ZOELLER M95 VS M98 COMPARISON PAGE CONTENT (Click A Menu Topic To See More Specific Information; Scroll down the page to see all Menu Topic Information.)
Why Are We Doing A M95 vs M98 Review By Comparison?
Zoeller has recently upgraded their Professional Model M98 to the new Premium Model M95. Don't worry. The M98 will still be around. But there are nine feature differences for Zoeller's latest model, the M95, that give it an even longer life span. Learn what these differences are.
Zoeller submersible sump pumps are very popular regardless of the model because they are built to last; but these latest features make Zoeller sump pumps even more desirable.
Quick Info about Zoeller M95 vs M98
Quick Info about Zoeller M95 vs M98 reveals M95 is positively the best. Here's why.
Zoeller M95 is .....
1) More reliable. Its float switch is upgraded to decrease switch friction wear.
2) Tests up to 3 million pumping cycles before switch failure.
3) Pumps more water faster. Its additional GPM of 5 gallons per minute translates into 300 gallons per hour more pumping performance.
4) Offers a longer warranty. 5 years vs 3 years; based on the history of the Zoeller M98, it will fu nction much longer.
5) Gives a heads-up on electrical power. Its lighted LED plug when green shows power is working.
6) Costs more. The added features ensure additional protection from failure for a longer period of time.
The Zoeller M95 truly is a Premium sump pump.
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Zoeller M95 vs M98 Review By Comparison Sump Pump Table of Contents
The following nine differences really do make the M95 stand out as the better sump pump. These differences range from warranty, switch enhancement to pump performance.
1) The Warranty for the M95 is 5 years vs. three years for the M98. That is significant. This shows that Zoeller is very confident the additional features of the M95 make a difference.
2) A cast iron base is used for the M95 compared to the M98 engineered plastic base. The additional cast iron adds weight so the pump sits more stationary in the basin during heavy continuous pumping.
3) A conductor bar is added to the M95 so it is known for its 2-pole switch technology upgrade. The M95 has an added bar to connect the positive and negative poles to reduce the need for such a forceful friction jump between the positive and negative poles to close the circuit as found in the M98. It is the friction that weakens and wears the switch connection over time causing it to fail.
4) The Viton outer switch boot added to the M95 provides additional protection to the switch and its electrical function. To make serviceability possible the switch head is bolted to the pump body housing with a gasket inserted between them. Over time the gasket wears and moisture can enter the switch causing failure. Gaskets last a long time. Ours lasted twelve years; however over time they do wear thin.
5) An increased pump performance of 8 gallons per minute. This means the M95 is capable of pumping 480 gallons of water per hour at a zero incline. This means the M95 motor can pump more water than the M98 during the same period of time at the same vertical lift.
6) The shut-off height for the M95 is 26 feet as opposed to the shut off height of 23 for the M98 which demonstrates M95 has a stronger motor.
7) The distance between the switch ON and OFF height is one-half inch greater for the M95. The ON height is the same for both pumps - 7.25 inches however the M95 shuts OFF at 2 ½ inches instead of 3 inches for the M98.
8) The RPM, rotations per minute, is greater for the M95 at 3450 while it is 1725 for the M98. This is why the M95 is capable of pumping more water per minute than the M98, but it does also mean that the M95 uses 10.5 amps of electricity verses the 9.4 amps used by M98.
9) A plug that lights up using LED technology is a safety measure for home owners owning the M95. When electricity is flowing the plug glows green - a welcome sight meaning the pump has power to operate.
Those are the differences between the Zoeller M95 and M98. But this review comparison would be incomplete without mentioning their similarities.
The Zoller M95 and M98 have eleven similarities even though they have nine differences.
1) Their horse power is 1/2 HP. This means they are built to handle heavy continuous pumping for long periods of time. Even though they have the same horse power, the M95 can pump 3,960 GPH at a 10 foot vertical lift but the M98 can pump only 3,660 GPH at a 10 foot lift.
2) Their pump bodies have two layers of cast iron: one for the motor and the other for the pump housing in which the motor is placed. The double cast iron layer dissipates heat at even a great rate.
3) Their vortex impeller allows the passing of one-half inch spherical solids and eliminates the need for a bottom screen that requires periodic cleaning.
4) Their two pole vertical float switch consists of a float that is solid polypropylene so will not puncture and fill with water causing pump failure and a strong stainless steel float guard that prevents float basin hang up.
5) The cast iron used is quality strength at 25-30 25000# tensile strength. To make it Corrosion-resistant a powder coated epoxy finish is applied. Many Zoeller pump bodies have been known to last forty plus years. Ours is seventeen years old and still pumps as intended.
6) Each unit is tested twice before leaving the factory. Once for leaks after assembly and then again for performance based on published performance charts which means that the pump will function as intended after installation. That's why plumbers use Zoeller because they know they will work the first time after installation.
7) 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.
8) The power cord is 15 feet. This is sufficient length for most homeowners. An extension cord cannot be used with a sump pump because it will blow the fuse during heaving continuous pumping.
9) 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.
10) Both have a discharge port diameter of one and one-half inches (1.5 inches) which is the most common discharge pipe size used in homes. If your discharge pipe is smaller a reducer can be used. Just be aware that the GPH will be reduced.
11) The manufacturing and testing is done in the USA. Zoeller is known for still making their own pumps and testing each one in their USA factory headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The tag will say Mede in Louisville. KY USA.
