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Zoeller and Liberty are both reputable American sewage pump manufacturers. So which is better?
Our review compares five key factors that make a difference when purchasing a new sewage pump.
We provide this review so you can be an educated shopper and choose the best.
This review discusses those sewage pumps that handle raw sewage as is up to 2 inches in diameter. It does not compare effluent or grinder pumps.
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Zoeller vs Liberty Sewage Pump: 5 Key Factors Table of Contents
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What Five Key Factors Reveal Zoeller and Liberty Sewage Pump Differences?
The five key factors revealing Zoeller and Liberty sewage pump differences are quality, reliability, performance, support and price. Though Zoeller and Liberty sewage pumps are manufactured in the USA, built and tested before shipment, offer a three year warranty, their design differences affect these five key factors. For that very reason we review and compare these 5 key factors so you can confidently buy the sewage pump that best suits your sewage pumping needs and preferences.
Quality
Both brands are built with quality in mind. Their cast iron housing is epoxy coated to retard corrosion; all hardware such as fasteners and screws are stainless steel which does not rust; sleeve bearings are used because they require less maintenance. All sewage pumps are tested before they leave the factory.
Reliability
Zoeller and Liberty Pumps both care about sewage pump reliability. Both have models with a tether float switch; however its the usage of the vertical switch, number of impeller vanes and housing that affects their pumps reliability.
- Zoeller uses a seven vane impeller while Liberty Pumps uses a two vane impeller.
- Zoeller uses 2 cast iron housings while Liberty uses one
- Zoeller uses a 2-pole snap action vertical float switch while Liberty uses a magnetic float switch.
These differences do make a difference in a sewage pumps reliability. The details below explain these design differences and how they affect a sewage pumps reliability.
The impeller is the rotating component of the pump that transfers the energy from the pump's motor to the fluid and raw sewage. It provides the head pressure that moves the waste vertically.
Liberty uses a 2-vane semi-open impeller; whereas Zoeller uses a vortex impeller with seven vanes.
So how does the number of vanes affect a sewage pump?
- A semi-open impeller passes solids more easily which is the purpose of a sewage pump, however, in doing so it tends to cause pump imbalance, vibration and inefficiency. Vibration leads to premature wear of the shaft, bearings and seals which ultimately cause pump failure.
- A vortex impeller with seven vanes keeps a sewage pump quieter, balanced and extends its life; however it cannot pump as fast and its shut off height is less. In theory a vortex impeller could clog easier; however the height of its volute and its increasing rotational velocity compared to a 2 vane semi-open impeller accommodates solids well.
- Structurally a 2 vane semi-open impeller is stronger. To reinforce its seven vane impeller made of engineered plastic, Zoeller adds a metal insert.
Sewage pump housing is a casting that serves to seal off the inside of the pump from the outside surroundings and retain pressure. It contains the motor with its shaft, bearings and the impeller.
Both Zoeller and Liberty Pumps use a permanent split capacitor pump motor; however their approach to housing the motor is different.
- Liberty uses only one cast iron housing design to surround the motor and its components.
- Zoeller uses two cast iron housings: one for the motor and another for the outer housing. Two cast iron housings offer higher heat resistance, more strength and more durability. The different housing design does add another seam to Zoeller sewage pumps which could leak, but reportage of leaks is rare.
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Float Switch
Zoeller and Liberty Pumps offer two float switch types: the tether and the vertical though both use a different vertical float switch type.
Both Zoeller and Liberty use the reed tether float switch. It's the vertical switch type that is different. Liberty uses the magnetic vertical float switch and Zoeller uses the 2-pole snap action vertical float switch.
- A magnetic vertical float switch depends on a magnetic field to close the electric circuit and run the pump. But over time the magnetic field becomes polluted and loses its magnetic field effect. Loss of its magnetic field causes the switch to either remain in the ON position and burn the pump motor out because the pit runs dry or remain in the OFF position and never remove any water slurry from the pit.
- On the other hand, the 2-pole snap action vertical float switch is more dependable because it is not affected by chemicals or other pollutants. The 2-pole snap action switch does not depend upon a magnetic field; instead it depends upon the quick closing of the positive and negative electric circuit found in the pump switch head to turn the motor ON and OFF.
