Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump Review: Stay Dry and Safe

(Last Updated On: November 20, 2023)

I will point out the features, benefits, pros and cons, and customer comments in this Zoeller M84 pedestal sump pump review. Just the facts needed to help you make an informed decision. By the way, this pump is also known as the Zoeller 84-0001 sump pump .

Known as “Old Reliable” the Zoeller M84 has protected basements from flooding for many, many years. Some customers have had 20+ years of protection from their “Old Reliable”.

Even small amounts of water can cause very costly damage in a basement. So, lets look at the benefits of owning this pedestal sump pump.

The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump is designed for use at home and for light commercial applications. This reliable and durable pump is known as “Old Reliable”.

Here are some of its key features and benefits of this reliable and durable pump:

High-Capacity Water Pumping

The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump is capable of pumping enough water to keep most homes dry. At a 5 foot lift height that is 59 gallons per minute (GPM) or 3540 gallons per hour (GPH). Which would be suitable for a crawl space. For basement use with a 10 foot lift height it pumps 51 GPM which is 3060 GPH. Which makes the Zoeller M84 suitable for high-volume water removal applications.

Sale
Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump, 1/2 HP, 115V
42 Reviews
Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump, 1/2 HP, 115V
  • 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)

Air Cooled Energy Efficient 1/2 HP Motor

This split phase motor only draws 7.3 Amps. Since the motor wirings are exposed to the air, this pump should not be used in very humid locations.

Thermal Overload Protection with Auto Reset.

Prevents the motor from burning out from overheating.

Max Operating Temperature 130 °F (54 °C)

Pedestal design: The pump motor is mounted on a pedestal, keeping it out of the sump pit and away from the water. This design doesn’t rely upon water to prevent overheating like submersible pumps do. Also, since fewer parts need to be waterproofed, costs can be kept down.

Easy to install

The 1-1/2″ FPT pump discharge is easy to connect to any discharge pipe. The pedestal design makes for easier pump installation compared to submersible sump pumps. That is because homeowners don’t have to get wet and dirty in the sump pit. Also, maintenance is easier and cleaner too.

Cast Iron Construction

The pump housing, and base are made of high-quality cast iron, providing strength and durability.  Plastic sump pumps generally fail sooner than cast iron because of the abrasiveness of sand, dirt, high mineral content water. Many years ago, the support column was made of cast iron but is now made with PVC pipe. Which is lighter weight and less expensive.

Works in Small Sump Basins

Minimum sump pump basin size recommended: 18” x 22” (45.7 x 55.8 cm)

Non-Clogging Impeller Creates a Vortex of Water

The impeller is made of a super strong plastic. A vortex of water is formed that lifts the water out of the sump pit. This is something like an ocean water spout or a hurricane of water. This is the standard feature of Zoeller sump pumps.

Adjustable Automatic Float Switch Operation

The pump will turn on at a minimum of 4 inches and shut off at a maximum of 16 inches. Set the vertical float switch to the settings that are perfect for your situation. The float is factory set to remove 9 inches of water but can be set to a maximum of 12 inches of water removed. Long lasting plated steel float rod is combined with a nylon float guide.

Quiet Operation

At least 3 customers said it was quiet running. One customer said it was only audible near the pump. Another customer said it was a bit noisier than a previous pump.

Top of Base Water Intake Strainer

The strainer is part of the pump housing and never needs to be replaced. It will let lint pass through the strainer.

PVC Pipe Column

Lighter weight than metal columns and will not corrode.

Weight: 22.5 pounds

Upper and Lower Bearings Are Protected

Permanently lubricated Upper Sleeve Bearing and Lower Bearing has a bronze bushing for long life.

Power Cord 7.5 Feet Long

3 wire cord and prong. UL Listed

Factory Tested.

Because the pump is tested before being boxed, there is likely to be some water damage to the box.

2-Year Warranty

What Customers Say: Pros

  • Well-made and reliable.
  • Long life: One customer had his for over 20 years. Another customer is still using his after five years, after having replaced a competitor’s pump after just one year.
  • Quiet Operation: Customers said: “Very quiet.” “Quieter than a competitor’s pump.” “Can only hear the pump when close to the pump area.” “Can’t hear it on the 1st floor.”
  • Easy to set it up.
  • Space saver.
  • Plumber approved.
Sale
Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump, 1/2 HP, 115V
42 Reviews
Zoeller 84-0001 Old Faithful 84 Pedestal Pump, 1/2 HP, 115V
  • 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)

    What Customers Say: Cons

    • Some parts made in China. I don’t know for certain but I believe that the electric motor is made in China and the other parts are U.S. made and assembled in the USA.
    • Shipping Box was damaged but the pump was O.K.
    • Indoor use only and not in humid locations. Not submersible.

    Head Height and Gallons Pumped by the Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump

    Head Height and Flow Rate. Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump

    Money Saving 1/2HP Motor

    This sump pump motor uses just 7.3 Amps as compared to some other pumps that use 9.8 Amps. The amount of money saved on electricity will pay for the pumps initial cost.

    Is The Thermal Overload Protection Enough?

    This will stop the motor from burning out due to a blockage or other reason. It will automatically turn back on if it was over heated and has since cooled off. However, it won’t be pumping water when it isn’t running. So, it is best to have a back up sump pump installed.

    Is The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump the Best for Narrow Sump Basins?

    Zoeller Pump Company recommends an 18 x 22 inch minimum sized sump pit basin. However, the 18 x 24 inch basin would be a better option if your house receives a lot of water.

    Does The Zoeller M84 Run Quietly?

    This is a subjective based question and answer.

    First, pedestal pumps are louder than submersible sump pumps. That is because submersible sump pumps are covered with water to block the noise.

    Second, one customer’s hearing is going to be better or worse than the next customer. Several customers said the Zoeller 84-0001 sump pump was quiet or could only be heard when being close to it. One customer said it was quieter than a different brand pump.

    Third, where the pump is placed will determine if it can be heard on the first floor or not. The worst place would be directly under a bedroom.

    Is The Zoeller M84 Pedestal Sump Pump the Best Buy for Me?

    Homeowners that want easy installation and staying out of cold dirty water as much as possible should buy the Zoeller 84-0001 sump pump .

    Additionally, making repairs or replacing the sump pump is much easier and faster than submersible sump pumps.

    Also, pedestal sump pump design is best used indoors and out of high humidity locations. For crawl spaces, humid basements, or outdoor use get a submersible sump pump .

    Pedestal sump pumps keep the most vulnerable parts out of the water. So, they last longer and are easier to inspect and repair.

    Related articles:

    Zoeller M53 Sump Pump Review: 1/3 HP Cast Iron Mighty Mate

    Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Utility Pump Review: 22 Best Uses

    Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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