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This comparison review, Zoeller vs Flotec Sump Pump, reveals both Zoeller sump pumps and Flotec sump pumps both perform the same function; however their design, materials and testing make them different. Zoeller sump pumps are known for their quality, durability and reliability while Flotec sump pump models are known for their many variations, especially zinc. Learn about their differences and how they can impact your choice of a sump pump to meet your water pumping needs.
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Key Points To Remember About Zoeller vs Flotec Sump Pumps
- Zoeller sump pumps are known for their quality, durability and reliability
- Flotec sump pumps are known for their many feature variations: something for everyone.
- Zoeller and Flotec cast iron sump pumps are heavier and do not move during heavy continuous pumping like zinc pumps. Their housing is very durable and warrants installing replacement parts rather than discarding the pump.
- Snap action vertical float switches are not affected by ground water contaminates such as calcium carbonate.
- Flotec sump pumps are slightly narrower and offer a greater maximum vertical pumping height than Zoeller pumps.
- Choosing the right horse power is important because too little horse power leads to basin overflow and too much horse power causes early motor burn out. One-third horse power is the most popular horse power.
- Zoeller M53 and M98 upgrade models known as M63 and M95 are superior pumps. Their upgrades give them a 5 year warranty. It is the features that ensure even more durability and reliability.
What Does Zoeller vs Float Sump Pump Comparison Look Like?
Zoeller vs Flotec Sump Pump comparison reveals interesting differences in brand reputation and history, pump type offerings, features, quality, performance, and pricing. Use these comparisons to decide which ones impact your water pumping needs.
Brand Reputation and History
Zoeller, established in 1939 as a family-owned company in Louisville, Kentucky, is a highly respected and long-standing brand in the sump pump industry. It is known for producing high-quality, durable pumps. Zoeller pumps are seen as heavy-duty and built to last by plumbers and consumers alike.
Flotec, fairly unknown until 1985 when purchased by Sta-Rite located in Delevan, Wisconsin and now owned by Pentair Corporation, is known for offering budget-friendly sump pumps for residential use. Flotec pumps do not have the same level of heavy-duty focus as Zoeller pumps.
Both Zoeller and Flotec offer submersible, pedestal, backup and combination sump pumps; however Zoeller additionally offers a water powered sump pump.
Feature Differences
- Comparing pump features reveals the biggest difference between Zoeller and Flotec sump pumps.
- Pump housing comparison shows Zoeller predominately uses cast iron while Flotec uses many types of housing materials: cast iron, zinc, stainless steel and thermoplastic.
- Float switch comparison reveals Flotec predominately uses tether and magnetic vertical float switches while Zoeller uses the snap action vertical float switch.
- When it comes to horse power, pumping capability and maximum vertical height pumping, Flotec offers the most options while Zoeller builds its own motors with lower RPM and durability.
- The issue of clogging is addressed differently by Flotec and Zoeller. Flotec relies on a bottom screen on some models and a vortex impeller for other models. Zoeller relies predominately on vortex impellers which makes sump pumps capable of handling small spherical solids.
- Power cord configuration, length and features differ between Zoeller and Flotec. Zoeller offers the longest power cords while Flotec uses the piggyback plug on some models.
- The most common warranty length is 3 years; however both Zoeller and Flotec offer 5 year warranty models.
- Cost varies greatly. Some Flotec models are definitely more budget friendly; however their reliability and durability is less.
Cast iron is commonly used for heavy duty sump pumps. It ranks stronger and heavier than other housing materials. For this reason when other materials are used for sump pump housing, cast iron is used for the pump base to stabilize the pump during pumping cycles. Cast iron does rust; however the addition of epoxy coating retards corrosion.
Zoeller Pump Housing
Zoeller consistently uses cast iron housing to aid heat dissipation during heavy pumping and add weight so the pump remains more stationary during heavy, continuous pumping during rainstorms.
The degree of cast iron Zoeller uses varies by Model Series.
- The Basic Series, made in Taiwan at the Flint Walling manufacturing facility acquired in 2000, includes a cast iron mold that combines the motor and pump housing into one unit of cast iron with a switch case of thermoplastic.
- The Professional Series, including models M53, M57, and M98, uses cast iron motor housing, cast iron pumping housing and cast iron switch case.
- The Premium Series, M63 and M95, utilize even more cast iron. Cast iron is a good dissipater of heat during heavy duty pumping and is heavy enough and strong enough for rigorous pumping.
Flotec Pump Housing
The original models of Flotec sump pumps used cast iron; however since owned by Pentair, more budget-friendly housing options become available.
