Keep Your Water Supply Safe with GEM

Imagine turning on your tap or running your irrigation system, only to discover that water is flowing backward and potentially carrying contaminants into your home. It’s a scenario most homeowners don’t think about until it happens, but backflow can compromise your clean water supply and create serious health risks.

Whether it’s due to old plumbing, irrigation systems, or unexpected pressure changes, protecting your home’s water is essential. With decades of experience serving Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts, GEM Plumbing & Heating Services, LLC installs and maintains backflow preventers that keep your water flowing safely in the right direction.

Our licensed plumbers handle the entire process – from assessment to installation and maintenance – so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your water is protected.

(833) 222-2953

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(833) 222-2953

What Backflow Preventers Are and How They Work

Backflow preventers are specialized devices installed at strategic points in your plumbing system — such as the main water line, irrigation connections, or other high-risk points — to ensure water flows in only one direction. Using check valves and pressure differences, they operate automatically: when water pressure drops or reverses, the valve closes to stop contaminated water, bacteria, chemicals, or debris from flowing back into your clean supply. Many older homes or properties with irrigation systems, pools, or recent plumbing upgrades may not have them installed, which is why GEM evaluates your plumbing and recommends the right solution to keep your water safe and code-compliant.


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What to Expect During Backflow Preventer Installation

GEM makes installing a backflow preventer straightforward from the moment we arrive to the final safety check.

A licensed GEM technician starts by examining your plumbing layout, water pressure, and flow patterns. This helps us determine the right device and the best placement to protect your home’s water supply.

We walk you through the backflow preventer options available for your home, explaining how each works and which best fits your plumbing setup. You’ll receive honest, upfront pricing before we begin, so you can move forward confidently.

Our team installs the device with precision, making sure every connection meets local safety and plumbing codes. GEM handles all the technical details to ensure long-term protection.

Once installed, we fully test the system to confirm everything is working properly. We’ll show you how the device functions and share simple maintenance tips so you know exactly what to expect.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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4.6
Based on 8459 reviews
Eric and Steven are great! So professional and very nice guys! Love them! I will always request them for everything we need or want done here! Love them! Thank you guys 💙
I called for an estimate and service and got an appointment promptly. Jacob came in and looked at the work needed and gave an estimate on site and was back within 1 week to do the job. Jacob was very courteous and he explained what was needed, in a manner that I could understand. He was very professional. I am very pleased with his work. I will definitely call upon Gem in the future if I need services. Thank you Jacob. Job well done.
Excellent service! The guys who installed were awesome. Very happy customer!
Excellent service
Fast and efficient!
The solve your problem but the price is not the best one.
Mason is very knowledgeable and helpful. He did an awesome job to get our hot water back!
Review for David Salvatore from Gem Plumbing and Heating

I recently had the pleasure of working with David Salvatore from Gem Plumbing and Heating on March 31, 2026, when he performed maintenance on my air conditioning systems. The service he provided was exceptional and very thorough. David demonstrated great professionalism, expertise, and efficiency throughout the process.

My overall experience with David was great, and I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of HVAC maintenance and repairs. Thank you, David, for your excellent work!
Main water shut off valve needed to be replaced
GEM was fast efficient and extremely courteous
I highly recommend them
Nathan Campbell did a great job !
Great experience. On time, pleasant and performed work efficiently.
Nicole was incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and efficient! I was so thankful that she was able to get here quickly on a Saturday when we had an unknown alarm blaring in our basement. It turned out to be something in our AC unit that was luckily replaceable same day.
I joined the membership. I'm disabled and the membership will help with any future issues.
Very professional and communicative. Really appreciated David's work.
Professional, courteous, knowledgeable to answer all my questions. The work was done in a neat and timely manner
Brody and his associate were outstanding from start to finish. They came in kind, knowledgeable, and got the job done quickly! Exactly what you want! GEM is the real deal. Highly recommend!
Aaron came for a 2nd successful visit. This time to figure out the cause of low/no water pressure in some of our H&C setups for 5 bathroom sinks. He left with 3 sinks H&C flowing freely & demonstrated the need for 2 new faucet installations so Hot H2O could be restored to the remaining sinks. Much appreciated as others had immediately started talking about replacing pipes without investigating less complicated solutions. As before, Aaron was a professional pleasure to have in our home & pricing will be the only holdup for us to continue with the faucet installations. Due to him, I have high hopes for the GEM electrician arriving next week & the HVAC maintenance later this month.
Joseph H did a great job for us . After hours
He fixed our boiler so quick he was polite & very efficient . Thankful for him
The folks at Carmine's always do a great job👍 Tim is a great plumber, explains things, and provides options.
Very professional service. They came the same day and solved the problem quickly and completely. I would definitely use Gem again if I needed plumbing work.
I called GEM because I wanted my ductless AC’s checked to see if they needed any service. Christopher Cennamo came and examined both units and said they were functioning properly but needed a cleaning to remove mold and dirt. The large unit is at the top of a stairwell so access requires a tall ladder. Christopher made the appointment to return to do the cleaning and also to determine why the larger unit was tilting off the wall. He returned today and determined that the larger unit’s mounting bracket was only attached to drywall and not a wooden stud. He and Brody Lott secured the mounting bracket to a stud, ensuring the unit is now securely on the wall. A thorough cleaning of both units was completed including removal of a mouse nest. Christopher told me how to use steel wool in the outside pipe cover to prevent mice from entering which I promptly did. Christopher Cennamo was very professional, thorough, knowledgeable and explained everything. The cleaning was expensive but worth it. Plus he didn’t charge extra to repair the faulty mounting issue because GEM had done the initial install and not done it properly. I highly recommend Christopher Cennamo for any of your heating and cooling jobs.
Took some time to get here but, The awesome technicians, were friendly and work hard to minimize costs and make sure the customer is satisfied. Surely a company you can count on.
Excellent service
Paul was knowledgeable, very friendly and described the repair process, in detail, to my satisfaction
Technicians did a fantastic job, neat, quick and clean
Overpriced for a 90 minute job