Regardless of which float switch type is used, both are mechanical and thus will eventually fail. Zoeller tests their vertical float switch to run at least one million pumping cycles before failure and has a higher and longer success rate.
Performance
Pump performance involves two things: horse power and pumping capability. The greater the pump motors horse power, the higher the pumping performance.
Both Zoeller and Liberty Pumps offer one-third, one-half, one horse power and greater. Liberty Pumps also includes three-fourths horse power.
Liberty pumps pumping performance is slightly higher and its shut off height is slightly more for all of its sewage pumps. This is because Liberty uses a two vane impeller which we discussed earlier. The tradeoff is installing a Zoeller which is a smoother running pump because of its seven vane vortex impeller or a Liberty pump which vibrates causing early wear of the shaft and other motor related parts.
Support And Warranty
Both manufacturers back their sewage pumps with a three year warranty. It is important to note that any alteration of a sewage pump or its wiring will void the warranty.
Based on customer feedback it is noted that Liberty Pumps prefers customers to contact their distributor for support. Both companies provide a toll free number for contact as well as an email address.
Both companies perform testing so shipped sewage pumps should work when first installed.
Sewage pumps are mechanical. Eventually they will fail. Zoeller sewage pump parts are readily available online from multiple websites.
Price
Zoeller and Liberty Pumps pricing is comparable for same horse power motor. Obviously the more horse power, the higher the price.
When comparing the vertical float switch pumps, it is noted that Zoeller's sewage pumps are slightly less by twenty-five to fifty dollars.
When comparing Liberty Pumps by horse power regardless of float switch type the variance is less than twenty-five dollars. The slight variance in price makes it very important to consider how much horse power is needed and which float switch type is best for your water pumping needs and which brand offers the best value for the money.
How To Identify Zoeller and Liberty Sewage Pump Models
Liberty Pump gives their residential sewage pump models a prefix of LE. The 4/10 HP pumps are LE-41. The 1/2 HP pumps are LE-51; The LE-71 and LE-72 are 3/4 HP. The LE-100 and LE-102 are 1 HP. Adding an A after each series number means the pump is automatic with a tether float switch. Adding an AV after the series number means the sewage pump is automatic with a vertical float switch and adding an M means the sewage pump is manual and has no float switch. It needs a float switch to be automatic.
The Zoeller residential sewage pumps made in the USA are 264, 266, 267, and 270. Adding a M prefix to the model number means it is automatic with a 2-pole snap action vertical float switch; adding a N prefix means it is non-automatic or manual with no float switch. Adding a BN prefix means the sewage pump is automatic with a variable level tether float switch. The remaining specs are very similar and are viewable below.
Zoeller also has two models, 1261 and 1263, made at their Taiwan owned manufacturing plant. These two models combine the motor and pump housing into one and use the tether and magnetic field vertical float switch.
Commercial models are also available for both pump brands.
Both Zoeller and Liberty Pumps are reputable sewage pump companies. Liberty Pumps is over 50 years old and Zoeller is over 80 years old. Both offer a three year warranty. Both offer multiple horse power sizes and float switch options with cast iron pump housing; however we believe Zoeller sewage pumps are more durable and reliable.
Zoeller uses two layers of cast iron housing: one for the motor and the other for the pump body instead of one; they enhance their sewage pumps reliability by using a 2-pole snap action vertical float switch and a seven vane impeller. The usage of a seven vane impeller instead of a two vane impeller slightly decreases the pumps performance, GPM, and vertical shut off height, and using two cast iron housings does require the need for an additional seal which can fail; however, we view reliability as more important. Because a cast iron pump can last more than twenty years, we like the fact that we can easily purchase Zoeller replacement float switches and impellers online and install them ourselves.
We are very satisfied with our Zoeller M267 Sewage pump. It is still functioning without issue after 10 years. It runs a minimum of six times daily. No replacement parts have been necessary.
The following questions will help you decide which is the best sewage pump..
How long do Zoeller sewage pumps last?
