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This comparison review, Zoeller vs Superior Sump Pump, reveals Zoeller pumps are more reliable and offer 2 models with a 5 year warranty while Superior Pump builds energy efficient sump pumps. Both Zoeller and Superior sump pumps remove water from a sump pit; however, both brands have some distinctions which make one better than the other based on your water pumping needs. For example, if there is a lot of calcium carbonate in the ground water, it will contaminate the magnet of a magnetic draw vertical float switch and cause early pump failure. This is the type of float switch used by Superior. On the other hand, if there is very little calcium carbonate in your ground water, the float switch works just fine. Another big difference to consider is price. If there are budgetary constraints, the Superior Pump brand is much more budget friendly. Zoeller pumps are very well made in the USA and may cost twice or much So it is important to understand the differences between a Zoeller and Superior sump pump so you can make the best choice for your situation.
This review compares Zoeller vs Superior Pump reliability, efficiency, performance, warranty, versatility, model options and replacement parts availability.
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Zoeller sump pump models are more reliable than Superior Pumps. Here are 6 reasons why.
1) Each Zoeller sump pump is tested for leaks and performance before leaving the factory. Thus it works when installed. Not all Superior pumps are tested.
2) Zoeller's 2-pole snap action float switch is not affected by ground water contaminates like calcium carbonate which contaminates the Superior Pump magnetic draw float switch.
3) Zoeller uses the vortex impeller which passes small solids. Superior relies on a bottom screen for some of its models which needs periodic cleaning to prevent clogging and failure.
4) Zoeller makes its own motors which are encased in cast iron so heat is better dissipated from the motor to give longer motor life.
5) Both brands use cast iron pump housing though Superior uses Stainless Steel housing on their 3/4 HP and 1 HP models.
6) Zoeller offers a 5 year warranty on its Premium models M63 and M95 while the maximum warranty offered by Superior Pump is 3 years.
Zoeller vs Superior Sump Pump Energy Efficiency
Superior Pumps use less electricity than Zoeller Sump pumps. Amps used by Superior Pump ranges from 4.9 Amps for bottom screen sump pumps to 7.6 Amps for vortex impeller sump pumps. Zoeller pump average Amp usage ranges from 9.0 Amps to 9.7 Amps. Zoeller's higher Amp usage is based on fact that their pumps use a vortex impeller which requires more energy, their motor is better built and the motor reserves motor power for higher demand during high continuous pumping situations.
Pumping Performance
Zoeller and Superior pumps offer similar pump performance measured by GPM or GPH at a specified vertical height. For example, the Zoeller model 1056 1/2 HP pump reports a GPH of 4,860 at a 10 foot vertical height; its model M98 1/2 HP tests at 3,680 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height and model 1096 3/4 HP reports a GPH of 3,720 at a 10 foot vertical height. Superior Pump model 92507 1/2 HP reports a 3490 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height; and Superior Pump model 92751 3/4 HP reports a 4140 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height.
Zoeller offers the longest warranty with a 5 year warranty for its Premium models M63 and M95. Zoeller's remaining 2-pole snap action vertical float switch sump pumps offer a 3 year warranty and its magnetic draw vertical float switch sump pumps offer a 2 year warranty except its model 1099 with a dual float switch offers a 3 year warranty. On the other hand, Superior pumps with thermoplastic housing offer a 1 year warranty and its cast iron and stainless steel housing sump pumps offer a 3 year warranty.
Pump Versatility
All Superior sump pumps are versatile because they have a piggyback plug while only a few Zoeller sump pumps are versatile. Sump pumps using a tether or magnetic draw vertical float switch come with a piggyback plug. It's the piggyback plug with its switch cord and a motor cord that make it versatile. The tether or magnetic draw vertical float switch can be unscrewed from the pump body and the cord unplugged from the wall socket. The remaining cord belongs to the pump motor. Plugging the pump motor cord directly into the wall socket converts the sump pump into a manual utility pump.
Brand Reputation
Zoeller is a well-known brand for over 80 years. The Zoeller M53 is a plumber's favorite. Once installed, they know the sump pump will work for several years without incident. The Superior Pump brand is more popular now because it is readily available online for homeowner purchase just like Zoeller is.
Price Difference
The price difference between Zoeller and Superior sump pumps is noticeable. Superior sump pumps consistently cost less while Zoeller sump pumps cost more. Superior pumps cost about half the price that Zoeller sump pumps cost. The price difference is due to several factors.
1) Superior pumps cost less because they are made in China; the Zoeller Professional and Premium Series pumps are made in the USA.
2) The quality of material is not the same because the cast iron grade for Zoeller pumps is much higher and their Professional and Premium Series pumps consist of a cast iron motor housing and a cast iron pump housing.
