Zoeller 508-0005 Aquanot 508 DC Battery Back-Up Sump Pump: Peace of Mind

Mike and Mary

There’s a saying in the sump pump world that there are two kinds of people: those who have backup sump pumps and those who haven’t lost power in a flash flood. In a nutshell, this means you need a backup sump pump no matter how good your AC main sump pump is, because if you lose power, your AC sump pump’s not going to do anything for you. And naturally, that power loss is going to occur when your main pump was working like crazy to keep up with a thunderstorm or flash flood. The math is simple: spending a few hundred dollars now can keep you from spending thousands more when cleaning your basement, buying new furniture, and replacing big screen TVs, stereos, video games, musical instruments, and other precious possessions after a flooded basement. So what’s worth buying?

When it comes to DC backup sump pumps, the best we’ve yet come across in terms of technological sophistication is the Wayne WSM3300. It’s a backup sump pump capable of running monthly self tests and calling you and several other numbers if your power runs out or if it runs into maintenance issues. Frankly, we love it. But if you don’t need or want the smart functionality, and simply want reliability, you might want to check out the Zoeller 508-0005 Aquanot 508 Battery Back-Up System. It’s one of the best DC backup pumps on the market, and works exceptionally well with a number of quality Zoeller AC sump pumps like the M267 (the best AC pump we’ve ever reviewed), the M98, the M63, the M57, and the M53. We’ll take a closer look at it below, but if you’re simply interested in knowing if it’s a good deal before buying it, know that we fully recommend it, and you can buy it here.

Key Features of the Zoeller 508-0005 Backup Sump Pump (60 Second Summary)

The Zoeller 508-0005 is a pre-assembled battery backup submersible sump pump. The backup pump is a 12-volt DC-powered motor. It has a maximum water flow rate of 2,340 gallons per hour and comes with a variable warranty of 12 months from installation, 18 months from the manufacture date, or 36 months if purchased with a Zoeller Aquanot AGM battery and used as a backup pump. It is 10.5 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide, and 8.5 inches long and weighs 16.3 pounds on our scale. Zoeller specifically notes that this is not a bilge pump.

The Zoeller 508-0005 requires a 12-volte battery to function; this battery is not included. You will need to purchase a 27, 29, or 31-size deep cycle battery containing at least 175 minutes of reserve capacity with maximum dimensions of 13″ in length, 7.5″ in width, and 9.5″ in height to fit inside the supplied battery case. With additional hookup wire, you can add additional batteries. Examples of compatible batteries include the MK-E27-SLD-G we reviewed, as well as the Zoeller Aquanot AGM.

The Zoeller 508-0005 includes a control box that provides information through an LCD screen of battery voltage, including LED light indicators to alert you to battery charging states, AC power levels, and the activation of the float due to high water. You can also silence the high water alarm for 24 hours via the control box. Although the backup pump can pump a maximum of 2,340 gallons per hour at zero feet, the flow rate drops to 1,800 GPH at 10 feet, 1,200 GPH at 15 feet, 360 GPH at 20 feet, and shut-off occurs at 22 feet. The working temperature spans 40-120 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the manual, you’ll need a sump pit at least 18″ in diameter and at least 24″ deep, although you can probably squeeze it into slightly narrower pits.

How Does the Zoeller 508-0005 Compare to the Wayne WSM3300 Backup Sump Pump?

The main differences between the Zoeller 508-0005 and a smart pump like the Wayne WSM3300 lie in the sophistication of the latter’s self-monitoring and autodial features. While you can connect the Zoeller to a home security alarm or auto dialers, allowing you to receive texts, emails, or other notifications of alarm activation (e.g., the AC power alarm, the low battery alarm, or the high water alarm), it will not take these actions simply when connected to a phone line, the way the WSM3300 will. In that sense, it isn’t independently smart. What it does provide you with is a stellar level of reliability. We’ve seen 508 backup units in use for a decade after installation while continuing to work without a hitch. It is important to note, however, that the WSM3300 is also a significantly faster backup pump than the 508-0005. As we’ve noted in a different review, if absolute speed of water removal is a priority under a DC backup system, you’ll want the WSM3300.

Besides that, we found the Zoeller 508-0005 to be compatible with a wide range of primary sump pumps. In essence, the backup pump doesn’t need to know the primary pump exists; it simply benefits from the existence of the primary pump by not needing to run whenever there’s water in the sump pit. The float switch for the main pump is installed lower than that for the backup pump so the backup pump only activates when the main pump is having trouble keeping up with water flow (or of course, when a power outage occurs ans the main pump stops entirely).

Our Short and Long Term Experiences Installing and Using the Zoeller 508-0005 Backup Sump Pump

Overall installation experiences were painless, even if you aren’t a sump pump installer. Remember to install a battery in the battery case and plug the whole unit in so the battery is kept on a full charge. If you want to take advantage of auto-dial features, you’ll also need to connect it to your dedicated alarm system.

