But when you go shopping for a new pump, the endless options and never-ending (and often conflicting) consumer reviews are enough to drive you crazy.

When you find yourself in need of a new drain pump, we’re here to help make the buying decision an easier one. Liberty pumps (like the Liberty pumps 404 model) and Zoeller pumps (like Zoeller pumps 105 model) are some of the best, so we’ll take a look at both and compare the two while providing helpful buying tips along the way.

The Basics: When Do You Need a Drain Pump?

Usually, drain pumps are found under sinks and with other small appliances, like a dehumidifier, water softener, washing machine, or laundry tray where gravity fed drain line isn’t available.

Typically, you’ll figure out that you need a drain pump at an inconvenient time—like in the middle of a home remodel or when you’re almost done finishing your basement—and you’ll want to buy that pump and get it installed quickly and without much fuss.

To help you do that, we’ve compiled this quick comparison of two of the best pumps on the market; the Liberty pumps 404 and the Zoeller pumps 105.

The Best Zoeller Pumps and Liberty Pumps

We understand how frustrating it is to scour the internet and local retailers for the best deal, especially when it comes to something as complex as a pump. Sure, you can go to a box store and buy a basic drain pump, and it might last a few months or even a couple years, but then you’re back to searching for a quality solution.

To make it easier for you to choose the best option the first time, we looked at reviews, ratings, and prices and chose the following two pump brands and models for you to consider first:

• Zoeller pump’s 105 model is a tough little drain pump that will work for nearly any small appliance application you might need (like garbage disposal, wet bar sink, or air conditioner). This top-quality Zoeller pump is extremely durable and will last. You’ll get your project done right the first time, and you won’t have to keep going back to fix the pump you just bought. Customer reviews rave that this one is really low maintenance.
• Another great option is the Liberty pumps 404 model. Liberty pumps may be a bit less popular than Zoeller, but customers rate them extremely well. They offer durable, long-lasting drain pumps that are also quiet and efficient. The 404 is a smart little automatic pump with a 1/3 HP motor, and it comes with the standard Liberty three-year warranty!

Liberty and Zoeller: Two of the Best

Why did we really choose these two models (the Zoeller pumps 105 and the Liberty pumps 404)? Because Zoeller and Liberty consistently rate among the best in the industry overall. These two models, specifically, boast high ratings and solid reviews and are priced competitively for their excellent quality, a key factor in our decision.

A Bit About Liberty Pumps

Liberty pumps (and the splashy Liberty pumps 404) are some of the best. Liberty is a family and employee-owned company that also happens to be a leading US-based manufacturer of high-quality pumps.

A Look at Zoeller Pumps

Zoeller pumps, like the Zoeller pumps 105 model, are consistently top-rated as well. Zoeller is a family-owned business that was founded in 1939. Over more than seven decades, it has established itself as a reliable leader in the industry and continues to provide high-quality solutions.

PumpProducts.com: Your Liberty Pumps and Zoeller Pumps Dealer

When you’re in the market for a new Liberty pump or Zoeller pump, check out our full-service website or call our customer service counter at 1-800-429-0800 to talk to an expert who can help you figure out which pump will work best for you. We specialize in pumps, and we’re among the largest online dealers for Liberty and Zoeller, two of the world’s most respected pump brands.

We carry both the Liberty pump 404 models and Zoeller pumps 105 you read about in this article. PumpExpress.com also happens to offer the guaranteed lowest prices on Zoeller pumps and Liberty pumps!

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PumpExpress.com has substantially increased its inventory of sump and dewatering pumps for Spring 2013. We have also taken on a new line of gas-powered trash pumps and accessories in response to increased demand for these products in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“Since 2011 we’ve had two storm events classified as “100-year storms” that resulted in major flooding,” says Pump Express Sales Manager Fred Hettinger. “The subsequent rise in demand for sump pumps and other dewatering equipment—particularly for pumps that will run if the power goes out—played a major role in our stocking decisions this year.”

Rising demand for storm water pumps that will operate in challenging applications has led Pump Express to increase both the quantity and power of the dewatering equipment on offer in 2013.

“Traditional sump pumps move 30-50 gallons a minute. The newer equipment we’re stocking now is moving in excess of 200 gallons a minute,” says Hettinger. “In many cases we’ve doubled and tripled our stock of these pumps.”

Liberty, Zoeller, BJM, PHCC Pro Series and Berkeley are among the manufacturers most heavily represented in the 2013 inventory additions.

“Two years ago I would have never thought of bringing in a gas-powered trash pump because it’s a specialized pump designed to move large volumes of clear water in areas without a ready power source like a construction site,” says Hettinger “Post-Sandy, diesel and gas-powered pumps have become a growing segment of the pump market precisely because they can pump tremendous amounts of water without using electrical power.”

With some of the largest property management companies in the country approaching him to obtain this equipment, Hettinger believes that it’s growing popularity is not limited to flood-stricken areas of the Northeast.

“We’ve gotten requests for powerful dewatering pumps from throughout the Midwest and as far West as California because they’re currently flooding or they’re looking for pumps to keep on hand when flooding occurs,” says Hettinger. “There’s a greater need now to have the equipment in place to protect property and facilities and prevent storm damage from occurring. Pump Express is committed to providing customers with all of the pumping equipment they need.”

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“Up until a few years ago, the average person didn’t think much about their pumping equipment,” says PumpExpress.com’s pump product expert Craig McCrickard. “If you lived in a flood zone you might check on your sump pump in the spring but that’s about it. The megastorms we’ve seen in recent years changed that, particularly in hard hit areas like the Northeast. Today homeowners are not only looking for reliable sump pumps but also back-up systems that will kick in if the power goes out.”