- Cast iron housing appears in Flotec models FPSC3250A, and FPSC3350A. E50VLT, E50TLT and E75ELT.
Zinc is stronger than thermoplastic; however, it is not stronger than steel or cast-iron. Zinc dissipates heat better than thermoplastic which traps heat; however it does not dissipate heat as well as cast iron during heavy pumping.
- Zinc housing is used for models FPCI3350, FPCI5050, FPZS25T, FPZS33T, FPZS33V, FPZS50T, FPZS50V, FPZS75V, FPZT7350, and FPZT7550.
Thermoplastic housing offers a satisfactory solution for homeowners with small volume pumping occurring occasionally. Thermoplastic traps heat, warps and cracks over time when subjected to heavy continuous pumping.
- Thermoplastic housing is used for Models FPOS1800A, FPOS2400A, FPOS2450A, and FPOS3200A.
- Stainless steel housing offers a good alternative to cast iron. It is stronger than zinc; however cast iron ranks as the strongest.
- Stainless steel is used for Flotec Models FPSC2200A and FPSC2250A.
The float switch controls when the sump pump runs; therefore plays a very significant role. Both brands offer models using the tether float switch and the vertical float switch.
Tether Float Switch
The tether float switch allows customization of the Float ON Off height thus increasing or decreasing the amount of water removed from the basin per pump cycle. However, its draw backs include larger basin diameter requirement usually 18 inches and greater potential for tangling and getting caught on the basin wall.
- Models using the tether float switch include Zoeller Model 49 Water Riddr III, Flotec Model E50TLT, FPOS1800A, FPOS2400A, FPOS3200A, FPSC2200A, FPZS25T, FPZS33T, and FPZS50T.
Vertical Float Switch
Vertical float switches require less basin diameter because the float moves only up and down not freely up and out like the tether float. However its ON OFF height cannot be customized like the tether float.
The two vertical float switches used by both brands differs. Zoeller predominately uses the snap action vertical switch while Flotec uses the magnetic vertical float switch.
Magnetic Vertical Float Switch
The magnetic vertical float switch works best in basins catching ground water with no calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate contaminates the float rod and its top connection so within 2 or 3 years the switch will remain in the ON position and continue to run the pump and burn the motor out or never connect causing the pump not to run and result in basin to overflow. Period maintenance of cleaning the float rod and its top with a vinegar solution can prevent calcium carbonate build up.
- Flotec Models E50VLT, E75VLT, FPOS2450A, FPSC2250A, FPSC3250A, FPZS33V, FPZS50V, FPZS75V, FPCI3350, FPCI5050, FPZT7350, FPZT7550 and Zoeller Models 1073, 1075 and 1099 use the magnetic vertical float switch.
Snap Action Vertical Float Switch
Snap Action vertical float switches are not adversely affected by calcium carbonate. Zoeller's Professional Series pump float switches are tested to 1 million pump cycles which means the switch could last 5 to 7 years or longer depending upon how frequently the pump runs. Zoeller's Premium Series pump float switch is tested to 3 million pump cycles which could decades of pumping without failure.
- Flotec Model FPSC3350A and Zoeller Models 1052, 1096, M53, M57, M98, M137, M63, and M95 use the snap action vertical float switch.
Float Switch Testing
Zoeller M53, M57 and M98 vertical snap action float switch is tested to 1 million pump cycles. The upgraded models M63 and M95 are tested to 3 million pump cycles.
Flotec does not publish float switch testing results.
Float Switch ON OFF Height Adjustment
The float switch ON OFF height cannot be adjusted for Zoeller sump pumps using the snap action float switch. Generally the distance between the ON OFF height is 4 to 5 inches. In an eighteen inch diameter basin one inch of water equals one gallon of water pumped.
- The Flotec magnetic float switch OFF height can be adjusted by moving the stop grommet up the vertical pole; however doing so means less water is pumped per cycle.
- The Flotec tether float switch ON height can be adjusted from 13 to around 7 inches by shortening the tether.
Pump performance, measured by gallon pumped per minute or hour, is determined by a pumps motor horse power and the vertical height basin water is pumped vertically.
Choosing the right horse power is important because too little horse power easily results in sump basin overflow during heavy rainstorms while too much horse power causes motor short cycling and early motor wear.
Flotec sump pumps offer the greatest versatility in horse power, pump performance measures by GPM or GPH (gallon pumped per minute or gallon pumped per hour) and maximum vertical height pumping.
Zoeller builds their motors in house and only 80 percent of their power is used until heavy continuous pumping occurs. Zoeller motors are known for being stronger and longer lasting. Their motor RPM (revolutions per minute) is less.
