We have an exposed cast iron waste pipe connected to a PVC clean-out in basement of our old home. I noticed toilet paper on water heater next to iron pipe but could not see where it may be coming from on pipe itself. We have laundry on second floor and notice a waste smell coming out of sink drain after a load of laundry, any tips?

Any wetness in the basement ? Can you post few photos of your basement drain set up ? Thanks...

Has anyone used that clean out recently? If you have no odor and no wetness this may be some other issue, got any kids?

It looks like at some point there was a small eruption hence the dried TP. I cannot see any wetness around pipes, it may be a little moist in dirt around pipe but it is cold here so not sure if moisture is from temps or what. We do have a kid, why?

It looks like at some point there was a small eruption A "eruption" coming from where? What's open? Back to you, Tom

That's what I mean, I can't see any opening or anything, all I can think of is that there was so much pressure at some point in the cleanout that it came from the rubber sleeve that connects the pvc cleanout to the iron pipe. I have not been in this room all summer and then last week I turned the heat on and was checking the steam pipes in that room when I noticed all this dried TP to one side of the cleanout and pipe. There were no signs like low water pressure or low water in toilet or anything. There is a waste smell coming from the upstairs bath sink when the washing machine is going though. Hmm.

Thanks for the response.

If the bands on the rubber c oupling were loose you could tell just by feel. Even if it leaked the opening would have to be pretty large to allow TP to pass. Find me a opening large enough to pass toilet paper and I'll tell you how to repair it. Did the cleanout cover blow off and then someone replaced it after it happened? Water and moisture U can explain, but I'm having a problem explaining the TP. Cheers, Tom