McCrickard is part of a team assembled to raise the bar on what on-line pump shoppers are offered in terms of selection and information. The new venture will incorporate best practices used by veteran on-line retailers including pull-down menus, shopper reviews and buyers guides into an easy-to-use shopping site devoted to pumps, repair parts and accessories. A limited selection of electric motors and generators will also be offered.

“There’s been a lot of opportunity for road testing during the last few years with several manufacturers emerging as clear leaders.” says McCrickard. “Zoeller, Liberty Pumps and PHCC Pro Series are the three main wastewater pump manufacturers we’ll be focusing on. We plan to offer their sump, sewage and effluent pumps as stand-alone units and packaged systems. BJM puts out a great line of shredder pumps that we’ll be introducing a lot of customers to.”

The new site will also offer pumps for the full range of domestic non-wastewater applications including HVAC, recirculation and irrigation.

“The main thing that distinguishes PumpPoduct.com from Pump Express, our flagship site, is a shopping cart,” says General Manager Ed Drejman. “PumpExpress.com will continue to provide essential pump sizing and selection services to the commercial and industrial clients who require it, while PumpProducts.com will cater to the on-line shopper who has a pretty good idea of what he or she needs and is primarily interested in getting a quality pump at the best price.”

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“The vast majority of our Zoeller pump sales were large sewage pumps,” says Sales Manager Fred Hettinger. “A lot of our customers are in commercial facility, apartment building and warehouse management – all areas where high quality, cast iron sewage pumps are in heavy use. Zoeller puts out a strong product and we stock a lot of it. In 2012 this translated to 30% of our total sales.”

Liberty Pumps came in second, supplying 14% of all pumps sold. The Upstate New York-based manufacturer specializes in commercial grade sewage pumps for use in both commercial and residential markets. In 2012 Pump Express began promoting Liberty sewage pumps for their quality design, solid construction and short lead time.

“Liberty keeps everything in stock so customers never wait more than two days for delivery, which has been a strong selling point,” says Hettinger. “They have an incredible grinder pump called the Omnivore. I have customers requesting that pump over other grinder pumps at a rate of 3-to-1.”

Berkeley irrigation pumps took third place, comprising 13% of sales.

“Our strongest market for Berkley pumps is in the Midwest,” says Hettinger. “Berkeley picked a small market and cultivated it. That, coupled with great pricing, make their product very tough to beat.”

Armstrong came in fourth, providing 10% of total sales, but was Pump Express’s #1 supplier of HVAC equipment.

“Armstrong has done a very good job of creating a product that’s as good as other leading brands, but more cost effective,” says Hettinger. “When our customers are looking to buy a new pump, they’ll often choose an Armstrong pump. By comparison, Bell & Gossett pumps tend to be more economical to repair than to replace.”

Bell & Gossett rounded out the top five, comprising 8% of Pump Express sales in 2012.

“B & G has been a leading name in HVAC equipment across the Northeast for 60 years. Last year we sold a lot of parts to support pumps already out in the market, often in areas affected by flooding.”

While Hurricane Sandy gave a major boost to the sale of sump pumps and other flood remediation equipment in 2012, the sluggish economy continued to temper large commercial and industrial pump sales.

“We sold a lot of pump parts because we have the knowledge and expertise to match the parts to a customer’s product. Replacing a $300 pump is one thing, a $6,000 pump is one you’re going to try and repair. In the last year we’ve increased the parts we stock for Armstrong pumps, Bell & Gossett pumps and Taco pumps because the demand is so strong.”

Browse these and other top brand pumps at www.pumpexpress.com or call us for details: 1-800-298-4100

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“Every time we get one of these storms we learn about what customers are looking for and what the best products to serve their needs are, not just during the storm, but after as well,” says Pump Express Sales Manager Fred Hettinger.

Many homeowners who would have put off installing battery back-up pumps in their basements prior to the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene last year took the plunge in the aftermath and were on point for Sandy.

“Before the storm we sold a lot of deep cycle batteries for battery back-up pumps,” says Hettinger. “We typically increase our stock of these items in the spring and fall so we were able to meet customer demand.”

Power outages across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have raised the profile of battery-powered backup pumps and water-powered back-up pumps are gaining popularity in areas with municipal water supplies. Hettinger affirms that meeting the demand for battery and water-powered models will be a priority in the coming year.

“After the storm we had a lot of people calling for trash pumps so that’s another item we’ll be keeping in stock,” says Hettinger. “They’re used when large amounts of water need to be removed from roads, buildings and basements and they’re gas operated so you don’t need electricity to run them. I’m also stocking 50-foot, 2-inch fire hoses which are good for dewatering basements and 25-foot plastic corrugated hoses which a lot of people will attach to a second sump pump to assist the primary pump in pumping water from a residential basement.”

A problem associated with megastorm rains is water flowing into homes faster than consumer-grade sump pumps can operate. In light of the recent rise in storm frequency and intensity, growing numbers of residents are exploring heavier-duty pumps.

“We have a number of good products that we’re carrying now,” says Hettinger. “In the primary pump market we’re using a lot of Liberty pumps which are all cast iron and have an epoxy coating that resists oxidation. Pro Series manufactures a great product for the customer who’s looking for a turn-key product that’s both a primary pump and a battery back up pump. Their battery-back up pumps typically move 2-3 times the amount of water that a standard battery back-up pump does. For the customer who’s looking for a permanently-installed commercial grade dewatering system which ranges anywhere from ¾ to 15 horsepower, we stock heavy-duty
Liberty and Zoeller pumps. Above that we get into our larger dewatering pumps of which we have all kinds.”

“As for entirely new products” Hettinger says, “We’re exploring large pump rentals, including 4-inch and 6-inch trailer-mounted pumps.”

For more information on these and other pumps visit our website: www.pumpexpress.com or call  1-800-298-4100.

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