Zoeller M98 - 1/2 HP Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump w/ Vertical Float Switch

YES, it is Michael! The M95 was just recently introduced by Zoeller as an upgrade to their flagship M98 pump. The new M95 offers an improved switch, pumping capacity, a 15-foot power cord (UL Listed) w/ LED lighted plug end and a FIVE year warranty.

The M95 is Zoeller's latest, greatest and updated version to the flagship M98 pump. Same dimensions as the M98 but with the following upgrades: Higher pumping capacity, 4800GPH @ 0'hd (compared to M98's 4320GPH @ 0'hd), improved switch for longer life, lighted plug, polypropylene made, a float-operated vertical switch w/ Viton® Switch Boot, and a FIVE Year warranty.

Regarding the noise concern, there should not be any difference as long as the pump is installed properly. Regarding your cycle rate, it may actually increase since it will be emptying your basin quicker. It's always best to keep your cycle rates to a minimum when possible. So if the M53 worked well for you and you never came close to flooding, I would suggest keeping that 1/3HP pump in place. IF that M53 had difficulty with demand at any time however, then I would suggest increasing to the 1/2HP model M98.

That's a tough question to answer. Typically, the pump should give you about 5-7 years of life in a standard sump application. That said, I have heard of them lasting 10, 15 and 25+ years in some cases. The switch is the most common reason for failure and can be replaced, though it is a bit involved on the "M" Series models.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Non-clogging engineered plastic vortex impeller design. Were you looking for a different material?

The Zoeller M98 uses 9.4 running amps & 29.2 starting amps, which equates to 1128 running watts and 3504 starting watts. Please keep in mind that you should not load up your generator more than 80% at any time as well.

Typical installations will include the discharge PVC Sch40 pipe screwed into the pump discharge port and extending approximately 2-3 feet above the sump basin cover. At this point, you could attach the check valve and then complete your discharge configuration. This method would allow for an easier access point for you to service your pump.

The Zoeller M98 is actually designed for sump, effluent and dewatering application. As long as you are not dealing with any solids larger than 1/2" and you are not exceeding the rated head lift, you would not have any problem.

Thank you for your interest in Sump Pumps Direct. It really depends on how you plan on getting the water into the sump basin. If you are doing a typical basement INSTALLATION, I would advise something more like the Zoeller model M53 or M98, depending on your water table. I would then suggest installing a standard SUMP BASIN and COVER. You can then tie this in to a french drain or you can drill holes in the basin to allow the water to seep through and into the basin for discharge by the pump. If you are looking to install this system outdoors or in a crawl space, the Liberty 1/3 HP Cast Iron Crawl Space Sump Pump Kit, model CSP-257 might be a better choice.
And don't forget the CHECK VALVE.

Zoeller basically builds 2 models, the 1/3HP model M53 and the 1/2HP model M98. The 1198 number most likely refers to the date code. If you cannot locate the model number in the same area as the date code, the 1/3HP model is about 10" tall and the 1/2HP model is about 12" tall. I would also suggest replacing your CHECK VALVE as well.

If you are mainly dealing with clean water and there is no chance of the water freezing with the pump, the M98 or StormPro model BA-50M would be a good choice to start with. Since it's difficult to judge just how much pumping capacity will be needed. If there's more of a chance of debris getting into the pump, you might consider one of our SEWAGE PUMPS as they can handle some of the small solids like leaves and small twigs. Please note that for any outdoor application, all electrical connections would need to be very well protected from the elements.

Due to the fact that you have a 1-1/4" discharge pipe, you may not see a big difference in your GPH capacity, though you will see some. If there's any chance of upgrading to a 1-1/2" discharge pipe, you would see a bigger difference. Also, depending on the age of the check valve, you might consider replacing that as well. They tend to wear out just like an old pair of shoes.

That really depends on the pump. Some are more efficient than others. For example, the 1/3HP Basement Watchdog model BW1033 has a running amp rating of 3.5 and a starting amp rating of 7. When you figure the watts by the formula of amps times volts equals watts ( A X V = W), you get 420 running watts and 840 starting watts. But when you look at the Zoeller 1/3HP model M53, that pump has a running amp rating of 9.6 and a starting amp rating of 29.6 or 1152 running watts and 3552 starting watts.

