upgrades that M63 has; however it is all cast iron like the M63.
Zoeller M53 vs M57
Zoeller Mighty Mate M53 and M57 are the same except that M57 is all cast iron and therefore weighs 5 pounds more at 28 pounds.
Zoeller M53 vs M98
Zoeller M53 is very similar to Zoeller Flow Mate M98 except that M98 is 1/2 HP, has a GPH of 4320 GPH at a 10 foot height vs M53 with 2040 GPH. M98 has a 15 foot power cord vs M53 with a 9 feet cord and M98 weighs 38 pounds vs M53 weighs 22 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoeller Sump Pumps
Is Zoeller a good sump pump?
Yes, Zoeller is a good sump pump. Like any other sump pump, it is a mechanical device and does not last forever; however its Premium Series pumps, M63 and M95 are arguably the best. The Premium Series pump 2-pole snap action float switch is tested to 3 million cycles; thus its life span is well beyond its 5 year warranty. Each Zoeller sump pump is made from quality material in their USA factory. Zoeller is known for its "each pump tested for leaks and performance" diligence and customer support. We like Zoeller pumps so much we own 3.
Is the model M63 replacing the M53?
No M63 is an upgraded M53 sump pump with it own unique model number.
What is the cost difference between M53 and M63?
The cost difference between the M53 and M63 is around $90. The M63 comes with many upgrades that increase its reliability and life span. Plus it has a 5 year warranty which is 2 more years than the M53. So in essence the cost is around $45 a year for two additional years of warranty. The M63 switch alone is tested to run at least 3 million pumping cycles. The M53 is tested to run 1 million pumping cycles. That is a real deal because sump pump reliability adds peace of mind and more protection against a flooded basement and lose of personal property, appliances, and time.
No, both the M63 and M53 sump pump are easy to install. They both install the same way.
Simply unplug the existing pump, loosen and disengage the connector at the bottom of the check valve, remove the old pump from the pit, unscrew the small length of discharge pipe from the sump pump port, clear the air hole if necessary, screw the old short discharge pipe into the new pump, lower the new M63 into the pit, connect the check valve, plug the pump into the electrical socket, check for leaks by filling the basin with water, tighten any loose fittings, and that is it.
Shop Zoeller M53 Mighty Mate and Zoeller M63 Premium Model Sump Pumps
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The price at time of publish is included to give you an idea of what the price is; however it is subject to change.
Traditional Flapper Check Valves do not have a 1/2 pound spring to control flappers thus they allow more water hammer than a Quiet Check Valve and do not last as long. These check valves usually use Slip x Slip Connections for easy installation.
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