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On-Site Diagnosis and Quotation

A technician arrives at the customer's home, inspects the faulty appliance, diagnoses the problem, and explains the required repairs and associated costs.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Customer (Female)
Hi, thanks for coming. So, the washing machine isn't draining at all. It just fills up and then stops.
2
Technician (Male)
No problem at all. Let me have a look. Is it making any unusual noises when it tries to drain?
3
Customer (Female)
Not really. It's just silent, like it's not even trying. We've checked the lint filter, and that's clear.
4
Technician (Male)
Okay. I'll need to check the pump and the drain hose. It sounds like there might be a blockage further down or the pump itself is faulty.
5
Technician (Male)
Alright, I've had a look. It appears the drain pump is indeed faulty. It's not getting any power, which is why it's silent. There's also some minor blockage in the main drain hose, likely from detergent residue.
6
Customer (Female)
Oh, I see. So, what's the solution then? How much will it cost to fix it?
7
Technician (Male)
We'll need to replace the drain pump and thoroughly clear the drain hose. For parts and labor, the total will be $180. That includes a 90-day warranty on the new pump.
8
Customer (Female)
Okay, $180. That sounds reasonable. Can you do it now?
9
Technician (Male)
Yes, I have the replacement pump with me. I can get it done right away. It should take about an hour to an hour and a half.
10
Customer (Female)
Great! Please go ahead. Thanks a lot.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

draining

The process of removing water or liquid from something, like a washing machine emptying water after a cycle.

lint filter

A screen or trap in appliances like washing machines that catches lint, hair, and small debris to prevent clogs.

pump

A device that moves fluids, such as water, in machines like washing machines to drain or circulate water.

drain hose

A flexible tube that carries water out from an appliance to a drain, often used in washing machines.

blockage

Something that obstructs or blocks the flow, like dirt or residue stopping water from draining.

faulty

Not working properly or broken, used to describe a part or machine that has a defect.

residue

Leftover substance, such as soap or detergent remains that can build up and cause problems.

warranty

A guarantee from the seller or repairer that covers repairs or replacement for a certain period if something goes wrong.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Hi, thanks for coming. So, the washing machine isn't draining at all.

This is a polite way to greet a service person and describe the problem clearly. Use it when explaining an issue to a technician; 'isn't draining' uses present continuous for ongoing problems.

No problem at all. Let me have a look.

A friendly response to show willingness to help. 'Let me have a look' means 'allow me to inspect'; useful for professionals starting a task, with 'no problem' as a casual reassurance.

We've checked the lint filter, and that's clear.

This shares what you've already tried to fix the issue. 'That's clear' means it's not blocked; use in conversations to provide background and show you've done basic troubleshooting.

It sounds like there might be a blockage further down or the pump itself is faulty.

This explains a possible diagnosis politely. 'It sounds like' softens the statement; useful for suggesting causes without being certain, common in service talks.

For parts and labor, the total will be $180.

This quotes the cost breakdown. 'Parts and labor' refers to materials and work; use when giving repair estimates, with 'will be' for future certainty.

That includes a 90-day warranty on the new pump.

This adds details about guarantees. 'Includes' means it's part of the total; helpful for reassuring customers about post-repair support.

That sounds reasonable. Can you do it now?

Expresses agreement on price and asks for immediate action. 'Sounds reasonable' is a polite way to approve; use in negotiations to confirm and proceed.

I can get it done right away. It should take about an hour to an hour and a half.

This confirms quick service and estimates time. 'Get it done' means complete the repair; 'right away' means immediately, useful for setting expectations.