If you live in an area prone to flooding or with a high water table, you know how important it is to have a reliable sump pump. And when it comes to sump pumps, Zoeller is a name that is synonymous with quality.
In this Zoeller M57 review, we’ll look closely at this 1/3 HP cast-iron sump pump and see if it lives up to the Zoeller name. So, before making your final decision on which sump pump to buy, read our review of the Zoeller M57.
First Impressions
When we first took the Zoeller M57 out of the box, we were impressed with its solid construction. This sump pump is built to last with cast-iron housing and a stainless steel shaft.
We also like that Zoeller sump pumps are made in the USA. But, unfortunately, that’s something that is becoming increasingly rare these days.
Since this sump pump is designed for use in basements, we were also happy to see that it comes with a pre-mounted float switch. This float switch is adjustable so that you can fine-tune it to your specific needs.
And speaking of basements, the Zoeller M57 is also designed for use in crawl spaces. This is a nice feature if you live in an older home with a crawl space instead of a basement.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
When we looked at customer feedback for the Zoeller M57, it has an overall rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon (744 global ratings). That’s a pretty good rating, but it’s not the highest rating we’ve seen for a sump pump.
Still, when you look at the customer reviews, it’s clear that this is a well-made and reliable sump pump. People are generally happy with its performance, although there are a few complaints about longevity (5% 1-star reviews).
One customer even said that this sump pump saved their home from flooding. So, if you’re looking for a sump pump that you can count on, the Zoeller M57 is definitely worth considering.
Benefits and Drawbacks
PROS
- Almost the entire pump is made of high-quality cast iron, and no sheet iron is used
- The epoxy coating ensures excellent product resistance against corrosion
- Perfectly sized discharge capable of passing small spherical solids
- Long power cord usable in dry and wet conditions
- Powerful 1/3 HP motor with a good pumping capacity
- The thermal switch protects the pump against overheating
- Neoprene square ring for hermetical sealing of motor
- Efficient two-pole float-operated switch
CONS
- The switch guard could have been made of cast iron
- Average maximum head
- 3/10 HP pump for residential sump pits or septic tanks
- 1½" discharge, passes 1/2" solids
- Automatic model with integral float switch
- Performance: 43 GPM at 5' TDH, shut-off: 19.25' TDH
- All cast iron construction with stainless steel guard and handle
Strongest Features
The Zoeller M57 has many features that make it a great sump pump. But if we had to choose the strongest features, we would say there are many.
Design and Build Quality
Like the Zoeller Mighty Mate M53 Submersible, this product belongs to the popular Mighty Mate Series 50. Hence, it is made of high-quality cast iron that is both corrosion resistant and capable of resisting high pressures. If you are wondering whether “cast iron construction” refers merely to the external housing, let us add that Zoeller has made virtually all the parts (with some minor exceptions, as we shall see below) with the same cast iron that the housing boasts of.
This imparts greater cohesion to the body of the sump pump and, in the process, ensures that there is never any chance of water seeping inside through linkages between parts made of different materials. It also provides that sheet iron, which is notorious for being leaky and prone to corrosion, is virtually absent from this high-quality machine. Complementing the quality construction materials is a great design.
Zoeller has stuck to the somewhat unattractive but highly efficient submersible sump pump structure with the cylindrical motor assembly, the float and switches assembly, the impeller, and the discharge being the most distinctive features.
Those parts (notably the motor housing and the discharge) exposed to the water for the greater part of their life have been provided with an epoxy coating. This buttresses the cast iron’s natural corrosion resistance to a point where the product does not rust even when it remains under water for months.
Major External Parts (Handle, Power Cord, and Discharge)
We noted a few minor exceptions to the complete cast iron construction of the sump pump. One of the exceptions is the handle, which is made of stainless steel and has not been coated with epoxy paint. While this does make the handle more vulnerable to rust, we may surmise that Zoeller chose steel because of its comparatively lightweight, since a heavy cast iron handle would be bulky and difficult to lift.
Furthermore, being made of high-quality stainless steel, the handle is never at risk of being broken or dislocated during the sump pump installation. The discharge is the standard 1-1/2″ NPT unit found in the best of Zoeller’s offerings.
This impressive capability ensures the sump is never choked with small pebbles and other dirt particles. Still, neither are the Zoeller M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump discharge pipes blocked and pierced by large and irregularly shaped solid bodies. Finally, the different discharge size ensures that there is never any need for screens, which are utilized in some sump pumps to block out unwanted particles, but which tend to get clogged easily, thereby retarding the functioning of the pump.