In terms of long-term feedback, we’ve typically only heard good things about the Zoeller 508-0005, whether when installed independently or when installed as part of a combination sump pump package (e.g., the Zoeller 508-0007, or the Zoeller 508-0006). You can expect 10 years or more of reliable service from it if you’re lucky, and we’ve heard from a number of homeowners and plumbers with longer successful installations.

Troubleshooting and Installation Tips to Get Your Zoeller 508-0005 Working Sooner

When your installation is complete, check your indicator lights to make sure everything is in good shape. When AC power is connected, your AC light should be green; it will blink red when you lose power. Similarly, your battery charging indicator will be green with a fully charged battery, yellow with a charging battery, and red with a low battery. The red light will blink slowly for a voltage below 10.8 volts and quickly for a battery with fewer than 8.4 volts. Any low battery should trigger a low battery alarm.

A yellow light will blink when your float activates due to high water, and the light will remain solid after 3 seconds of activation. Your high water alarm should also activate along with your yellow light; remember that pressing the alarm reset will reset all alarms. If you press and hold it for 3 seconds, you will silence all alarms for 24 hours; this is handy when you know you’ve got a high water situation but have confidence that your pump or pumps will handle it.

Zoeller 508-0005 Backup Sump Pump’s Pros, Cons, and Value Comparison

Overall, we’re happy to recommend the Zoeller 508-0005 as a backup DC sump pump. It’s not a smart backup sump pump in the sense of the Wayne WSM3300, but it’s a reliable little machine that works well with a range of AC sump pumps. We’d recommend choosing the Wayne if you want the communicative and self-testing abilities it features (or if you need the high pumping rates it provides) and choosing the Zoeller if those aren’t priorities. Either sump pump will keep your basement dry.

You can buy the Zoeller 508-0005 here on Amazon. You can buy the Wayne WSM3300 here. You can buy the Zoeller 508-0007 here. You can buy the Zoeller 508-0006 here. You can buy the Zoeller 507-0008 here. You can buy the Wayne WSSM40V here. You can buy the Zoeller AGM battery here. You can buy the MK E27-SLD-G battery here.

If you find our work at PumpThatSump helpful, you can put our relentless reviewing of every pump and fixture on the market to the test by shopping via our links above for whatever you need to make your house a home. Despite being self-employed, we promise not to spend it all on health insurance.

Zoeller 507-0008 Pre-Assembled Sump Pump Review: A Top Battery Backup System For $500

Mike and Mary

Whenever we’re contracted for a single family home sump pump installation, we’re often asked whether it’s worth spending a bit extra on a combination AC/DC system. Our answer is almost always yes! While it can be tempting to simply buy a good AC system (the best we’ve found is the Zoeller M267), we find it better to either have a dedicated DC backup pump (e..g, the Wayne WSM3300) or, if you don’t have one already, a combination AC/DC sump pump system. The point of such a system is to give your basement a chance to stay dry if you lose AC power during a flash flood or heavy rainfall. Investing a few hundred dollars ahead of time can save you thousands in basement cleanup and furniture and electronics replacement after a flood. So what systems are worth considering?

We’ve already reviewed the Wayne WSSM40V, which is our favorite combination AC/DC system on the market so far due to its combination of a good AC sump pump and a smart DC pump with self-test and telephoning capabilities. The Wayne WSS30V is a cheaper alternative also worth considering. Today we’ll take a look at another highly reliable system, the Zoeller 507-0008 Pre-assembled sump pump with battery backup and M53 pump. Combining a solid DC pump, the Zoeller Model 507-0005 Basement Sentry backup, with one of our favorite AC pumps, the Zoeller M53, the Zoeller 507-0008 is well worth considering for any homeowner or landlord interested in a low maintenance and long-lasting solution. You can read our full review below, but if you simply want to know whether it’s worth buying, we firmly believe it is, and you can buy it here.

Key Features of the Zoeller 507-0008 Sump Pump (60 Second Summary)

The Zoeller 507-0008 is a pre-assembled primary and battery backup combination submersible sump pump package. The main pump is AC-powered and is the Zoeller M53; the backup is DC-powered and is a Model 507 Basement Sentry backup. A 1/3rd horsepower motor powers the main pump while a 12 volt motor powers the backup. The primary pump has a maximum water flow rate of 2,580 gallons per hour at zero feet (1,380 GPH in the backup). We could not find warranty information. It is 19.2″ inches long, 13.5″ inches wide, and 21.5″ inches tall.

The Zoeller 507-0008 draws 4.7-9.7 amps and has a battery backup, although the battery is not included. You will need a 27, 29, or 31-size deep cycle battery with at least a 175 minute reserve capacity and maximum dimensions of 13″ in length, 7.5″ in width, and 9.5″ in height to fit the battery case. Multiple batteries can be used if an additional battery case with a hookup wire is ordered. The MK-E27-SLD-G is an example of a deep cycle battery we’ve reviewed that would work well with the Zoeller.