3) The durability of the Superior magnetic draw vertical float switch is not as long because it becomes contaminated by water minerals such as calcium carbonate; on the other hand the Zoeller 2-pole snap action vertical float switch is not affected by contaminates. The Professional Series switches are tested to work for at least one million pumping cycles and the Premium Series upgraded switch is even much more durable.
4) All Zoeller pumps are dual tested for leaks and performance so they will work after their initial install.
Zoeller and Superior Pump use a different approach to classifying their sump pump. Superior classifies their sump pump according to horse power while Zoeller classifies their sump pumps based on model class. Superior Pump models include 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP sump pumps. Zoeller models are classified as Basic with 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP and 3/4 HP, Professional with 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP and Premium series sump pumps with 1/3 HP and 1/2 HP.
Zoeller vs Superior Sump Pump Models Comparison By Horse Power
Comparing Zoeller and Superior sump pump models gives us a better understanding of how the two brands differ. The following information will compare 1/4 HP, 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP sump pumps.
Choose models with a specific Horse Power or scroll to see them all.
Zoeller 1/4 HP Model 49 Water Riddr III vs Superior Pump 1/4 HP Model 92250
Similarities
The similarities between Zoeller Model 49 Water Riddr III and Superior Pump Model 92250 include thermoplastic Pump Housing and a tether float switch.
Differences
Their differences reveal the Zoeller 49 Water Riddr III offers additional advantages including 1 year additional warranty for a total of 2 years, cast iron motor housing, 3 more pounds of weight at 11 pounds total and 300 more GPH at a 10 foot vertical height for a total of 1500 GPH.
Zoeller 1/3 HP Basic Series Models 1052 and 1073 vs Superior Pump 1/3 HP Models 92331, 92305 and 92341
Similarities
Similarities between the Zoeller Basic Series Models 1052 and 1073 and Superior Pump Models 92331, 92305 and 92341 include cast iron pump housing and 1800 GPH at 10 foot vertical height.
Differences
Their differences show that Superior models 92331, 92305 and 92341 use less electricity at 4.1 Amps vs 5.5 Amps, offers one year additional warranty at 3 years vs Zoellers 2 years, has 1 additional foot of power cord length at 10 feet vs 9 feet, and weighs 3 to 5 pounds more at 18.68 pounds vs 12.4 and 15 pounds.
Zoeller 1/3 HP Professional Series Models M53 and M57 vs Superior Pump 1/3 HP Models 92331, 92305 and 92341
Similarities
Models M53 and M57 and Superior Pump Models 92331, 92305 and 92341, include cast iron pump housing and 3 year warranty.
Differences
Their differences show that Superior Pump models 92331, 92305 and 92341use less electricity 4.1 Amps vs 9.7 Amps and have a longer power cord 10 feet vs 9 feet. The Zoeller M53 and M57 do include cast iron motor housing, a longer lasting float switch 2-pole snap action vertical vs magnetic draw vertical, a greater GPH at a 10 foot height 2040 vs 1800 GPH, their weight is greater by 4 to 6 pounds 22.7 and 27 pounds vs 18.68 pounds.
Zoeller 1/3 HP Premium Series Model M63 vs Superior Pump 1/3 HP Models 92331, 92305 and 92341
Similarities
Similarities between the Zoeller Premium Series Model M63 and Superior Pump Models 92331, 92305 and 92341, show both include cast iron pump housing and have a 10 foot power cord.
Differences
Their differences show that Superior Pump Models use less electricity 4.1 Amps vs 9.7. The Zoeller M63 includes cast iron motor housing switch case base and impeller, a upgraded longer lasting float switch 2-pole snap action vertical vs magnetic draw vertical, a greater GPH at a 10 foot height 2580 vs 1800 GPH, the weight is greater 6 pounds 27 pounds vs 18.68 pounds and 2 additional years warranty 5 years vs 3 years.
Zoeller 1/2 HP Basic Series Models 1075 and 1096 vs Superior Pump 1/2 HP Models 92501, 92507 and 92511
Similarities
Similarities between the Zoeller Basic Series Model 1075 and Superior Pump Models 92501, 92507 and 92511 include cast iron pump housing, magnetic draw vertical float switch and 7.6 Amps electrical usage.
Differences
Their differences show that Superior models 92501, 92507 and 92511 offers one year additional warranty at 3 years vs Zoellers 2 years, 1 additional foot of power cord length at 10 feet vs 9 feet though Superior model 93507 power cord is 25 feet, a greater GPH at a 10 foot height 3480 vs 2400 GPH and weighs 5.5 pounds more at 22 pounds vs 16.5 pounds.