The pump industry says a sewage pump lasts 7 - 10 years. Since Zoeller sewage pumps have two cast iron housings: motor and outer pump housing, the pump body can last 20 years or longer. However, the mechanical float switch is tested for one million cycles and the impeller will fail quicker if the material it pumps is hard and large. Replacement float switches and impellers are easy to purchase online and install. .
Where are Zoeller sewage pumps made?
- The Zoeller sewage pump lines: 260, 270, 280, 290, 400, and 600 are made in the USA manufacturing facility headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Over 95% of Zoeller Pump Company's branded products are made in the USA today using a majority of US content. Zoeller is proud to be an American pump manufacturing company for over four generations and plans to continue such manufacturing.
- Recently Zoeller acquires Flint Walling Pump Company and their manufacturing facility in Taiwan where the Zoeller At Home sewage pump product line: 1261 and 1263, is made. Zoeller is now known as a global pump manufacturing company and proud to provide good sewage pumps for the home owner.
Where are Liberty sewage pumps made?
Liberty Pumps sewage pumps and sump pumps are manufactured in Bergen, New York so they are also a USA pump company.
No a sump pump cannot be used for sewage. Sewage is defined as raw sewage that is not liquid. Sump pumps are built to pump waste water without raw sewage material in it. Raw sewage would clog a sump pump because a vortex impeller will only handle at maximum spherical solids up to ¾ inch or less. City building codes do not allow a sump pump to be used for sewage.
Can a sewage pump be used as a sump pump?
A sewage pump can be used as a sump pump under three conditions: 1) The pit has solids larger than what an effluent sump pump can handle to justify the higher price 2) The pit is a least twenty-four inches in diameter and thirty inches deep because a sewage pump is larger and needs a large enough pit to operate properly 3) The discharge pipe system is 2 inches in diameter.
One third HP is sufficient for 1 - 2 person usage. The frequency of usage, the volume pumped per cycle and what is pumped needs to be considered. A higher horse power causes less stress on the pump.
Should a sewage pump run all of the time?
A sewage pump should not run all of the time. A sewage Pump that runs all of the time indicates a mechanical failure such as a stuck float switch or a clogged impeller or discharge pipe. If the issue is not corrected quickly, the motor can keep running and eventually fail.
How To Install A Sewage Pump
The following six easy steps show how to install a sewage pump.
Step 1 Get the necessary tools ready. The tools needed include a hack saw to cut the discharge pipe to the proper length; primer and glue for installing the check valve. Installing a quiet check valve is best with union connections. Tape measure to measure proper length for discharge pipe; electric drill to drill a vent hole in the discharge pipe about 6 inches above the sewage pump; wrenches to tighten the check valve and any other unions installed in the discharge system.
Step 2. Unbox the pump and place it in the sewage basin. Then measure the length the discharge pipe should be as the union is above the basin cover.
Step 3 Cut with a hack saw; then prime, glue, and slip the cut discharge pipe into the pump port adapter. Wait till set. Move the sewage pump around in the pit so the cover will fit properly and can be bolted down when the installation is complete. Put the cover on the basin and slip the pump discharge pipe through the opening if the sewage basin lid does not fold in half; otherwise put the lid on after the check valve is installed.
Step 4 Attach the top end of the check valve into the upper discharge pipe for the sewage to be pumped through. Installing a quiet check valve with two union end connections is more secure than slip x slip connections. When the sewage pump or check valve need replacement the unions can be unscrewed so the old pump or check valve can be removed.
Step 5 Attach the bottom end of the check valve to the bottom discharge pipe coming from the sewage pump. When everything is attached plug the pump in, add some water to the sewage basin to test it for leaks.
Step 6 No leaks. Depending on your local and state building code, install a vent pipe to remove gases and odors. Even if a vent pipe is not required it is a good idea. Bolt the basin cover tightly so the basin is sealed to prevent gas and odor leakage.
The following video shows the steps necessary to install any sewage pump brand. Seeing it done always gives the extra details for a successful sewage pump installation.
Quick Shop Zoeller and Liberty Sewage Pumps
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