Pump Performance and Horse Power By Model
One-Fourth Horse Power (0.25 HP) Pump Models
One fourth horsepower pumping capacity ranges from 1500 GPH at 10 feet for Zoeller 49-0005 Water Riddr, 1650 GPH for Flotec Model FPOS1800A to 2480 GPH Flotec Model FPZS33T.
One-Third Horse Power (0.33 HP) Pump Models
One third horsepower pumping capacity ranges from 2000 GPH at 10 feet for Flotec Model FPCI3350; 2040 GPH for Zoeller M53, M55, N55 (Non-Automatic), M57, BN57 (Non-Automatic), M59, N59 (Non-Automatic) and M63; and 3540 GPH for Flotec Model (Model FPSC2200A.
One-Half Horse Power (0.50 HP) Pump Models
One half horsepower pumping capacity ranges from 2400 GPH at 10 ft. for Zoeller 1076; 2700 GPH for Flotec Model FPOS3200A; 3660 GPH for Zoeller M95 and M98; 4140 GPH for Flotec Model FPZT7350; and 4740 GPH for Zoeller M137, N137, M139, and N139.
Three-Fourths Horse Power (0.75 HP) Pump Models
Three fourths horsepower pump capacity ranges from 3540 GPH at 10 ft. for Flotec Model FPZS75V); 3720 GPH for Zoeller Model 1099; and 4500 GPH for Flotec Model FPZT7450.
One Horse Power (1.0 HP) Pump Models
One horsepower pumping capacity is 4950 GPH at 10 ft. for Flotec Model FPZT755.
How to Calculate Gallons Pumped Per Pump Cycle
Calculating the number of gallons pumped per pump cycle is simple. Simply identify the ON and OFF height of the float switch and the diameter of your basin. The distance between the ON OFF height for most Flotec and Zoeller sump pumps is 4 inches.
The number of gallons stored in one inch of basin height in an eighteen inch basin is one inch. In a twenty-four inch diameter basin it is 2 gallons.
So in this scenario 4 gallons of water would be pumped every pump cycle in an 18 inch diameter basin and 8 gallons of water would be pumped per cycle in a twenty-four inch diameter basin.
Shut-Off Height (Maximum Head Height)
The shut-off height is greater with more height options for Flotec sump pumps than for Zoeller pumps.
Flotec Sump Pump Shut Off Height By Model
- 20 vertical feet for FPZS25T.
- 22 vertical feet for FPZS33T, FPZS33V, FPZS50T FPZS50V, FPCI3350.
- 23 vertical feet for E50TLT.
- 24 vertical feet for FPZS22T ;FPSC3350A, FPZS55V, FPCI5050.
- 25 vertical feet for E75VLT.
- 26 vertical feet for FPSC2200A, FPSC2250A, FPZT7450.
- 28 vertical feet for FPSC3250A; 29 vertical feet for FPZT7550.
- 32 vertical feet for E50VLT; 33 vertical feet for FPZT7350.
Zoeller Sump Pump Shut Off Height By Model
- 18 vertical feet for M49, M72 (1072) and M73 (1073).
- 19 vertical feet three inches for M53, M55, M57, and M59.
The non-clogging design between Flotec and Zoeller is different. Most Flotec sump pumps use a bottom screen to prevent impeller jamming. Only model FPSC3250A uses a vortex impeller. A vortex impeller allows solid particles to flow through the impeller so no bottom screen exists for periodic cleaning. Zoeller on the other hand predominately uses a vortex impeller. A vortex impeller works well in a pit with small solids.
Power Cord And Plug
The power cord plug configuration, length and features differ between Zoeller and Flotec. Flotec uses a piggyback plug on some models while Zoeller does not. Zoeller offers longer power cord options and an LED lighted plug on two of its upgraded models, M63 and M95.
PiggyBack Plug
A piggy back plug, also commonly known as a piggyback switch, consists of two cords: one for the pump motor and the other for the float switch. The float switch with its 3 prongs is plugged into the wall outlet and the pump motor cord is plugged into the outlet on the back of the float switch. So power passes from the outlet through the switch and through the pump motor cord. Such a switch design makes it possible to bypass the float switch and plug the motor directly into the wall outlet to run the pump if the float switch fails.
Flotec Models FPZS33V, FPZS50T, FPZS50V, and FPZS75V use a piggy back switch; Zoeller models do not use a piggyback switch.
Power Cord Length
UIsing an extension cord with sump pump cord is not recommended; therefore knowing the length of a sump pump power cord becomes important. Flotec and Zoeller sump pumps use varying power cord lengths.