The Zoeller Basic Model 1096 includes a 3 year warranty like Superior; however Zoeller Model 1096 includes these differences: Amps are greater 8.8 Amps vs 7.6 Amps, power cord is 1 foot shorter 9 feet vs 10 feet, weighs more 30.5 pounds vs 22 pounds, pumps more 4860 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height vs 3,480, the 2-pole snap action vertical float switch is more durable.
Zoeller 1/2 HP Professional Series Model M98 vs Superior Pump 1/2 HP Models 92501, 92507 and 92511
Similarities
Similarities between the Zoeller Professional Series Model M98 and Superior Pump Models 92501, 92507 and 92511, include cast iron pump housing and a 3 year warranty.
Differences
Their differences show that Zoeller Model M98 includes cast iron motor housing, a longer lasting float switch 2-pole snap action vertical vs magnetic draw vertical, a greater GPH at a 10 foot height 3660 vs 3480 GPH, the weight is greater by 16 pounds 38 pounds vs 22 pounds and the power cord is longer 15 feet vs 10 feet. Superior Pump models 92501, 92507 and 92511 use less electricity 7.6 Amps vs 9.4 Amps.
Zoeller 1/2 HP Premium Series Model M95 vs Superior Pump 1/2 HP Models 92501, 92507 and 92511
Similarities
Similarities between the Zoeller Premium Series Model M95 and Superior Pump Models 92501, 92507 and 92511 show both include cast iron pump housing.
Differences
Their differences show that Superior Pump Models use less electricity 7.6 Amps vs 9.4. The Zoeller M95 includes cast iron motor housing switch case base and impeller, a upgraded longer lasting float switch 2-pole snap action vertical vs magnetic draw vertical, a greater GPH at a 10 foot vertical height 3660 vs 3480 GPH, 5 foot longer power cord 15 feet vs 10 feet, the weight is greater by 12 pounds: 34 pounds vs 22 pounds and 2 additional years warranty 5 years vs 3 years.
Zoeller 3/4 HP Basic Series Model 1099 vs Superior Pump 3/4 HP Model 92751
Similarities
Similarities between the Zoeller Basic Series Model 1096 and Superior Pump Model 92751 show both include cast iron base and 3 year warranty.
Differences
Their differences show that Zoeller Model 1099 uses cast iron rather than stainless steel like the Superior 92751 does and two rather than one magnetic draw vertical float switch. Other differences include Superior model 92751 shows, a greater GPH at a 10 foot height 4140 vs 3720 GPH, the weight is greater by 4,5 pounds 24.5 pounds vs 20 pounds, the power cord is longer 10 feet vs 9 feet and Amp usage is less 7.5 Amps vs 9 Amps.
Zoeller No 1 HP vs Superior Pump 1 HP Models 92151 and 92181
Similarities
The Superior Pump Models 92151 and 92181 include the following similarities: stainless steel pump housing and cast iron base, 2 inch pump discharge port, 3 year warranty, weigh 24.5 pounds, use 7.5 Amps, pumps 4,500 GPH at a 10 foot vertical height and a 10 foot power cord.
Differences
Their only difference is that Model 92151 has a magnetic draw vertical float switch and Model 92181 has a tether float switch.
Our Recommendation
The Zoeller 1/3 HP sump pump Model M63 and 1/2 HP Model M95 are superior. Their reliability and durability make them the best choice.
The float switch is the first part to fail for a sump pump. The Zoeller M63 and M95 have an enhanced 2-pole snap action float switch that is not subject to water contaminates such as calcium carbonate. It will last longer than the pump 5 year warranty.
During heavy pumping, sump pumps move in the pit and the float switch could be caught. Both the M63 and M95 are made of cast iron and are heavy: 27.9 and 34 pounds respectively at a 10 foot vertical height. At 6.5 gallons per pumping cycle assuming your sump pit is 18 inches in diameter, this means the M63 sump pump would be pumping around 6 times a minute or every 10 seconds. .
Zoeller builds their motors in their USA factory and they are very dependable. The motors are encased in cast iron and placed in cast iron pump housing. Their pumping capacity is measured at 2,580 and 3,660 GPH.
Their additional boot protecting the cord entrance into the pump body gives additional protection against water entrance into the pump body. The LED lighted plug gives homeowners a heads up that electrical current is following to the pump.
The cost of these models is twice that of Superior Pump models; however their warranty is 2 years longer. For homeowners with finished basements, the risk of losing personal property, the potential for mold growth and the time and frustration spent cleaning up from a flooded basement is more costly.
Both Zoeller and Superior Pump offer sump pump replacement parts online for purchase. Installing replacement parts is the Eco-friendly and smart thing to do. Replacement parts made by Zoeller and Superior will fit an existing sump pump very well. A float switch is usually the first part to fail. Removing an old float switch is easy. Just loosen a few screws, place the new switch in the same position, tighten the screws and the pump is ready for operation again.
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