When I worked in the city sewer department our 20-foot x 20-foot sump station was flooded with sewage during a pump repair. What a crappy mess! You don’t ever want to experience that. So, consider getting a Zoeller sewage pump that you can depend on.
I really like all of the Zoeller brand pumps. Each pump is factory tested before being boxed. Which means that some boxes are stained from the testing fluids that drip out of the pump. So, don’t let bother you.
Table of Contents
8 Zoeller Sewage Pump Comparisons
Most home owners buy the 1/2 HP Zoeller 267-0001 sewage pump, which is a good choice in my opinion. Especially when compared to the 4/10 HP Zoeller 264-0001 pump which is the same price with less pumping capacity.
Most homeowners will only need the !/2 HP sewage pumps versus the 1 HP pumps that a business would use.
| Product | HP / Performance | Solids & Application | Badge | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoeller Waste‑Mate — Sewage Pumps | ||||
Zoeller Waste‑Mate 267‑0001 (Model 267‑0001) — 1/2 HP Automatic Sewage Pump Zoeller’s flagship sewage ejector pump with a cast‑iron housing, 2″ solids handling, and a reliable automatic float switch. Ideal for basement bathrooms and full residential sewage pits. | 1/2 HP ~125 GPM ~21.5 ft head | 2″ solids Residential sewage ejector pits | Top Pick | View |
Zoeller Waste‑Mate 267 (Model 267-0002) — 1/2 HP Sewage Pump A value‑focused version of the 267 platform with the same rugged cast‑iron build and 2″ solids handling. Great for budget‑friendly sewage ejector installations. | 1/2 HP ~115–128 GPM ~21 ft head | 2″ solids Residential sewage systems | Best Value | View |
Zoeller Waste‑Mate M267 (Model M267) — 1/2 HP Sewage Pump A heavy‑duty variant with an oil‑filled motor and corrosion‑resistant finish. Designed for duplex pits, frequent cycling, and light commercial sewage systems. | 1/2 HP ~128 GPM ~21.5 ft head | 2″ solids Heavy‑use sewage systems | Heavy‑Duty | View |
Zoeller Waste‑Mate E294 (Model E294) — 1.5 HP High‑Head Sewage Pump A high‑head sewage ejector for deeper pits, long discharge runs, and demanding residential or light commercial applications. Built for maximum lift and durability. | 1.5 HP High‑head design Commercial‑grade output | 2″ solids Deep pits & long runs | Premium | View |
| Zoeller Flow‑Mate — Effluent / High‑Flow Pumps | ||||
Zoeller Flow‑Mate M98 (Model 98‑0001) — 1/2 HP Effluent Pump The legendary M98 delivers high‑flow performance with cast‑iron durability. Ideal for effluent pits, gray water, and high‑capacity basement drainage. | 1/2 HP ~72–80+ GPM ~23 ft head | 5/8″ solids Effluent & gray water | Top Pick | View |
Zoeller Flow‑Mate M137 (Model 137‑0001) — 1/2 HP Effluent Pump A durable effluent pump with a non‑clogging vortex impeller and strong mid‑range flow. Great for septic systems and gray‑water applications. | 1/2 HP Mid‑flow output Effluent‑rated | 5/8″ solids Septic & gray water | Best Value | View |
Zoeller Flow‑Mate M161 (Model 161‑0001) — 1/2 HP Effluent Pump (20′ Cord) A long‑cord version of the Flow‑Mate platform, ideal for deeper pits or installations requiring extended reach. | 1/2 HP Effluent‑rated 20′ cord | 5/8″ solids Deep effluent pits | Heavy‑Duty | View |
Zoeller Flow‑Mate 140‑0005 (Model 140‑0005) — 1 HP High‑Head Effluent Pump A powerful 1 HP high‑head effluent pump designed for long discharge runs, mound systems, and demanding effluent applications. | 1 HP High‑head Commercial‑grade flow | Effluent‑rated Long‑run systems | Premium | View |
Zoeller Sewage Pump Float Switch Comparisons
The 2-pole vertical float switch that is directly attached to the sump pump is the most popular. It comes with the Zoeller Waste-Mate 267-0001 model.
When the float switch needs replacement, the pump must be removed and disassembled. The process is fairly simple and can be a DIY job. However, you are dealing with cleaning up a lot more raw sewage than the alternative.
The alternative is the Zoeller piggyback float switch. This is a tethered float switch that is completed separate from the Zoeller sewage pump.
It is very easy to use and replace. This is a tethered switch with a float ball at the end of the cord. The cord is attached to the discharge pipe. Whatever length of cord that hangs below the pipe clamp determines the on and off set points for the pump.
Once the float is attached to the discharge pipe, plug it into an electrical outlet. Then plug the power cord for the Zoeller sewage pump into the back side of the float’s electrical plug. That means you are only using one electrical outlet.
For most sump pumps I do not recommend the tethered float switch because it needs more room to operate within the sump basin. Also, it can get tangled up in the other power cords. However, when dealing with raw sewage, easy replacement far outweighs any other consideration.
So, seriously consider buying the:
½ HP 115-volt Zoeller Waste-Mate 267-0002 model. Add the Zoeller 10-0055 Switch-Mate Piggyback variable level float switch. Shown below:
1 HP Zoeller sewage pump model 270-0002. It operates at 115 volts and 15 amps. Also, buy the Zoeller 10-0705, Switch-Mate Single Piggyback Variable Level Float Switch with the 20-foot cord. Shown below:
Alternative Float Switch Choices
You can use dual probe sensening switches shown below. They permit you to set the precise start and stop points for the pump.
The longer run times will run the motor less often which lowers the amount of heat produced by the motor. That will greatly lower the chance of the motor burning out before it dies of old age.
Check Valves Are Needed For Sewage Pumps
A check valve needs to be placed just above the sewage pump. It prevents the sewage that remains in the discharge pipe from refilling the sump basin with sewage that has already been pumped.
It is quite common that the amount of sewage in the discharge pipe is enough to make the pump start running again. That is called “short cycling” which will burn out your motor very quickly.
Many check valves are quite noisy because of “water hammer” and you will hate them. So, be sure to get a quiet check valve. The one shown below, the Zoeller 30-0243 check valve fits a 2-inch discharge pipe.
Also, getting one that you can see into can enable you to see if the check valve is working properly. This isn’t a necessity but is nice to have. Yes, it is also very quiet.
Final Zoeller Sewage Pump Thoughts
If you have a basement bathroom or you need to pump sewage to reach the city sewer line, you need a sewage pump.
If just pumping sewage out of the house the 1/2 HP Zoeller Waste-Mate 267-0002 is what you need.
However, if you need to pump the sewage any distance horizontally or over 10 feet vertically, you will need the Zoeller BE270 Waste Mate
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.