Thank you for visiting Sump Pumps Direct. In answer to your questions, both the Zoeller and StormPro pumps are extremely reliable and well manufactured. The StormPro is more efficient however and will offer a higher pumping capacity. If you decide to go with, say the 1/2HP model BA-50M, there would be no problem reducing the 2" discharge down to a 1 1/2". A 2-pump system is fairly common when you want to have the ability of having a "secondary primary" pump in the event that the "primary" pump gets overwhelmed and is the best way to achieve excellent results. Just be sure to run a separate discharge all the way out for each pump. You DO NOT want to install one extra large pump like a 3/4HP or 1HP because during normal operating times, the high HP pump will cycle way too often and reduce the life of that pump. The only battery backup system that we would offer for your primary pump would be the SUMPRO Fully-Automatic 1800W Auxiliary POWER SOURCE which requires 2, 12 volt maintenance-free deep cycle batteries. At the cost of these systems, you might look at a regular BATTERY BACKUP sump pumps system or even a small 7000-8000 watt STANDBY GENERATOR.

The standard battery backup sump systems will typically give you about 7 hours of continuous run time or 24-36 hours of non-continuous (cycling) run time. There are some systems that will accept additional batteries to extend that run time, but it is available only on certain models.

Unfortunately, I do need more information in order to assist you further. If you can supply the total dynamic head that you are dealing with, I'd be happy to help or you might try calling Hart Traverse at 800-535-8525 for further help on sizing your pump.

If you are replacing a sump pump and the pump has performed well for you in the past, it's best to replace it with a pump that matches the horsepower and/or gallons per hour rating as close as possible. If that information is unknown and the original pump's brand and model number is still visible on the pump, you can always look it up on the internet or call us for more help. If no information is available, an average sized home in a typical water table can usually use a 1/3HP - 1/2HP sump pump. Submersible sump pumps are more popular and will usually run quieter and last longer than pedestal sump pumps. You can also click HERE for more information on how to pick the perfect sump pump.
If you have additional questions, please let me know or give me a call.

Without knowing more specifics like the water table, area of the country you live in, actual square footage of your basement, etc., it really is difficult to answer. I can tell you that most average sized homes in an average water table area can usually get away with a 1/3HP or 1/2HP pump. Beware of over-sizing the pump as it could cause the pump to cycle too frequently thereby reducing the life of the pump. You don't want to just install a 3/4HP or 1HP pump just for the sake of it.

Generally, the amps required to start (29.2) the pump only happen for an extremely brief period of time, therefore the manufacturers recommend that electrical wiring and protection must be in accordance with National Electrical Code and any other applicable state and local electrical requirements.

Unfortunately, the Zoeller M Series pump floats are designed with a set on/off level that can not be adjusted.

The 29.2 amp rating is the starting amps needed to start that pump. The 9.4 amp rating is the running amps. These numbers are usually very important when trying to find the correctly sized generator to power the sump pumps.

You should always drill the vent hole when you are using a check valve. This 1/8" or 3/16" hole will help reduce the chance of air lock in your discharge pipe. Drill the hole in the discharge pipe even with the top of the pump. NOTE: THE HOLE MUST ALSO BE BELOW THE BASIN COVER AND CLEANED PERIODICALLY.

The Zoeller pump is an excellent product but, the switches do tend to be the occasional problem. You might try calling Zoeller tech support at (800) 928-7867 for assistance in obtaining the switches. Also, you should be inspecting your pump and basin at a minimum of every 6 months to make sure the pump is operating properly and the basin is clear on any debris. Most switch failures are the result of dirt, grime or debris getting lodged in the switch and/or switching mechanism.

First off, it is recommended that you replace your pump with one that is comparable in HP and GPH(Gallons Per Hour). We only carry the round basin covers that will cover an 18" round basin. The check valve can be installed either at the base of the pump or just above the basin cover. Installing above the basin cover will make it a little easier to disconnect your discharge for any service. Also keep in mind that you should drill a 3/16" hole in your discharge pipe just above the discharge base to help prevent any air lock.

We do not sell replacement parts. You might try contacting Zoeller @ (800) 928-7867

These Zoeller submersible sump pumps have a factory set pumping range and are unable to be adjusted to accommodate a higher water level.

In most cases, if your pump keeps running, it is most likely a switch problem.

An external float switch will not work with this pump because the switch on the Zoeller M98 is part of the pump.

Per the Zoeller site, they describe it as a non-clogging, engineered plastic vortex impeller.

A vertical float switch is a ball that floats above the water. As the water level rises so does the float which, at some point, it will trigger the switch to turn the pump on. This float has limited movement up and down and side to side, giving it less freedom of movement and less of a chance to get stuck as a tethered float would.