Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98 Backup Sump Pump Review

For homes that sometimes need the higher pumping power of a ½ HP sump pump, consider getting the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98.

However, if that greater pumping power is needed every time the pump runs, see the section titled: I Need A 1/2 HP Primary Pump and A 1/2 HP Battery Backup Pump.

Also, I will give you some other backup sump pump options so you can make the best decision possible.

Let’s dive deeper into the features and benefits of the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot. It isn’t perfect for everyone, but it might be just right for you.

Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98 ½ HP Primary + 1/3 HP Backup Sump Pump Review

Manufactured by Zoeller, a trusted name in the industry since 1939, this battery backup system secures your home against basement flooding.

The Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot M98 ProPak battery backup sump pump system is designed to pump high volumes of water during normal operation. Plus, it will still pump water during power outages, but at a lower volume. Which is normal for all battery backup sump pumps from all brands.

The Aquanot 508-0007 features a powerful primary pump with a 1/2 horsepower motor and a flow rate of 72 gallons per minute (GPM) at a 5 foot head height and 61 GPM at a 10 foot head height. Its cast iron and stainless-steel construction ensure durability and longevity (7-10 years).

The battery backup includes a 12-volt DC pump. It pumps 39 GPM at a 5 foot head height capacity, and 30 GPM at 10 feet, ensuring continued operation during power outages. You can expect it to last for 5-8 years.

This backup sump pump has a plastic housing instead of the much heavier cast iron motor housing. That makes the preassembled system easier to lift and place into the sump basin. Also, since the backup pump does not run as often as the primary pump the plastic motor housing can withstand the amount of heat produced by the motor.

Pros

  • Comes preassembled for 15-minute installation.
  • 1/2 HP primary sump pump runs on 115 volts.
  • Primary sump pump removes 61 GPM at a 10-foot head height for basement use. Or 72 gallons per minute (GPM) at a 5-foot head height for crawl spaces. and.
  • Reliable 12-Volt DC battery backup system will pump continuously for 6 hours. Or for 48 hours or more of on/off operation.
  • The battery backup pump removes 30 GPM at 10 feet of height in basements. Or 39 GPM at a 5 foot crawl space head height.
  • Included control box with 10-amp battery recharging and overcharge protection.
  • Vertical float switch made of solid (can’t get waterlogged), buoyant polypropylene.
Zoeller 508-0007 Plumbing Replacement Parts, 12 x 12 x 12, Black
  • 508 with M98 Preassembled Sys ProPak “Aquanot”/Spin

Zoeller Aquanot® 508-0007 ProPak with the 1/2 HP primary pump and 1/3 HP battery backup pump. See it at Amazon. 

Cons

  • The battery must be purchased separately. Which is normal for all brands of battery backup sump pumps.
  • A 75 Amp Hour or greater battery is NOT included. I recommend the highest amp hour battery you can afford. Take a look at this 125 amp hour AGM sump pump battery. 
  • The battery backup pump has a plastic motor housing which makes some customers concerned about durability. However, since the backup pump does not run as often as the primary pump, the backup pumps lifespan should be adequate.
  • Shipping issues (damaged items) have been reported by some customers. Generally, the box is damaged but everything inside is OK.
  • The battery backup sump pump is 1/3 HP which cannot pump as much water as the 1/2 HP primary pump.

I Need A ½ HP Primary Pump and A 1/2 HP Battery Backup Pump

Combination primary and backup pump systems never come with more than a 1/3 HP battery backup pump. The simple reason is that a single 12-volt battery cannot supply enough power to run a 1/2 HP motor for any reasonable amount of time.

The solution is to hook up two or more batteries. Since batteries start at about $200, having two or three batteries installed gets a bit pricey. However, if that is what you need, having a backup system you can rely upon is well worth the cost.

Such as backup system would include two 115-volt 1/2 HP pumps. With the backup pump being run through an inverter that changes the 12-volt battery power into 115 volts. Related article: Backup Power for Sump Pumps: The Ultimate Guide to Ensure a Dry Basement

Why Invest in a Battery Backup Sump Pump?

Investing in a battery backup sump pump, such as the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot, is a wise decision. Especially for homes in an area with a high water table or heavy seasonal flooding.

As flooding becomes increasingly common, we need to be well-prepared to prevent damage to our homes. A battery backup sump pump offers peace of mind by providing a reliable solution in case of a primary pump failure or power outage.

