Often times referred to as “Old Faithful” customers say their Zoeller M84 pedestal sump pump has been in use for 20+ years. Also, this is one of the first models made by the Zoeller pump company that started in 1939. Their headquarters and manufacturing plant is in Louisville KY.
There have been a few changes to the Zoeller 84-0001 pedestal sump pump over the years. The column is no long made of heavy cast iron. It has been replaced with a PVC plastic column. Which makes the pump easier to install or replace.
Also, the motor is made in China, but the pump is still assembled in the USA.
The Zoeller company is known for testing every pump before packaging them. Which is why some boxes have some water stains.
Zoeller 84-0001 Pedestal Pump, 1/2 HP. Take a look at Old Faithful > Click Here
Table of Contents
Features and Benefits of The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump
“Old Faithful” 1/2HP Cast Iron Pedestal Pump
Fewer parts need to be water proofed, which increases reliability.
Air-cooled 1/2HP Motor Reduces the Electric Bill
Uses just 7.3 Amps compared to 8.9 Amps for other pumps. Plus, the air-cooled motor has a thermal overload protection feature that prevents the motor from burning out. The motor will automatically reset when it cools off.
Non-Clogging Durable Plastic Vortex Impeller
The pump intakes water at the top of the cast iron base which limits entry of dirt and lint. The vortex impeller design throws off any lint or dirt that would clog other sump pumps. So, there are no screens that have to be cleaned.
Cast Iron Base and Pump Housing
Resists abrasion by dirt and sand. Also, resists corrosion from hard water minerals.
Adjustable Vertical Float Switch
Allows the “on” and “off” settings to be adjusted for the perfect run time. That saves electricity and reduces the wear and tear on the pump for longer life.
The float itself is chemically resistant for long life.
Plated steel float rod with a nylon guide.
High Impact PVC Column
It is a 1 ½” OD plastic pipe that makes it lighter and easier to install. Also, the plastic won’t corrode like metal columns do.
Quiet Operation
The lower bronze bushing and the permanently lubricated upper sleeve operate quietly and last longer.
- Metal enclosed, split phase motor, permanently lubricated, thermal overload protected
- Heavy-duty thermoplastic or cast iron constructed pump housing and base
- 1 1/2″ FPT discharge
- Adjustable 12″ cycle, factory set at 9″
- Max on: 16″ (41 cm); Min off: 4″ (10 cm)
1-1/2″ NPT Female Discharge Port
Fits the most commonly used discharge pipe size. Which makes installation easy.
7 ½ Foot Long Power Cord
The three-wire cord and plug are UL listed for your safety.
2 Year Warranty
Versus a one-year warranty for other pumps.
Temperature rating: 130°F
The water in the basement won’t ever get this hot. However, some manufacturing factories will use this pump to transfer hot liquids.
Minimum Sump Pump Basin Size: 18” x 22”
This size basin will require a shorter cycle time than an 18 X 24 inch basin. The more water flowing into the basin per minute, the larger the basin should be.
Pros
- Much of the pump is outside of the sump basin which is easier to install, inspect and repair than submersible sump pumps.
- Vortex impeller is very durable and won’t clog up.
- Low electrical energy usage compared to other pumps. Which saves money.
- Cast iron housing and base resists abrasion from dirt, sand and hard water minerals.
- Quieter than some other brands.
Cons
- The electric motor must be kept dry. Do not use in very humid conditions.
Cast Iron Construction for Durability
The pump housing and base are made of cast iron which is very durable for a long pump life. Cast iron is able to withstand the abrasion caused by water with a high mineral content, sand and dirt.
Additional durability is provided by the upper sleeve bearing which is permanently lubricated.
How Many Gallons Will the Zoeller M84 Pump?
At a head height (height that the water is lifted) of 5 feet it pumps 59 gallons per minute. A 10-foot head height would pump 51 gallons per minute. At 15 feet it drops to 38 gallons per minute.
Energy Saving 1/2HP Motor Saves Money
This air-cooled motor only uses 7.3 Amps. Other electric motors of the same size use 9.8 Amps of electricity.
So, this Zoeller pedestal pump will pay for itself in saved electricity.
Thermal Overload Protection. This safety feature shuts the pump off before the motor overheats. The motor will restart when it has cooled off. This will prevent having to buy a new pump. However, it is always best to have a backup sump pump so that the house doesn’t flood.
Non-Clogging Super Durable Plastic Vortex Impeller
The impeller is long lasting and non-clogging because it barely touches the water. Instead, it creates a whirlpool vortex in the water below the impeller. The shape of the impeller also releases anything that might otherwise get tangled up in it.
Also, there is not screen to get plugged up with dirt or anything else.
Adjustable Vertical Float Switch for Efficient Run Time
The number of times the pump runs and shuts off is called “cycling”. By adjusting when the pump turns on and off the maximum amount of water can be pumped. All without excessive cycling which would prematurely wear out the pump.
The factory “start” setting is at 9 inches, but can be moved up to 16 inches. The “off” position is at 4 inches or higher.
The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump Is Best for Narrow Sump Pump Basins
The smallest recommended sump basin size is 18 x 22 inches. However, this 1/2HP pump is able to handle larger quantities of water than that size basin allows. Therefore, using an 18 x 24-inch basin might be a better choice where there is a greater water flow.
Is The Zoeller M84 Quiet?
Quieter than some other brands. The lower bronze bushings are quieter than cheaper bearings because of their smoother operation.
One customer said it could not be heard on the floor above the basement. Another customer said that it could only be heard when standing close to it.
In general, pedestal pumps are noisier than submersible sump pumps. That is because submersible pumps are covered in water. Which makes submersible pumps more expensive and harder to install repair.
Easy Repair and Installation of The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump
Since the motor and switch are above the sump basin they can be inspected and repaired without having to get into a dirty sump basin.
Likewise, because much of the pump is outside of the sump basin, replacing a pedestal pump is easier than a submersible pump.
Should I Buy The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump?
The best customer for the Zoeller M84 pedestal sump pump is a homeowner that does not want to deal with very messy submersible sump pumps.
Pedestal sump pumps keep the most vulnerable parts out of the water. So, they last longer and are easier to inspect and repair.
- Metal enclosed, split phase motor, permanently lubricated, thermal overload protected
- Heavy-duty thermoplastic or cast iron constructed pump housing and base
- 1 1/2″ FPT discharge
- Adjustable 12″ cycle, factory set at 9″
- Max on: 16″ (41 cm); Min off: 4″ (10 cm)
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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.
