🔧 Bathroom and Kitchen Fitting – B1/B2

English for Plumbers | Intermediate to Upper Intermediate

Vocabulary

Study these words before doing the exercises.

thermostatic cartridge
the internal mechanism inside a thermostatic tap or shower valve that controls temperature
"Replace the thermostatic cartridge if the shower temperature is not stable."
wall hung
a fixture that is mounted directly onto the wall with no floor contact
"The wall hung toilet keeps the floor clear and is easier to clean."
concealed cistern
a cistern that is hidden inside the wall behind a wall hung toilet
"The concealed cistern is fitted inside the stud wall before the tiles go on."
shower tray
the base unit of a shower enclosure that collects and drains water
"Set the shower tray level before connecting the waste pipe."
wet room
a fully waterproofed bathroom where the shower area has no enclosure or tray
"A wet room requires the entire floor to be waterproofed and tanked."
linear drain
a long narrow drain channel used in wet rooms and modern shower areas
"Fit the linear drain along the wall edge for a clean modern finish."
back-to-wall
a toilet design where the pan sits against the wall with the cistern concealed behind
"The back-to-wall toilet connects to the concealed cistern through the wall."
tanking
the process of applying a waterproof membrane to walls and floors before tiling
"The tanking must be completed and fully cured before any tiles are fixed."
substrate
the surface underneath tiles, such as the wall or floor board being tiled onto
"Check the substrate is solid and level before applying the adhesive."
macerator
an electric unit that grinds waste and pumps it through a narrow pipe
"A macerator allows you to install a toilet where there is no soil pipe."
extractor fan
a ventilation unit fitted in bathrooms to remove moisture and prevent damp
"Fit the extractor fan above the shower to prevent condensation on the ceiling."
non-return valve
a valve that allows flow in one direction only, preventing backflow
"Fit a non-return valve on the cold water feed to the macerator."
flexible connector
a short braided hose used to connect taps and valves to the supply pipes
"Use a flexible connector to connect the tap tail to the isolation valve."
service valve
a valve fitted under a tap or appliance to allow servicing without turning off the mains
"There should be a service valve under every tap and appliance."
counter-top basin
a basin that sits on top of a vanity unit rather than being built into it
"Seal around the base of the counter-top basin with silicone."

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.

🚿 Bathroom Installation

🛡️ Sealing and Waterproofing

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.
Site Manager: Is the tanking completed on the wet room floor and walls?

Plumber: Yes, finished yesterday. It needs another twenty-four hours before the tiler starts.

Site Manager: Good. What about the concealed cistern? Has it been fitted inside the stud wall yet?

Plumber: Yes, that is in. I also fitted a non-return valve on the macerator feed to prevent backflow.

Site Manager: Good thinking. Is there a service valve under each tap so the client can service them easily?

Plumber: All fitted. The shower temperature is not stable either. I think the thermostatic cartridge is worn.

Site Manager: Replace it then. And make sure the extractor fan above the shower is wired and working.

Plumber: It is wired. I will test it before handover. The linear drain is also fitted and levelled.

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.