🔧 Talking to Clients: Boiler Not Working – A2

English for Plumbers | Everyday Scenarios

Vocabulary

Study these words before doing the exercises.

fault
a problem with a machine or system that stops it working correctly
"The boiler has a fault. It will not turn on."
error code
a number or letter on the boiler display that shows what the problem is
"The display shows error code F22. Look it up in the manual."
reset
to press a button to restart the boiler after a fault
"Press the reset button and wait thirty seconds."
ignition
the part of the boiler that creates a spark to light the gas
"The ignition is not working. The boiler cannot start."
gas supply
the pipe and connection that brings gas to the boiler
"Check the gas supply is on before calling an engineer."
pressure
the level of water force inside the heating system
"The pressure is too low. You need to add water to the system."
radiator
a metal panel on the wall that heats a room
"All the radiators in the house are cold."
cold
not producing any heat — describes a boiler or radiator that is not working
"The boiler is cold. It has not been on all night."
restart
to turn something off and back on again to fix a problem
"Try to restart the boiler using the reset button."
service
a regular check and clean of the boiler carried out by an engineer
"The boiler has not had a service for two years."
annual
once a year — describes something that happens every twelve months
"An annual service keeps the boiler working safely."
engineer
a qualified person who installs and repairs gas boilers
"Only a Gas Safe engineer can work on the boiler."
warning light
a light on the boiler that turns on when there is a problem
"The warning light is red. Something is wrong."
lockout
when a boiler shuts itself down because it has detected a fault
"The boiler is in lockout. It will not restart until you fix the fault."
top up
to add water to the heating system to increase the pressure
"Top up the system using the filling loop under the boiler."

Exercise 1 – True or False?

Read each sentence. Is it true or false?

Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

Exercise 3 – Matching

Match each word (1–8) with the correct description (A–H).

Exercise 4 – Gap Fill

Type the correct word in each gap. The word is given in brackets.

Exercise 5 – Word Order

Put the words in the correct order to make a sentence.

Exercise 6 – Word Sort

Click a word to place it in the correct category.

❄️ Describing the Fault

🔧 Fixing the Problem

Exercise 7 – Complete the Conversation

Choose the correct word to complete the conversation.

Exercise 8 – Listening

Listen to the conversation, then answer the questions.

🎧 Listen to the conversation

Press Play to listen.
Client: Hello, my boiler has a fault. It stopped working last night.

Plumber: OK. Is there an error code on the display?

Client: Yes. It says F22.

Plumber: That means the pressure is too low. You need to add water to the system.

Client: How do I do that?

Plumber: Top up the system using the filling loop under the boiler until it reaches one point five bar.

Client: OK I did that. Should I press the reset button now?

Plumber: Yes. If it does not start, the boiler may be in lockout. Call me and I will come out.

Part A – Comprehension Questions

Listen and choose the correct answer.

Part B – Listen and Fill the Gap

Each sentence is from the conversation. One word is missing. Listen and type it.

🏆 Your Scores

ExerciseScoreOut of
1 – True / False–8
2 – Multiple Choice–8
3 – Matching–8
4 – Gap Fill–8
5 – Word Order–8
6 – Word Sort–8
7 – Conversation–8
8a – Listening: Comprehension–5
8b – Listening: Gap Fill–5
Total–66

Complete all exercises to see your total score.