The next time you have a broken pipe, leaky faucet, or clogged drain, make sure you’re hiring a plumber that offers full service plumbing. The distinction may not seem necessary until you find your backyard flooding at 3 a.m. due to a burst sewer pipe, but having a company that can fix whatever you need help with, with very few exceptions, can be a godsend. Here’s a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with full service plumbing companies.

• Sewer and Water Line Replacement: The water in your home has to come from somewhere, and the waste has to go somewhere. When these lines become clogged, broken, or just aren’t working as efficiently as they should be, you’ll know it — water and sewage will come bubbling up from their hidden routes deep underground in your backyard. It will be soggy and impassable, and the accompanying smell will be enough to drive away any potential visitors. Full service plumbers are able to install and repair any broken or old sewage and water lines, and usually are open 24/7 — your smelly, wet yard will be a thing of the past before you know it!

• Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer Installation: Since dishwashers and washers/dryer combos (among other appliances) need to be safely connected to your home’s water line, plumbers are an excellent choice to guarantee the job is done right. It’s been estimated that 13.7% of water use is the result of leaks — if installation is not being performed by a professional, they may be contributing that that wastage. There’s also a possibility that you might be able to save money by hiring a plumber rather than using the appliance’s original company for installation.

• Flood Protection Systems: The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it before it ever happens. Flooding can be exceptionally costly in damage, but most people don’t consider prevention until after the fact. Full service plumbing encompasses the implementation of sump pumps, and a detailed system of sensors and switches that can turn valves (in areas such as sinks, refrigerators, water heaters, toilets, etc.) off when an unusual amount of water is detected.

When you’re in need of a plumber or plumbing services, make sure you choose a company that offers full service plumbing. Build up a rapport and a relationship, and they’ll be happy to stop by in the middle of the night to stem the flooding in your basement.