Calling a Plumber for a Leaky Faucet
Someone discovers a leaky faucet in their bathroom and needs to call a plumber to describe the problem and arrange a repair visit.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
schedule
To schedule means to arrange or book an appointment for a service, like calling a plumber. Use it when you want to set a time for something to happen, such as 'I need to schedule a doctor's visit.'
faucet
A faucet is a device that controls the flow of water from a pipe, commonly called a tap. In American English, it's 'faucet'; say 'The kitchen faucet is broken' when describing a water problem at home.
leaking
Leaking means water or liquid is escaping through a hole or crack. It's useful for describing home issues; for example, 'The roof is leaking during rain.'
drip
A drip is a small drop of liquid falling slowly. In home contexts, it describes a faucet problem; say 'The sink has a slow drip' to explain minor leaks.
steady
Steady means regular and continuous, without stopping or changing. Use it for describing consistent actions, like 'a steady drip from the faucet,' to show reliability or pattern.
availability
Availability refers to the times when you are free or can be reached. It's practical for booking services; ask 'What's your availability this week?' when planning meetings.
service call fee
A service call fee is the cost charged for a professional to visit and assess a problem, like a plumber's trip fee. Mention it when discussing repair costs, such as 'What's the service call fee?'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hello, I'd like to schedule a plumber.
This is a polite way to start a service call, using 'I'd like to' for requests. It's useful for booking appointments; the contraction 'I'd' makes it sound natural and courteous in professional conversations.
Can you describe the leak?
This question asks for details about a problem using 'can you' for polite requests. It's practical for service providers to gather information; use it when you need more specifics, like in repairs or customer service.
It's a pretty steady drip, maybe one drip every few seconds.
This describes a problem with adverbs like 'pretty' for approximation and 'maybe' for uncertainty. It's useful for explaining issues clearly; the structure helps intermediate learners practice describing frequency and details in everyday situations.
And is it hot water, cold water, or both?
This uses a question with alternatives ('or both') to clarify details. It's a common pattern for yes/no or choice questions in troubleshooting; use it when diagnosing problems like plumbing or tech issues.
What's your availability like later this week for a visit?
This inquires about free times using 'what's...like' for general availability. It's essential for scheduling; the phrase 'later this week' specifies time, helping learners book services politely and efficiently.
I'm free on Thursday afternoon, after 2 PM, or Friday morning.
This states availability with time expressions like 'after 2 PM' and alternatives with 'or.' It's useful for responding to scheduling questions; practice this to sound natural when arranging meetings or repairs.
The service call fee is $75, which will be credited towards the repair if you proceed.
This explains costs using a relative clause 'which will be' for additional info and conditional 'if you proceed.' It's practical for discussing fees; it teaches how to provide clear financial details in service interactions.