Text conversation
Texting a plumber about a leak, in French
Water under the sink on a Sunday. Text a French plumber: describe the leak, send a photo, ask for a price and agree a time. Pick the clearest replies.
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In short
Say where the water is (sous l'évier, au pied des toilettes), how bad it is (==ça goutte = it drips==, ça coule = it runs), what you've done (j'ai coupé l'eau) and ask about cost and timing: Combien coûte le déplacement ? Vous pouvez passer quand ?
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- Bonjour, j'ai une fuite sous l'évier de la cuisine. Vous intervenez le dimanche ?Hello, I have a leak under the kitchen sink. Do you come out on Sundays?
- Bonjour. Oui, avec un supplément. C'est une grosse fuite ?Hello. Yes, with a surcharge. Is it a big leak?
Describe it precisely
- Vu. C'est sûrement le joint du siphon. Déplacement 60 €, plus la pièce.Seen. It's probably the trap seal. Call-out €60, plus the part.
Ask about timing
- Vers 14 h, ça vous va ?Around 2 pm, does that suit you?
Confirm with the address
Phrases from the conversation
| French | English |
|---|---|
| une fuite | a leak |
| Ça goutte. | It's dripping. |
| couper l'eau | to turn off the water |
| le siphon / le joint | the trap / the seal |
| le déplacement | the call-out charge |
| un devis | a quote |
In France, ask for un devis (a written quote) for bigger jobs. Sunday and evening call-outs cost more, and you should be wary of unknown numbers on flyers. Your syndic or landlord may have a plumber they trust, and your assurance habitation may cover water damage (un dégât des eaux).
- J'ai un trou d'eau.J'ai une fuite.
A leak is une fuite.
- J'ai fermé l'eau.J'ai coupé l'eau.
Fermer le robinet for a tap; couper l'eau for the supply.