Considering the high frequency of floods, it’s essential that we have a backup sump pump in our basements. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about 75% of presidentially declared disasters in the United States involve floods.

Additionally, FEMA reports that just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damages to a home. These statistics clearly illustrate the importance of owning the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98. 

A battery backup sump pump is an added layer of protection against flooding and water damage. In situations when the primary sump pump fails due to power outages or mechanical issues, the battery backup sump pump will start up. Thus ensuring that water is pumped out of the basement.

Furthermore, battery backup sump pumps are designed to work even during heavy rainstorms. If the primary sump pump is not able to remove the water quickly enough then the backup pump will also turn on. Thereby providing us with confidence that our homes will stay dry during thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

Besides preventing expensive water damages, having a battery backup sump pump increases our home’s resale value. Potential buyers will appreciate that we have protected our home from flooding, making it a more attractive option compared to houses lacking a backup sump pump.

In conclusion, investing in a battery backup sump pump is a smart move for homeowners. Not only does it protect our homes from flood damage, but it also increases their value and gives us peace of mind knowing we’re prepared for any situation. The Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot is a reliable option worth considering for this essential addition to our basements.

I can recommend the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot M98 ProPak Battery Backup Sump Pump System for homeowners looking for added protection against basement flooding. With its powerful primary pump, durable construction, and reliable battery backup, it’s a solid investment in protecting your home.

What are the differences between Zoeller 507-0005 Basement Sentry and Zoeller Aquanot 508-0007 ProPak?

The older Zoeller 507 Basement Sentry is designed to be added to a 12V powered sump pump. The pump and the battery are NOT included. So, basically it is just the battery charger and alarm system.

Zoeller 507-0005 Plumbing Replacement Parts, 12.50 x 7.75 x 7.00 inches
  • Provides extra protection when the primary AC pump fails due to power outages, when the primary pump fails
  • All models have battery burn out and overcharge. Control device -Reliable low voltage float switch
  • Model 507 has a self contained 10 amp battery recharger. Battery case made from noncorrosive polyethylene. Contains lock strap
  • All systems are fully solid state automatic controllers with alarms, light indicators and have warning systems
  • NOTE: Sump Pump and Battery are not included, as they must be purchased separately. Alarm Off – yellow light indicates the buzzer is currently silenced

There is a newer version of the Basement Sentry (STBB200) that includes the 12 volt battery backup pump, the controller, battery charger, battery box and other parts. It also has a built in WiFi.

Sale
Basement Sentry by Zoeller STBB200 Battery Backup Sump Pump System Plus 45 GPM, Green
  • Self-monitoring system gives real time status alerts via text, email, or app that backup pump and battery are drawing power correctly and working as intended
  • Built-in WiFi (no additional components needed)
  • Automatic self-testing for true peace of mind
  • Maintenance-free battery when used with Basement Sentry brand battery
  • Self-monitoring system gives real time status alerts via text, email, or app that backup pump and battery are drawing power correctly and working as intended

On the other hand, the Zoeller 508 Aquanot is a combination system, which includes both a primary and backup sump pump. This preassembled ProPak is best for homeowners that want to replace a primary sump pump and add a backup pump.

The Zoeller Aquanot 508-0007 ProPak uses a combination of a 12V DC battery backup and a 115V AC primary pump, allowing the system to continue working even during power outages.

Finally, let’s talk about their alarms and indicators. The 507 Basement Sentry features a loud alarm system that alerts you when the backup pump is in operation or if there is a low battery charge.

The 508 Aquanot also has an alarm system, along with additional LED indicators that provide more information on the system’s status, such as power, pump, and battery conditions.

Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98 Comparisons and Alternatives

In this section, we will compare the Zoeller Aquanot 508-0007 with other competing products in the Zoeller 508 series, including the Zoeller 508-0005 , 508-0006, 508-0014, and 508-0020, and highlight the features that give it an edge. We’ll also briefly discuss some good alternatives if the Zoeller brand pumps do not meet your specific needs.

The Zoeller 508-0007 is a submersible sump pump with a 115 volt primary pump and a 12-volt backup. It features a 1/2 HP primary pump, while the 508-0006, and 508-0020 models are equipped with a 1/3 HP primary pump. The Zoeller models 508-0005 and 508-0014 do not come with primary sump pumps.

