Cast-Iron Or Plastic Sump Pumps?

Do Sump Pumps Made From Cast-Iron Or Plastic Provide The Best Value?

At Basement Systems, we proudly install cast-iron Zoeller® Sump Pumps. Each pump is factory tested in-house while completely submerged in water.

After decades of research, testing, and installation, we stand by this brand as the most reliable and well-engineered in the marketplace.

More about Zoeller Sump Pumps

In this business, we know that no two sump pumps are the same. In fact, the difference between two different sump pump models can be enormous!

Do matter what model or design you choose, however, there are two types of sump pumps: those made of plastic, and those built with cast-iron.

At Basement Systems, our experts prefer to install cast-iron sump pumps, which we find to be, by far, the most effective and reliable systems available.

We Do Not Manufacture Sump Pumps!

Basement Systems is not a manufacturer of sump pumps! This leaves us free to research and use only the best systems in the marketplace.

To create the best systems in the marketplace, we've spent decades tirelessly researching and testing different sump pump systems to find the one that will bring you the best value possible.

Across our network, we've installed hundreds of thousands of sump pump systems, and we've seen many, many more. No one knows better what works, what doesn't, and what can keep your basement dry all the time!

Comparing Cast-Iron & Plastic Sump Pump Systems

So which system should be installed? Each contractor has their own preference in choosing to install either a plastic or cast-iron sump system.

When selecting either a cast-iron or plastic sump pump, consider these three important points:

Pump Cost & Value

Generally speaking, a plastic sump pump will be the less expensive system to purchase. This is because the plastic parts cost less than their cast-iron counterparts, and also because the materials are much lighter during shipping.

However, it's important to remember that, over the lifetime of your home, you will replace and service your sump pump several times. When deciding which system will offer you the best value, it's worth looking at your sump system in terms of value, not cost.

A cast-iron sump pump may outlive several generations of comparable plastic pumps, making them the better long-term investment, as well as the cost of hiring a contractor to replace your failed system.

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Pump Durability & Lifespan

Both plastic and cast-iron sump pumps will show signs of wear and tear over time. Plastic pumps can yellow and crack, while cast-iron systems may corrode.

It's important to remember that plastic sump pumps will also generally have a plastic impeller -- the part of the pump that pulls water into the system and sends it moving through the discharge line.

These plastic impellers are much easier to damage or strip off the motor shaft than their cast-iron counterparts. Plastic impellers are also vulnerable to additional damage or breaking when rocks or similar debris are pulled into the system.

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Heat Dispersal Capabilities

A sump pump generates a lot of heat as it operates -- and if that heat builds up enough, it will cause the pumping motor to break down. This is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure.

The systems that are most resistant to overheating will have the best chance of operating without failure.

Factors that maximize the cooling ability of a sump system include motors that have a single housing (instead of two or more), and those that can be submerged in water, which will cool the system as it operates. A sump pump system with a cast-iron housing will best distribute heat from the motor, ensuring the longest operating lifespan.

Protect Your Home From Flooding With A Submersible Sump Pump!

At Basement Systems, our experts specialize in waterproofing and sump pump systems of all types. We can install a customized, warrantied system quickly in your home -- most often in one, perhaps two days.

It costs you nothing to meet with your local dealer! To schedule an appointment for a free, no-obligation sump pump installation estimate, contact us by phone or e-mail today!!

Your free estimate includes an on-site inspection and measurement of your basement, as well as a professional consultation. We'll answer any questions you have about your wet basement, our services, and our products, and we'll work with you to create a customized system that can accomplish everything you'd like for your basement.

Before our visit, we'll also mail along a complimentary copy of one of our full-color waterproofing books: Wet Basement Science or Crawl Space Science. These books are powerful research tools that will provide you with everything you need to know about your problem, how to solve it, and what we do to provide a warrantied solution.

Our network of more than 300 dealerships serve homeowners across Canada and the United States. Contact us today to get started!