strange aroma

there is a plumber type fellow in our basement, installing a "clean out" drain, which i don't know what it is, except it will:
1. facilitate another plumber type fellow to be in our basement, actually cleaning out our main line; and
2. cost upwards of 350 clams; and
3. ultimately allow me to use my washing machine again; and
4. possibly get me high, due to some bizarre smelling compound drifting up in the vents. is that a glue smell?
it doesn't really smell good, however i'm too lazy to investigate further. and i need a cigarette and i need --- wait, he's carrying equipment from the basement to his van....is it finished?
it is! now awaiting plumber #2.