I own a 1920s house in Columbia SC and have recently developed sewer
line problems. Two months ago, following a rain, sewage backed up
into the basement through a floor drain. It happened again last week,
again after a huge rain storm. I'm assuming there is a break in the
line, that it might be terra cotta pipe or cast iron (as it is inside
the basement). The sewer must be 10-12 feet below grade. It connects
to the city line some 50 feet from the house.

I'm hiring someone to snake a camera down the line and pinpoint the
nature and location of the problem. I call it a sewer colonoscopy.
I'm told this is money well spent if it can clearly locate the
problem.

What am I in for here in terms of expense? I'm assuming the worst,
that the pipe is old, terra cotta, and that it will need to be
completely replaced. 50 ft x 12 feet deep

I trust the plumbing company that I've been working with, but I want
to know their bid is competitive and fair.

I welcome your advice.
--Don