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Repair Work in Progress

The technician is actively working on fixing the appliance, potentially needing to ask the customer questions, explain steps, or request access to power/water.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Technician (Male)
Alright, Mrs. Chen. It looks like the main issue with your washing machine is the drainage pump. I'll need to replace it.
2
Customer (Female)
Oh, I see. Is that a big job? And how long do you think it will take?
3
Technician (Male)
Not too big, usually about 30 to 45 minutes once I have the new part. Do you have a bucket or something similar I could use to catch any residual water from the old pump?
4
Customer (Female)
Yes, I think so. Let me grab one from the utility room. Just a moment.
5
Technician (Male)
Thank you. Also, just to confirm, is the machine unplugged and the water supply turned off?
6
Customer (Female)
Yes, I did that before you arrived. Here's the bucket.
7
Technician (Male)
Perfect, thanks. I'll get started then. I'll let you know once I'm done and we can run a test cycle.
8
Customer (Female)
Sounds good. Just let me know if you need anything else.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

drainage pump

A part in a washing machine that removes dirty water after washing clothes. Useful when talking about appliance problems.

replace

To put a new item or part in place of an old or broken one. Common in repair situations to fix things.

bucket

A round container with a handle, used for carrying or holding water or liquids. Handy for household tasks like cleaning or repairs.

residual

Something that remains after most of it has been removed, like leftover water. Used in technical contexts to describe small amounts left behind.

unplugged

Disconnected from the electrical outlet for safety. Important when working on appliances to avoid shocks.

water supply

The source or pipe that provides water to an appliance, like a washing machine. Turning it off is a safety step during repairs.

test cycle

A short run of the machine to check if it works correctly after repair. Useful for verifying fixes in appliances.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

It looks like the main issue with your washing machine is the drainage pump.

This sentence politely explains the problem found. 'It looks like' softens the statement, making it less direct. Useful for service professionals to inform customers about diagnoses. Grammar: Present simple for facts.

Is that a big job? And how long do you think it will take?

A polite way to ask about the difficulty and time needed for a task. 'How long do you think' shows estimation. Great for customers inquiring about repairs. Grammar: Question form with 'think' for opinions.

Do you have a bucket or something similar I could use to catch any residual water?

This requests an item politely while explaining its purpose. 'Or something similar' means an alternative is okay. Useful in repair scenarios when needing household tools. Grammar: Indirect question with 'could' for politeness.

Just a moment.

A short phrase meaning 'wait briefly.' Very common in everyday English to ask for a short pause. Use it when quickly getting something. No complex grammar; it's idiomatic.

Is the machine unplugged and the water supply turned off?

Confirms safety steps before starting work. 'And' connects two actions. Essential for technicians to ensure safety. Grammar: Yes/no question with parallel structure.

I'll let you know once I'm done and we can run a test cycle.

Promises to inform after finishing and suggests next steps. 'Once' means 'when.' Helpful for updating customers during services. Grammar: Future 'will' with time clause.

Just let me know if you need anything else.

Offers further help politely. 'Let me know' is a common phrase for communication. Use at the end of interactions to show willingness to assist. Grammar: Imperative with 'if' condition.