Read my review of the Zoeller 508-0014 backup sump pump

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Zoeller 508-0006 Aquanot 508 ProPak53 Preassembled Sump Pump System with Battery Back-Up
  • Includes: Model 53 115-volt pump, Model 508 Aqua not, 115 Volt DC backup system with pump, check valve, float switch and piping
  • Plumbed in 1-1/2″ Such 40 PVC pipe
  • Comes fully assembled and ready to install in your clear water sump
  • Extra protection when the primary AC pump fails due to power outages
  • Fully solid state automatic 10A charger/controller with alarm, light indicator and warning system

Shown above is the preassembled Zoeller 508-0006 Aquanot ProPak53 which has a 1/3HP primary pump and a 1/3 HP backup pump. This is what I recommend for most homes in the USA.

All these models come with an identical 1/3 HP 12V battery backup sump pump.

If homeowners currently have a 1/3 HP primary sump pump that cannot always handle the water volume, the Zoeller Aquanot 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98  is a good choice.

This preassembled system should fit into an 18 inch (top) inside diameter basin that has a 16 inch inside diameter bottom.

However, the 1/2 HP primary pump of the 508-0007’s might require a larger sump pit than the 508-0006, and 508-0020 models. This is because the pump can discharge a larger quantity of water and a smaller basin would make the pump cycle on/off too often. Which will burn the motor out prematurely.

If the existing sump basin must be replaced, wider is always better. However, the same width but deeper basin is probably sufficient. The key here is that there must be room for the larger pump configuration.

The basins are wider at the top. So, a pump that does not fit in the bottom of the basin can be raised up by placing the pump on a stand.

If the Zoeller Aquanot 508-0007 does not meet your specific needs, some good alternatives to consider include:

Available at Amazon: Wayne WSS30VN : This combo system features a 1/2 HP primary pump and a 12-volt backup pump with efficient operations and a user-friendly control panel.

The Wayne company does not reveal what the horsepower of the backup pump is. However, we can guess from the pump performance chart that it must be a ¼ HP pump.

Can you live with the fact that the backup pump pumps less than half as much water? If so, then the Wayne WSS30VN is a good reliable alternative to the Zoeller 508-007 Aquanot.

Shown below is the very popular and well rated WAYNE WSS30VN – Preassembled 1/2 HP Primary sump pump and 1/4 HP battery backup sump pump with integrated vertical float switch.

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WAYNE – 1/2 HP Basement [Sump] [Pump] System with Integrated Vertical Float Switch and 12 Volt [Battery] Back Up Capability, [Battery] Not Included – Up to 5,100 Gallons Per Hour – Heavy Duty
  • Indoor Use Only: This 1/2 HP WAYNE indoor sump system is perfect to keep your basement or indoor area dry during heavy water flow, even if you lose electricity; whether it’s rain, snow melting or more, WAYNE model WSS30VN can keep your basement dry
  • Back-Up Ready: WSS30VN will pump up to 5,100 GPH and remove/evacuate/expel/get rid of up to 10,000 gallons on a single battery backup charge; WAYNE WSB1275 75 AH Battery is required for back-up but not included
  • Efficient Design: Comes preassembled and ready for drop-in for easy installation in 15 minutes or less with no need to drill a weep hole; fits in 16” diameter or larger sump basins
  • Additional Features: The system has been tested to 1 million cycles for long-lasting use; comes with 8-foot SJTW power cord
  • Quality You Deserve: Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust; warrantied for 3 years for dependable, efficient, & ultra-quiet performance

THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Big Combo CONNECT Model CITS-50 Comes with a 1/2 HP primary pump and 1/3 HP battery backup sump pump system and 24 hour monitoring controller.

The best feature is that each of the pumps have two float switches. That means that if the first switch fails the second switch will still turn the pump on.

By comparing the pumping capacities in the Systems Specifications chart, I am guessing that the backup pump is 1/3 HP. Which makes it a better option than the Wayne WSS30VN 1/4 HP backup and equal to the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot M98 ProPak.

BASEMENT WATCHDOG Big Combo CONNECT Model CITS-50 system specifications

Image credit: The Basement Watchdog

THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Big Combo CONNECT Model CITS-50 is a good alternative to the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot at a budget friendly price.

The Model CITS-50 can be connected to a Smart WiFi system from The Basement Watchdog for an additional charge. Or it can be connected to your home security system or auto dialer for remote notifications.

