Put simply; a sump pump is designed to remove water from a sump basin underneath a home or commercial property. Any water collected over time puts the home at risk from dampness and other types of water damage. The collected water is removable using either an external or submersible pump which includes a motor and power unit, whether that’s simply a direct connection to a power outlet or the use of a battery backup system. The water is then pumped out to a water well or other suitable spots away from home. It was previously acceptable to dispose of collected water down a municipal water system drain, but due to potential clogging, this is often against regulations locally and is no longer advisable. Here we review the best sump pump system, covering its main features, as well as the pros and cons:
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Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump
The Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump is an AC-powered pumping system to be placed under the house or apartment block. It is entirely submersible where it becomes operational when placed in greater than 7 inches of water and shuts down when the water depth is only 3 inches deep. The M53 is capable of pumping 43 gallons every minute. The Zoeller can pump out half-inch solid material too and 1.5-inch discharges. The Zoeller brand is well respected for its reliability. The vortex impeller that’s fitted here is designed not to clog up. With that said, all sump pumps require some form of maintenance as none of them will last forever, and they do stop working when not semi-regularly maintained. Among plumbers, the M53 is seen as a reliable unit that avoids late-night calls to come out to fix a flooding basement due to a failed sump pump.
Given that this unit doesn’t come with its own battery system, the Zoeller M53 relies on a continuing electrical supply from the mains or a backup generator that kicks in during a brownout, power cut, or other cause for a complete loss of electricity in the home. In the event of a heavy storm that combines with a power cut, the pump’s engine will not function. For concerned homeowners, either a backup battery-powered sump pump or a backup generator are required to enable the pump to keep operating when the sump basin is under 7-inches of water and the home is at risk of flooding
The 1/3 horsepower engine isn’t the most powerful engine seen (Zoeller certainly has some pumps in their considerable range with higher power capacities). Nonetheless, the engine is an impressive one that comes pre-loaded with oil and includes a thermal overloading protection system. Cast iron for the outer shell protects the motor, pump, and switch. Two flow holes around the pump assembly must be free of obstruction otherwise fluids won’t be able to escape. The switch is automatically activated the water is detected to have reached the necessary level. The switch is capable of turning on/off quickly and efficiently. It doesn’t last longer than 3-5 years due to its persistent activation in a storm but is replaceable using a simple screwdriver.
It is also necessary to remove the thermoplastic base to clear the pump of collective debris that will cause a blockage. The exit pipe is easily blocked when too much debris clogs up the system. Fortunately, the M53 is built in a way that it only takes a handful of screws to be removed to fix the issue so the plastic impeller keeps turning well. The check valve should also function properly after cleaning up the pump, and this can be validated before putting it back together again. The 9-foot power cord is surely enough to connect the 115-volt pump up to a nearby electrical socket in the home. When using a power cord extension, it’s necessary to waterproof it properly to avoid shorting out the electrical circuit.
Detailed Pros And cons of Zoeller M53 Mighty-Mate 1/3 HP Submersible Sump Pump
Pros
- Cast iron structure to protect and waterproof the engine, pump, and switch
- Fully submersible
- Activates automatically when the water level reached 7-inches and automatically cuts out when water is down to 3-inches
- Plastic Vortex impeller designed to avoid clogging up
- Switch easily replaceable
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Vulnerable to simultaneous power brownout at the same time as a violent rainstorm hits the area
- The 9-foot power cord may be too short
- 1/3 horsepower isn’t as powerful as some other submersible pumps
- No separate backup battery option is available
- Switch tends to fail after 3-5 years
- The switch has been known to get stuck in the ON position which could cause the motor to burn out eventually
- Cast iron base instead of plastic would be more durable against sand and gravel
- Cast iron impeller is heavier but less likely be break than the plastic one that comes with the M53 (the Zoeller M57 includes both a cast iron impeller and base)
