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Sump Pump Cast Iron And Other Review By Comparison

Cast Iron vs. Other Housing Material

See List Of Cast Iron Sump Pump Models

PumpsSelection.com --_The Helpful Pump Place_ Discover Why Cast Iron Sump Pumps Are Better

If you are looking for a sump pump that is built to last and built to handle heavy duty pumping, we recommend a cast iron sump.

♦Cast iron has many advantages and few disadvantages.

♦Cast iron compared to other housing materials is different. We compare cast iron housing with five other material types.

♦Some Models use cast iron for more than the pump housing. They use if for the base (volute) and impeller too.

♦ Which pump manufacturers use cast iron? Not all brands do. See the list.

Are Cast Iron Sump Pumps Better?

Many new materials are being introduced for sump pump housing, but we still believe a cast iron sump pump is better. Here's why.

♦ Cast iron distributes and dissipates heat very well thus extending the life of a pump motor. Continuous pumping generates a lot of heat. Zoeller is one of the very few companies who makes their own motors on site and takes extra steps to extend the life of its motors by using two layers of cast iron: one for the motor housing and the other for pump body housing. Most pump manufacturers use 3rd party built motors which are housed in stainless steel, a poor dissipater of heat.

♦ Unlike thermoplastic, cast iron does not warp or crack. Over time motor heat does affect the motor and pump housing. This is why many sump pumps last only 5 to 10 years.

♦ Cast iron is durable. That's why replacement parts are available. Pump owners can be environmentally responsible by replacing a part without discarding a good motor and housing. Many Zoeller pumps are known to last well beyond thirty years. Our seventeen year old Zoeller M53 is running well and we have only replaced the float switch once.

♦ Unlike all other materials used, cast iron is heavy and keeps sump pumps very stationary in the basin during heavy continuous pumping. Moving sump pumps can hit the basin wall and cause float hung up.

♦ Cast iron does rust easily; however to resist corrosion, a baked epoxy coating added as an outward finish so the housing can last twenty-five years or longer.

How Does Cast Iron Compare To Other Materials?

the past few years more material types are being used for pump housing. These materials include: aluminum, zinc and two old standbys: cast steel and thermoplastic. All of them are effective; however we still recommend cast iron housing for heavy duty continuous pumping and durability. Learn how each of these materials compares to cast iron.

Cast Iron vs Thermoplastic

Compared to cast iron, thermoplastic will not rust, is much lighter in weight, is not as strong, traps motor heat and can warp and crack over time. Thermoplastic housing works well for sump pumps that do a small amount of pumping during heavy rainstorms and not heavy duty continuous pumping. Because thermoplastic is light weight, it is important to make sure the pump does not move to the basins side and cause float hang-up. Thermoplastic is definitely not as durable and is less expensive.

Cast Iron vs Aluminum

Cast aluminum is lighter in weight, can be stronger depending upon its casting, it holds heat longer and therefore does not dissipate it as well as cast iron. Aluminum has a shorter life span than cast iron and is cheaper. But it does not rust, it only corrodes. With an aluminum oxide coating it is highly resistant.

Cast Iron vs Stainless Steel

Stainless steel weighs less and is corrosion resistant. It certainly has a shiny appearance.

Cast Iron vs Zinc

Zinc housing weighs less and does not corrode as quickly as cast iron. It dissipates heat better than aluminum but not as well as cast iron. It is less expensive to make castings from zinc than cast iron.

Cast iron is proven to be the best material for sump pump housing for those pumps handling heavy duty continuous pumping during heavy rainstorms.

Cast Iron vs Carbon Steel

Compared to cast iron, carbon steel weighs less, is not as corrosive resistant and is affected more by mechanical wear and tear.Is Cast Iron Used For More Than Pump Housing?

Using cast iron for the housing is very important for heat dissipation; however there are other sump pump parts that benefit from the usage of cast iron. Those parts include: 1) The base or volute 2) The switch housing or cap and 3) the impeller.

Cast Iron Switch Housing

Using cast iron for the switch housing (also known as the head or cap) is very important because heat is created when the negative and positive electric circuits close as the water rises and causes the switch to activate and the pump to run. Cast iron dissipates heat while thermoplastic traps it and causes the switch to fail sooner.

Cast Iron Base

If cast iron is used for the motor and pump housing, using cast iron for the base (volute) is not as critical because motor heat passes through the sides more than the bottom; however a cast iron base does provide heat dissipation benefits. Many models use cast iron for the base only to add weight to the pump.

Cast Iron Impeller

Using cast iron for an impeller gives it strength and resistance against nicks. Thermoplastic is commonly used but cast iron is better.

Cast Iron Sump Pump List of Brands

Cast iron sump pump brands include Zoeller, Liberty Pumps, Little Giant, Superior Pump, Flotec, Glentronics, Red Lion, Star Water Systems, and a few miscellaneous brands.

Cast Iron Sump Pump List of Models

The list is divided into three groups.

♦Pumps with cast iron housing, base (volute) and impeller

♦Pumps with cast iron housing and base (volute) but not a cast iron impeller

♦Pumps with only cast iron housing, but not a cast iron base or impeller

We list the existing models below. Note that corrosion-resistant, powder-coated epoxy finish is added to the cast iron to resist rusting.

