🔧 Plumbing Tools and Equipment – B1/B2

English for Plumbers | Intermediate to Upper Intermediate

Vocabulary

Study these words before doing the exercises.

torque wrench
a wrench that tightens fittings to a precise level of force to prevent over-tightening
"Use the torque wrench to tighten the compression fitting to the correct specification."
pipe bender
a tool used to bend metal pipe to a specific angle without collapsing it
"Use the pipe bender to form a ninety-degree bend in the copper."
inspection camera
a small flexible camera used to look inside pipes and drains
"Feed the inspection camera into the drain to locate the blockage."
deburring tool
a tool used to remove sharp edges from the inside of a cut pipe
"Run the deburring tool around the inside edge before fitting the joint."
flux brush
a small brush used to apply flux evenly to copper pipe before soldering
"Apply flux with the flux brush to every joint surface."
compression tester
a device used to check that pressure inside a system holds steady after a repair
"Run the compression tester across all joints before signing off the job."
pipe freezing kit
a kit that freezes water in a pipe section to create a temporary block
"Use the pipe freezing kit so you can work on the joint without draining the system."
drain snake
a long flexible steel cable used to clear blockages deep inside a drain
"The plunger did not clear it. Try the drain snake."
multimeter
an electrical testing device used to measure voltage, current and resistance
"Check the pump connections with the multimeter before replacing it."
pressure relief valve
a safety valve that opens automatically to release excess pressure
"The pressure relief valve has activated. The system pressure is too high."
pipe lagging
insulating material wrapped around pipes to prevent heat loss or freezing
"Fit pipe lagging to all exposed pipework in the loft."
PTFE tape
a white thread seal tape used on threaded joints to prevent leaks
"Wrap PTFE tape clockwise around the thread before fitting the valve."
crimping tool
a tool used to join pipes with push-fit fittings by compressing a metal ring
"Use the crimping tool to secure the push-fit connection on the manifold."
hydraulic pump
a hand or powered pump used to pressurise a system for leak testing
"Attach the hydraulic pump and raise the pressure to six bar for the test."
isolation tool
a specialist tool used to close off a pipe at the stopcock without draining
"The isolation tool lets you work on the tap without turning off the main supply."

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.

🔍 Diagnostic and Testing

✂️ Cutting and Joining

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.
Engineer: Before you start, check all the joints with the hydraulic pump. We need six bar for ten minutes.

Plumber: Understood. I will also wrap PTFE tape on every threaded connection first.

Engineer: Good. The drain in bay three is blocked. Have you tried the drain snake?

Plumber: Yes, no luck. I think I need the inspection camera to see exactly where the obstruction is.

Engineer: Fine. Also, we cannot drain the mains section. Use the pipe freezing kit to isolate it.

Plumber: I have the kit in the van. After the repair, should I test the joint with the compression tester?

Engineer: Yes, and make sure you use the deburring tool on the cut ends before fitting the joints.

Plumber: Always do. I will also cover the new pipework in the roof space with pipe lagging.

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.