Areas with a lot of moisture, such as Chicago, suffer from climate conditions that can cause water damage to homes. If your house has a basement, you probably have or should have a sump pump. This machine works hard to keep your basement or crawl space dry and prevent damage from too much moisture. Zoeller is a top name in sump pumps because it makes high-quality, durable products. This guide can help you learn more about Zoeller sump pumps, including how long they last and how to keep them working.

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What Is a Zoeller Sump Pump?

A basement in Chicago
Photo by Kamil Sudoł on Unsplash

A Zoeller sump pump is a machine that can pump water out of your basement or crawl space and into your yard or a storm drain. It has a simple yet powerful design that can withstand the test of time. This pump uses a float sensor attached to a motor to detect the water level in your basement or crawl space. When the float rises to a certain point, the motor engages, and the pump turns on. Water gets pushed out of your home at a rate based on the motor power of your Zoeller sump pump model.

Because it’s designed to get wet, a Zoeller sump pump has rust-resistant parts. This ensures it can continue to do its job well into the future no matter how much water it pumps. You’ll want to choose a sump pump that can handle the moisture that’s common for Chicago residents. It should also be the right size based on your home’s square footage.

How Long Will My Zoeller Sump Pump Last?

Experts continue to recommend using Zoeller sump pumps because they’re known to outlast many of their competitors. While a typical sump pump can last between seven and 10 years, you may get even longer than this from your Zoeller sump pump. How long your Zoeller sump pump lasts will depend on how much you use it and how often you have it serviced. In one case, a homeowner was found to have a Zoeller sump pump that was nearly 50 years old.

When the Newington, Connecticut, man realized his old sump pump wasn’t working as it should, he called in the experts to replace it. What they found when they pulled his old pump out of the basement was a model they knew Zoeller didn’t manufacture anymore. After having it tracked to its origins, they realized it was a pump that went out of manufacture in the 1980s. The Connecticut man admitted he’d lived in the house since 1976 and had never replaced the Zoeller sump pump. It was likely the original pump from 1966.

How Can I Make My Zoeller Sump Pump Last Longer?

Although Zoeller sump pumps have a long life span, there are some steps you can take to get the most life out of them. The better you maintain your sump pump, the longer it’ll last. Having the pump regularly serviced can keep its parts functioning properly. These are some of the common parts to service and repair to keep your sump pump running as it should:

  • Check valve.
  • Float.
  • Impeller.
  • Electrical connection.

Always keep your sump pump and the area around it clean and free of debris. Inspect the pump by looking and listening for anything that could indicate an issue. If something seems amiss and you need help, call our team at Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. for an evaluation.

How Will I Know When To Replace My Sump Pump?

You’ll need to replace your sump pump at some point, but when? The answer to this question depends on many factors. You might recognize signs that your sump pump is at the end of its life, or if you know how old it is, you may just realize that it’s nearing its age limit. Here are some signs that your sump pump is failing:

  • Cycles on and off frequently.
  • Doesn’t shut off.
  • Won’t turn on when it should.
  • Makes a strange noise.
  • Clogs regularly.
  • Vibrates excessively.
  • Has rust or other wear that could impede its functionality.

Familiarizing yourself with your sump pump can help you recognize when it’s not performing right. Although excessive rain or a long dry spell could affect your sump pump’s operation, you should address anything out of the norm right away.

What Are the Most Popular Zoeller Sump Pump Models?

Zoeller makes several high-quality sump pump models that can handle your basement and crawl space water pumping needs. Here are some of the company’s most popular sump pumps:

  • Model 53: Known as the “Mighty Mate,” the M53 is a 3/10 horsepower model that sets the standard for sump pumps. It uses noncorrodible stainless steel for the identification tag, float guard, handle, switch arm, and hardware, while its switch case, motor housing, and pump housing are made of cast iron.
  • Model 98: Another top choice from Zoeller’s sump pump line is the 115-volt, 1/2 horsepower, known as the “Flow Mate” or M98. This higher-flow sump pump won’t become clogged thanks to its polypropylene float that’s always buoyant.
  • Model 63: This model is a top choice because it features a green LED plug and enhanced switch that make it ideal for use in dark basements and crawl spaces.

Let Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. Help With Your Sump Pump Needs

At Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., we have a professional team that understands the unique sump pump needs of Chicago residents. We can help you determine what kind of sump pump you need and get you the best deal on a model that’ll work for your basement or crawl space. We take pride in offering high-quality products that our customers can rely on. Contact us today to learn more about Zoeller sump pumps.

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