Sale
THE BASEMENT WATCHDOG Big Combo CONNECT Model CITS-50 ½ HP Primary and Battery Backup Sump Pump System with Smart WiFi-Capable and 24-Hour-a-Day Monitoring Controller
  • ½ HP energy-efficient Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) primary pump can save money on your electric bills
  • Primary pump capacity 3,540 GPH at a 10 ft. lift and 4,400 GPH at 0 ft. lift. Backup system capacity 1,850 GPH at 10 ft. lift and 2,600 GPH at 0 ft. lift
  • Includes a WiFi-capable battery backup system that provides 24-hour-a-day monitoring of pump, power and battery conditions; backup controller will sound an alarm, illuminate a warning light and describe what to do for easy maintenance
  • Allows for connection to a Basement Watchdog CONNECT Module (BW-WiFi—a SEPARATE PURCHASE), giving you real-time alerts via text, email, push notification or through the Basement Watchdog free app
  • Provides days of intermittent pumping power on a single battery charge and is compatible with both maintenance-free AGM and wet-cell batteries. Connect two batteries in parallel for double the runtime.

I hope you found this information valuable to choose between the Zoeller Aquanot 508-0007 and its available alternatives.

The Verdict: Is the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98 the best choice for me?

The 1/2 HP Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot provides considerably more pumping power for larger than average water flow. However, the 1/3 HP battery backup pump is more suited to average water flow. That is the main drawback to this system. However, there are no backup systems with a 1/2 HP pump because the batteries cannot supply enough power.

So, in most cases the 1/3 HP battery backup pump will keep the house dry. But you are taking your chances. Consider this: How many times a year does the power go out? Is less than 30 GPM coming into the basement? Then consider buying the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot ProPak98 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Zoeller 508-0007 primary pump and backup pump typically last?

The lifespan of a Zoeller 508-0007 primary pump and backup pump largely depends on the frequency of use and proper maintenance. With regular care, a primary pump may last 7-10 years, while a backup pump can have a lifespan of 5-8 years. Regularly inspecting the system and following manufacturer guidelines can help to extend their longevity.

How do I troubleshoot the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot?

When troubleshooting the Zoeller 508-0007 Aquanot, we recommend starting with these steps:

  1. Verify that power is supplied to the unit by checking the circuit breaker and the GFCI protected power outlets. Also, there is a 20-amp automotive type fuse located on the bottom of the system controller.
  2. Inspect any visible signs of damage or wear on the pump and battery.
  3. Ensure that the float switch is functioning properly by manually lifting it.
  4. Examine the alarm system for any error messages or continuous beeping.

For more detailed troubleshooting, consult the installation manual or contact Zoeller support.

Why is the Aquanot 508 alarm going off?

First, silence the alarm by pressing the silence button so you can think straight.

The Aquanot 508 alarm may be triggered for several reasons:

  • High water level: Check for issues with the primary pump or increased inflow of water.
  • Low battery voltage: Ensure that the battery is charged and connected properly.
  • Dirty or clogged discharge pipe: Inspect and clean the pipe if necessary.
  • Defective float switch: Test the float switch for proper operation and replace if needed.
Zoeller 508-0007 Plumbing Replacement Parts, 12 x 12 x 12, Black
Comes preassembled for 15-minute installation. 1/2 HP primary sump pump runs on 115 volts. Primary sump pump removes 61 GPM at a 10-foot head height for basement use. Or 72 gallons per minute (GPM) at a 5-foot head height for crawl spaces. and. Reliable 12-Volt DC battery backup system will pump continuously for 6 hours. Or for 48 hours or more of on/off operation. The battery backup pump removes 30 GPM at 10 feet of height in basements. Or 39 GPM at a 5 foot crawl space head height. Included control box with 10-amp battery recharging and overcharge protection. Vertical float switch made of solid (can’t get waterlogged), buoyant polypropylene.
Richard Quick author at Best Sump Pumps
Richard Quick
Author at Best Sump Pumps

The first time I helped to install a drain tile and basement sump pump system was 1978.

Since then I have worked for a city water utility where I worked with and maintained pumps.

My rental properties and personal homes all needed sump pumps.

As a modular home dealer/builder, those new homes needed sump pumps.

I put that experience to good use by providing reliable, useful, and practical advice on buying, using, and maintaining sump pumps.

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