The power cord is 8 feet long and the entire apparatus weighs 53 pounds on our scale. Although the main discharge flow can reach 2,580 gallons per hour at zero feet, it drops to 2,040 gallons per hour at 10 feet, 1,140 gallons per hour at 15 feet, and the main pump is inoperative by 20 feet. The backup pump can pump up to 1,380 gallons per hour at zero feet. It drops to 900 GPH at 10 feet, 300 GPH at 15 feet, and shut-off occurs at 17.5 feet.

The working temperature spans 40-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Per the manual, you’ll need a sump pit at least 18″ in diameter and at least 24″ deep, although you can probably squeeze it into slightly narrower pits.

How Does the Zoeller 507-0008 Compare to the Wayne WSSM40V Sump Pump?

The primary differences between the Zoeller 507-0008 and the Wayne WSSM40V are in the sophistication of the backup pump; the Model 507 DC pump in the Zoeller is a hardworking and reliable battery-powered backup pump, but it doesn’t have the smart features of the WSSM40V’s WSM3300 DC sump. It’s not going to call you in an emergency, and it doesn’t perform monthly self tests. However, when it comes to reliability, the M53 main pump found in the Zoeller is more reliable than the CDU800 found in the Wayne (we’d estimate up to a 15-year lifespan in the Zoeller), which reduces the odds of your needing the backup pump’s functionality to begin with. It’s important to note that both the main and backup sump pumps in the WSSM40V are significantly faster than their respective pumps in the Zoeller; in fact, the backup pump in the Wayne is faster than the primary pump in the Zoeller. When you buy the Zoeller, you’re not buying speed so much as longevity.

Our Short and Long Term Experiences Installing and Using the Zoeller 507-0008 Sump Pump

Installing the Zoeller 507-0008 is a snap, even if you don’t install sump pumps for a living. You simply cut your PVC pipe to fit and slide the pump into your sump pit. With the clamps and rubber coupling, you should be able to get a good seal. Remember you’ll also need to drop in a battery and plug in the charger so the battery doesn’t just run dry. The indicator lights should be green when the battery is charged and everything is in good condition. Keep in mind that the backup pump is tilted deliberately; you don’t need to straighten it.

Noise-wise, we have next to no complaints because it’s nearly inaudible when running; this backed up our experiences using the M53 by itself. Our long term feedback suggests it’s easy to get at least 10 years of consistent, trouble-free service from the Zoeller, and we’re aware of several homeowners and plumbers with maintenance-free installations at the 15-year mark.

Troubleshooting and Installation Tips to Get Your Zoeller 507-0008 Working Sooner

The top thing to remember when you install your Zoeller 507-0008 in your sump basin is that you’re going to need a 12 volt deep cycle battery to run it. If you don’t install one, you’ll have a good AC pump, but your backup DC pump won’t do anything for you when the power cuts out and the water starts rising. The MK E27-SLD-G is a good example of a compatible and reliable deep cycle battery. You can fit size 27, 29, or 31 batteries. With a 175-minute reserve capacity battery, you can expect about 7.5 hours of continuous operation. This translates to at least 4 days of intermittent operation, which should be more than enough time for you to get back into town or buy a generator if you’re still without power (perish the thought!).

Although the installation instructions state you should glue your pump assembly together, you might want to consider leaving things separate and simply holding the parts together with rubber hoses and clamps (the kinds used to connect PVC piping); this will allow you to replace elements that may break down in the long haul, such as your check valves.

Once you’ve installed your Zoeller 507-0008, it’s a good idea to test it by running water from a garden hose into your sump pump basin once you’ve turned off your main pump as well as the trickle charger of the backup pump; doing this will simulate a loss of power. When you do so, your backup pump should start working as soon as the float switch is triggered. If it doesn’t, you’ll want to adjust the float switch or positioning of the pump in your sump pit to make sure it does activate as needed.

You might want to consider widening your sump pit to give it more fill time, which also gives your sump pump more time to pump out water before risking overflow into your basement. It isn’t necessary for most homeowners, but if you live in a flood plain or an area with a high water table, it’s worth considering, given that this isn’t the fastest sump pump on the market.

Zoeller 507-0008 Sump Pump’s Pros, Cons, and Value Comparison

Overall, the Zoeller 507-0008 is one of the best combination AC/DC sump pumps on the market. It doesn’t have the smart features of the Wayne WSSM40V, but it does come with the rock solid reliability of the M53 AC pump and the equally durable Model 507 backup pump. Our recommendation would be to choose the Wayne if you’re looking for the communicative and self-monitoring abilities it includes and to choose the Zoeller if reliability is your highest priority. In either case, you’ll have two of the best combination sump pumps on the market.

You can buy the Zoeller 507-0008 here on Amazon. You can buy the Wayne WSSM40V here. You can buy the MK E27-SLD-G battery here. You can buy a cheaper 12 volt deep cycle battery here.