- 8 Foot Power Cord: Flotec Models E50TLT with a piggyback switch, FPZS25T, FPZS33T, FPZS50T, FPCI3350, FPCI5050, FPZT7350, and FPZT7450.
- 9 Foot Power Cord: Zoeller Models 49-0005, M53, M55, M57, M59, and M76.
- 10 Foot Power Cord: Zoeller Model M63 which includes an LED lighted plug end, Flotec Models E50VTL, E75VLT, FPSC2200A, FPSC2250A, FPSC3250A, FPSC3350A, FPZS75V, FPZT7550,
- 12 Foot Power Cord: Models M137 and M138.
- 15 Foot Power Cord: Models M95 which includes an LED lighted plug end and models M98, N137, and N139.
- Foot Power Cord: Non-Automatic models - N55, BN57, and N59.
The sump pump warranty becomes important if the sump pump fails during the early years of its lifetime. Both Flotec and Zoeller offer varying warranties based on the models features.
- A 1 year warranty is offered for the following sump pump Flotec model FPZS50T.
- A 2 year warranty belongs to the sump pumps models: Flotec models FPOS2400A, FPOS2450A, FPZS33V, FPZS50V, FPZS75V, FPCI3350, and FPCI5050.
- A 3 year warranty is offered by the following sump pump models: Flotec Models FPSC2200A, FPOS2450A, , FPSC2250A, FPSC3250A, FPZT7350, FPZT7550 and Zoeller Models M53, M57, M98, M137, 1073, 1075 and 1099.
- A 5 year warranty is given to the sump pumps models: Flotec models E50VLT, E50TLT, E75VLT, FPSC3200A, FPSC3250A and FPSC3350A and Zoeller models M63 and M95.
Cost
The cost of a sump pump is primarily dependent upon the materials used which affect its reliability and durability. Zinc housing with a thermoplastic base and a third party canned motor, used by Flotec, is less costly to assemble than a factory built motor housed in cast iron and cast iron pump housing with a cast iron switch case, manufactured by Zoeller.
Comparing Zoeller and Flotec side by side reveals that a Zoeller pump looks higher-end, weighs more and runs with a more robust motor.
The cost of a one-third horse power Flotec sump pump with Zinc housing and a thermoplastic base can cost as low as $169.00; however a Zoeller sump pump with cast iron motor housing, cast iron pump housing and cast iron switch case can cost $215.
In the long run, if your sump pump runs frequently and for periods of continuous pumping, the additional $45 may be well worth it. Zoeller pumps are well-built with engineered quality and are recommended by plumbers and consumers alike.
Summary
Zoeller and Flotec sump pumps are similar in that they are both designed with the same basic features: housing, base, float switch, horse power and pumping capability, solids handling, and power cord; however their design and approach differs.
- Zoeller consistently relies on cast iron to ensure pump longevity and stability in the basin during heavy continuous pumping. Flotec offers cast iron models; however, they also offer zinc, stainless steel, and thermoplastic models to provide most budget friendly pump solutions.
- Since the float switch controls the pumps operation, its design is very important. The magnetic design for the Flotec vertical float switch operates dependably in ground water containing only small amounts of calcium carbonate unless the float rod and its top is cleaned periodically with a vinegar solution to remove the contamination.
- Zoeller chooses to use a snap action vertical float switch which is not affected by calcium carbonate; however eventually the friction caused in the switch head when the switch turns the pump ON affects the connection and the pump fails. The Zoeller switch is tested to 1 million pumping cycles for the M53, M57 and M98 and 3 million pumping cycles for the M63 and M95; however Flotec does not publish its testing results.
- Flotec offers more pumping performance options while Zoeller meets the majority of sump pump needs and focuses on providing sump pumps known for reliability and durability.
- Regardless of which brand is chosen, both sump pump brands will keep your sump basin from overflowing provided they are in good working order and the right size..
Since we live in an area known for its high calcium carbonate contaminates we use Zoeller sump pumps. We like the weight of the Zoeller cast iron pumps because we live in a high water table area and need heavy duty pumping for long periods of time.
Our existing Zoeller M53 was installed in 2005 so it is now over 18 years old. During that time we have replaced the float switch and gasket between the pump body and switch case. The parts were easy to purchase and install.
Many years ago we tried Flotec sump pumps; however every 2 -3 years they would fail. That is when we learned our ground water has a lot of calcium carbonate. It was contaminating our float switch and causing it to fail during heavy rain storms. We did not know about the need to clean the rod and float top with a vinegar solution. Even if we had known, we are too busy to add that to our list of home maintenances to dos.
We are very happy with our Zoeller sump pumps. We own 2 of them: one in each of our basins. They have been dependable and keep our basement from flooding.
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