OK, option 1 is not really an option. I guess I would prefer option 2 as long as there is no harm in having an extra check valve in the mix.

Was the problem ever identified and rectified? I am having the same dilemna at my house. I have lived in this ranch built in 1960 for about a year and a half. Two weeks ago I noticed the crock was about 3/4 full and the pump wasn't working. I manually lifted the float and the pump ejected the water that was in the crock. I did this for about 5 cycles and was surprised the crock kept taking on water. I eventually burned the pump out and had to bail the crock by hand. I installed a new 1/2HP submersible pump (someone else bailed while I went to Homeless Depot). The new pump has been cycling twice a minute and the incoming flow is showing no signs of tappering off. I considered a leak in the city water lead to my house but have not noticed any soggy spots in the lawn. I attached a pool hose off the 1-1/2" discharge point outside the house at grade. I ran the pool hose all the way to the ditch at the street to avoid ponding outside the house and further foundation drainage. I am baffled with this situation as the sump did not run like this last spring at this time, and the pump I replaced looked original.... so it must not have been overworked during the last 48 years. We have not had rain in over 6 days and the crock continues to take on a steady stream of water. My only thought is the water table has risen and is now at a depth equivalent to my perimeter foundation drains. My neighbors are not experiencing the same problems - and they're houses are relatively at the same grade as mine. I could replace/add a larger capacity crock.... but I need to get the water to seive before getting into that weekend warrior special. Any other ideas for potential causes before I have to call in the profesionals to assist? Thanks

Take your motor to motor pump repairing guy he will test it, the testing is free, he will find the solution and find the solution to stop the noise. Here is a link that might be useful: septic tank aerator

Sympathy extended. If you have a septic tank and also have flush issues, consider having the tank and lines pumped out/emptied. Even a small leak over time can "liquify" surrounding dirt ( create muddy water) and move it, including into the pipe, where it can settle and again become mud. Consider replacing the pipe where any specific clog has been found. That said, the junk -- nails, etc., -- being left in the pump were not a "natural" event and may even have damaged the pump. Your contractor and his plumber(s) need to make this right asap. Some tree roots (especially water friendly ones such as weeping willow) can enter and fill up and stop up septic drain fields. Ditto that for any other drain fields such as sump pump removing rainwater from a basement. Would not have any sump pump that is intended to remove only rain water ( no sewage) be emptied into any septic system. Rainwater runoff needs to be discharged into the yard/roadside ditch. Would not want a sump pump as a default -- would want the exterior and interior of any basement wall waterproofed so no sump pump is needed. That moisture is still in the concrete that has not yet seeped into the basement and puddled on the floor IS still moisture your home will be absorbing, potentially causing health threatening mold and mildew. Do you have a lawyer you've used before/trust -- such as for your real estate closing? Not a lawyer but you may well need to talk with one about protecting yourselves in this situation. Don't threaten getting a lawyer or going to court unless until your lawyer says it's actually in your best interest and the right time to do that. Instead, gather all documents you've signed regarding this build/purchase and document the problems (photographs -- dated notes). In my views, given the sump pump failure, you should consider asking (courteously demanding) waterproofing outside your basement/cellar/foundation wall so the sump pump shouldn't be needed and, if necessary, even seek to withhold payment until the issue is addressed -- but ask your lawyer. Check about waterproofing the exterior of your basement/cellar walls -- requiring digging down beside them -- or at least waterproofing inside the wall.. Check about better landscaping with the objective of "turning the rainwater" away from your basement/cellar wall. Good luck.