Finally, the power cord is of sufficient length. It can operate under dry and wet conditions alike, thus ensuring that the sump pump never demands costly electrical rewiring of the basement.
Motor and Sealing
Zoeller has given the Zoeller 57-0001 M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump a 1/3HP motor, which is relatively standard for this price range. However, this motor’s capability to pump water at a rate of 2580 gallons per hour at a 5′ head is exceptional.
Some users complained that the maximum head of 15′ was a bit on the lower side, but they added that what matters is the gallons pumped at the top head rather than the maximum head itself since most basements do not require a pump with more than 15′ head. Finally, the motor can function efficiently at temperatures of 130 degrees F (or 54 degrees C), again one of the highest in the industry.
This powerful motor is hermetically sealed using a neoprene square ring, ensuring that the oil from the motor does not spill out into the housing, nor does the water from the exterior find its way into the motor.
Impeller, Switch Assembly, and Switch Protection
The Zoeller M57 has a specially engineered cast iron impeller that can work efficiently even under high water pressure. Moreover, being of cast iron, the impeller is not liable to suffer damage from large pieces of rubble that may come in with the sump water. Indeed, this feature sets it apart from some cheaper products that use vulnerable plastic impellers.
The switch assembly consists of a two-pole automatic switch triggered by a shaft that connects the high-quality polypropylene float to the body of the sump pump. When the water level rises, the float rises and triggers the switch, thereby starting the pumping procedure.
This assembly is defended by a switch guard, which ensures that boulders and other floating effluents do not damage the precision switch. Zoeller has used AISI 1215 cold roll stainless steel for the switch shaft and guard.
While this steel is one of the best variants available in the market today, and the necessity of making the shaft light enough to move accurately would justify the use of steel, the guard could have been made of cast iron. That said, though, none of the customers who bought the Zoeller M57 Sump Pump complained about the quality of the switch guard.
Zoeller as a Brand
When the company is Zoeller, buying a sump pump can be extremely hard, primarily because the unbeatable quality and value for money that Zoeller ensures are characteristics of every one of its products. The Zoeller M57 Basement High Capacity Sump Pump is no exception, offering an excellent mix of features and quality build at an unbeatable price.
However, it is also true that each of Zoeller’s products is unique, and a mere glance through the specifications does not fully bring out the specialties. Therefore, it will be necessary to study the unique features of this product with the help of a detailed review.
Watch this video, to know more about the company and the pumps it makes:
Is It Worth Purchasing?
To summarize the Zoeller M57 review, this product is one of the best on the market today. It has an exceptionally high flow rate and can be used to pump out water from basements with a good deal of efficiency. Moreover, it comes with a cast iron impeller and a neoprene sealed motor, making it durable enough to withstand heavy use over long periods.
The stainless steel switch shaft is also a welcome addition since it ensures that the switch continues to function properly even under challenging conditions. However, the one shortcoming of this product is its lack of portability, which can be overlooked given the overall efficiency of the sump pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zoeller M53 and M57?
The principal distinction between these two is the materials they used in making them. M57 comes in cast iron, replacing the former one’s thermoplastic base. This might not seem significant, but it makes the M57 sturdier and more durable.
Are Zoeller sump pumps any good?
Zoeller sump pumps are excellent, offering great value for your money. They are durable and have a high flow rate, making them ideal for use in basements.
What is the warranty on the Zoeller M57 sump pump?
The warranty on the Zoeller M57 sump pump is one year. This is standard for most Zoeller products.
Where is the Zoeller pump made?
Zoeller pumps are made in Louisville, KY, United States. Over 95 percent of Zoeller Pump Company’s branded goods are produced in the United States, and several US raw materials are used to create them.
What type of oil goes in a Zoeller pump?
Zoeller pumps require dielectric oil, a type of heat-resistant oil that does not conduct electricity. Instead, this oil lubricates the pump’s motor and keeps it running smoothly.
Conclusion
The Zoeller M57 is an excellent sump pump that offers a great mix of features and quality build at an unbeatable price. It is perfect for use in basements and comes with a cast iron impeller and a neoprene sealed motor that makes it durable enough to withstand heavy use over long periods. Having been developed by Zoeller’s experienced engineers, these features coordinate well to pump water out with an efficiency we’ve come to expect of Zoeller.
Considering all these points, it would not be wrong to say that this product is one of the best sump pumps for any house or commercial establishment with a moderate to high flooding threat. You don’t have to burn a hole in the pocket purchasing a costly commercial pump.