To See the Brands and Models By Amount of Cast Iron Used In The Sump Pump, Choose One Of Three Options. Scroll down the page to see them all.

Sump Pump Models With Cast Iron Housing, Base and Impeller

Zoeller Sump Pump Models

**M57 (1/3 HP), M63 (1/3 HP), M95 (1/2 HP), M137 (1/2 HP)**

Glentronics (Basement Watchdog) Sump Pump Models

**SI 33V (1/3 HP), SI 50V (1/2 HP), SIT33D (1/3 HP), SIT50D (1/2 HP)**

Red Lion Sump Pump Models

**RL-SC33V (1/3 HP), RL-SC50T (1/2 HP), RL-50C (1/2 HP)**

Star Water Systems (Formerly Flint Walling Star) Sump Pump Models

**3SEHL (S1057) (1/3 HP)**

Sump Pump Models With Cast Iron Housing and Base Not Cast Iron Impeller

Liberty Pumps Sump Pump Models

**250 Series (250, 251, 253, 257, CSP-257 - 1/3 HP), 280 Series (280, 281, 283, 287 - 1/2 HP), 290 Series (290, 291, 293, 297 - 3/4 HP)**

Little Giant Sump Pump Models

**509801 (4/10 HP)**

Superior Pump Sump Pump Models

**92341 (1/3 HP), 92305 (1/3 HP), 92511 (1/2 HP), 92531 (1/2 HP), 92541 (1/2 HP), 92501 (1/2 HP), 92505 (1/2 HP)**

Flotec Pump Sump Pump Models

**E50VLT (1/2 HP), E50TLT (1/2 HP), E75VLT (3/4 HP)**

Star Water Systems Sump Pump Models

**3SVS (1/3 HP), 3SDHL (1/3 HP), 3SEHL (1/3 HP), 5SEH (1/2 HP), 5STS (1/2 HP),7SEH (3/4 HP)**

Sump Pump Models With Cast Iron Housing Only

Zoeller Pumps Sump Pump Models

**M53 (1/3 HP), M98 (1/2 HP)**

Liberty Pumps Sump Pump Models

**240 Series (240, 241, 243, 247 - 1/4 HP)**

Little Giant Pumps Sump Pump Models

**506125 (1/3 HP), 506158 (1/3 HP), 506162 (1/3 HP), 506171 (1/3 HP), 506271 (1/3 HP), GIDDS-521252 (1/3 HP), 506802 (1/3 HP), 506804 (1/3 HP), 506807 (1/3 HP), 510802 (1/2 HP)**

Star Water Systems (Formerly Flint Walling Star) Sump Pump Models

**S1098 - (1/2 HP)**

**QUESTIONS ABOUT SUMP PUMP CAST IRON AND OTHER**

**Which type of sump pump is best?**

The best sump pump type depends on how it will be used and its the power source.

The submersible and pedestal pumps are most robust and efficient with electrical power. Cast Iron is best for heavy duty pumping.

Battery backup pumps are great for pumping when the power goes out. Few are made from cast iron because they are used only for emergencies.

Water powered backup pumps are good when the city water pressure is sufficient and can keep up with the water flow. Their pump performance is a limitation for those who need a one-half HP pump.

**Most Recommended:** Zoeller M53

**Most Energy Efficient:**Wayne CDU980E

**Most Versatile:**Superior 92341

**Best Battery Backup:**Wayne ESP25vn

**Best Utility:**Superior 91250

**Best Water Powered:**Liberty Pumps SJ10

**Are cast iron sump pumps better?**

Cast iron sump pumps are better for heavy duty pumping because cast iron dissipates heat best which keeps the motor cooler and increases its longevity. Cast iron is also stronger and will not warp or crack over time. Plus cast iron adds weight to the pump keeping it more stationary in the basin during pumping.

**Is a stainless steel sump pump better than cast iron?**

Stainless steel is known for not corroding. However it does not weigh as much and dissipate heat as well as cast iron. Epoxy coating is added as a finish for cast iron sump pumps to control corrosion.

**Which is better cast iron or aluminum sump pump?**

Aluminum does not heat up as quickly, but once it heats up it does not dissipate heat as well as cast iron. Aluminum is lighter weight and sufficient for average water pumping needs. Cast iron is more durable and for heavy duty pumping.

**Do I Need A Cast Iron Sump Pump**

You need a cast iron sump pump if any of the following occur or you have concerns about any of the following.

♦ Heavy duty continuous pumping during heavy rainstorms needs a cast iron sump pump for better heat dissipation.

♦ A cast iron sump pump will hardly move during heavy pumping because of its weight. A stationary pump keeps the float from catching on the basin side and failing to operate properly.

♦ If you are want a pump that is durable, a cast iron pump is the best. They are built for longevity. The epoxy finish coating retards cast iron corrosion. Zoeller cast iron pumps are known to last over 25 years. Some home owners have had theirs for 40 years.

♦ Replacement parts are easy to find for cast iron pumps. This gives the home owner an eco-friendly way to handle sump pump issues. Rather than discard, fix it. The cost is much less.