Based on the above similarities, the M98 is also a great sump pump and does the job very well. We installed our M98 before the new M95 existed. Our M98 is working great so expect it will be a long time before it needs to be replaced.
Is The Zoeller Enhanced Float Switch Worth It?
Yes. Indeed the Zoeller Enhanced Float Switch is worth it. Here's why.
This enhanced switch is tested to pump 3 million pumping cycles before failure. This is 3 times the number of pumping cycles. The original Zoeller 2-pole snap action float switch is tested to 1 million cycles before switch failure.
The life of the enhanced switch is possible because the added bar between the positive and negative current cuts down on the friction caused by the snap action of the float when it reaches its ON height. Increasing the pumping cycles to 3 million before switch failure gives so much more peace of mind.
To put 3 million pumping cycles in perspective ...
- A sump pump running every day once an hour pumps 8,760 cycles in one year. In 5 years the pump would run 43,800 cycles.
- If 150 days in a year has heavy rainfall and the pump runs every 5 seconds that would be 12 pumping cycles in a minute. In 2 hours the number of pumping cycles would be 1,440. If there were 150 days where the pump ran every 5 seconds for 2 hours that would be 216,000 pumping cycles per year. At that pumping rate, the switch would last for 13 years.
So the enhanced pump switch is worth it and will last a long time, even longer than the 5 year warranty.
Zoeller M63 vs M95. What Is The Difference Between The M95 And M63 Sump Pump?
Not everyone needs a powerful one-half horse power sump pump; therefore, Zoeller upgraded the M53 as well and its upgrade is M63. The M63 is similar to the M95. The M63 has the same upgraded features as the M95: 2 pole float switch enhancement, Viton Switch boot, LED lighted plug, 5 year warranty.
But there are seven differences. The following information highlights those differences.
1) Horse Power
Horse Power for the M63 is only 1/3 horse power while the M95 boasts of one-half horse power. The lower horse power lowers the pump performance and the RPM as well.
2) Pump Performance
Pump performance for M63 is 40 GPM at a 5 foot vertical lift and 34 GPM at 10 feet while the M95 pump performance is 80 GPM at a 5 foot vertical lift and 66-67 GPM at 10 feet. So the M95 pumping performance is double.
3) RPM
The RPM (revolutions per minute) for the M63 motor is 1550 but for the M95 it is 3450 RPM which explains why the Amp usage for the M63 is only 9.7 amps while it is 10.5 amps for M95.
4) Impeller Material
tThe M63 impeller is cast iron vs an engineered plastic impeller for the M95.
5) Power Cord Length
The power cord for the M63 is 10 feet whereas the power cord for the M95 is 15 feet. So if a 10 foot power cord is not long enough it is better to get the M95 with the 15 foot power cord because extension cords should not be used. Extension cords lead to the blowing of the circuit fuse,
6) Float Switch ON Height
The ON height for the switch is 7.25 inches and OFF height at 2.5 inches for the M63; however the ON height for the M95 is 9.5 inches and OFF height is 2.5 inches. This means the M95 pumps more water each pumping cycle.
7) Float Switch Shut OFF Height
The shut off height for the M63 is 19.25 feet and 26 feet for the M95. This means that beyond a vertical incline of 19.25 feet pumping will cease. So the M95 is definitely has the more powerful motor.
No. M95 is an upgrade. Just like the M63 is an upgrade for the M53.
What is the cost difference between M95 and M98?
The M95 costs around $100 more than the M98. So it comes down to $50 a year for the extra 2 years of warranty. But we expect the M95 to last longer than the 5 year warranty because the switch is enhanced and that is the first thing to fail for any sump pump.
No. It installs as easily as any other sump pump. Simply unplug your existing pump, loosen and disengage the check valve, remove the old pump, unscrew the small length of discharge pipe from pump port, screw the short discharge pipe into the new pump, lower the new M95 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.
The Zoeller Premium Sump Pump Series install the same way as the Zoeller Premium Series. Apple Drain Plumbing does this demo.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
The Zoeller M95 sump pump is a great sump pump if you need a sump pump to handle heavy continuous pumping over long periods of time. It is built for heavy pumping. It weighs 38 pounds so will remain stationary in the pit and its float guard will protect the float from getting caught on the basin wall. Even with continuous pumping the motor will keep cool because of the double cast iron found in the pump body. The wear on the float switch is diminished because of the added bar that transfers the electric current to close the current and run the pump. It can handle small spherical solids in the pit and requires no screen cleaning. And the best is that it has a five year warranty.
The M95 is not the right sump pump if you have low to medium water flowing into the pit. Installing a sump pump with too much power causes motor short cycling and decreases the life of the pump. The M63 would be a better choice and it has the five year warranty as well.
If you are unsure which size sump pump is right for your water pumping needs, here is how you can find the right size sump pump.
If your goal is to install a sump pump with a float switch that will far outlast the popular M98 and M53 we recommend the Zoeller M95 one-half horse power and the M63 one-third horse power.
We recommend the M95 for heavy continuous pumping. The M63 is for low to medium pumping. We recommend them both for the following reasons
- They boast a 5 year warranty, the best in the industry. .
- Cast Iron is used throughout 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 is solid polypropylene and the switch 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.
- An extra boot encloses the switch for another layer of protection against moisture entrance when the gasket between the pump housing and pump head wears 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 reserved 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 LED plug light indicates if power to run the pump is working properly.
- Each pump is made in the USA and doubly tested so it will work when it is installed.
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