Roots in the Sump Pump

[Steven Norris]

So I've heard of roots getting into the plumbing and pipes, but this is the first I've seen where the roots have intruded into the Sump Pump.

Sump pump still runs and turns on but we can clearly see the roots in there. 

I've asked two different plumbers and they said either to replace the whole thing or just kill and clean the roots out through a variety of methods.

Who else has seen or had this, and what did you end up doing?