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Common Signs You May Need a Backflow Preventer

Not every home requires a backflow preventer, but certain conditions make them essential.

Here are the signs that your water might be at risk:

Adding irrigation systems, remodeling, or updating water lines can increase the risk of backflow. Installing a backflow preventer protects these changes from compromising your clean water.

Homes with private wells are more vulnerable to contamination. A backflow preventer adds an important layer of protection.

Aging pipes and valves can increase the chances of reverse flow. Installing a backflow preventer can safeguard your home from potential water contamination.

Municipalities and insurance providers sometimes require backflow preventers, particularly if your home has irrigation, pools, or fire suppression systems. Meeting these requirements protects both your water supply and compliance status.

Other Plumbing Services GEM Offers

It’s not just backflow that can affect your safety; plumbing systems are complex, and they consist of a number of different appliances and piping systems.

At GEM, we’re here to help with it all. We understand your comfort and safety are at risk when your plumbing systems aren’t working properly. GEM offers a full range of plumbing services to keep your home running smoothly and your water systems reliable.

From faucets to fixtures, GEM can install and update all of the fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom. We make sure each installation is precise, functional, and built to last.

A properly working well pump is essential for clean, consistent water in your home. GEM can repair or replace your well pump system, keeping your water flowing reliably.

Protect your basement from flooding and water damage with GEM’s sump pump services. We install, repair, and maintain pumps so your home stays dry no matter the weather.

Why Homeowners Trust GEM for Backflow Preventer Installation

GEM combines local knowledge and a full-service approach to make sure your home’s water stays safe and protected.

Our licensed team of plumbers follows strict industry standards to install backflow preventers safely and reliably. You can trust that every installation is done correctly and meets code requirements.

With decades serving Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts homes, GEM understands local plumbing challenges and code requirements. We know the unique needs of New England homes and water systems.

GEM operates with 500+ trucks and 700 skilled employees, ensuring fast service and same-day appointments when needed. Our size allows us to respond quickly while maintaining consistent quality.

From installation to ongoing maintenance to repairs, GEM handles every step in-house so you don’t have to hire multiple contractors. You’ll enjoy a seamless, coordinated experience from start to finish.

We provide clear, upfront estimates, honest recommendations, and no-pressure advice so you can make informed decisions. GEM is committed to helping you understand your options and feel confident in your choices.

GEM installs backflow preventers with durability and future maintenance in mind. We ensure proper placement, easy access for testing, and compliance with local regulations, helping protect your water supply for years to come.

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Our GEM Family Cares for Your System’s Entire Life

Your homes HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems work hard all year. Regular maintenance keeps it running efficiently, quietly, and reliably for years to come.

Our Home Comfort Club makes maintenance easy with annual tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs. We catch problems before they become emergencies and keep your home’s systems running the way they should, year after year.


Contact GEM for Your Plumbing Safety Needs

Protecting your home’s water supply is critical, and GEM makes it simple.

With over 75 years of experience and a team of certified experts, we provide fast, professional service to keep your water flowing safely. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Backflow Preventer Installation

What exactly does a backflow preventer do?

A backflow preventer stops water from flowing backward into your clean water supply, keeping contaminants out. Properly installed devices protect your family’s health and ensure your water meets safety standards.

How often should a backflow preventer be inspected?

Annual inspections are recommended for backflow preventers to ensure compliance and peak performance. Regular checks also help identify minor issues before they become major problems.

Can I install a backflow preventer myself?

Professional installation is strongly recommended for backflow preventers. GEM ensures correct sizing, proper connection, and code compliance to prevent costly mistakes.

Will a backflow preventer affect my water pressure?

Properly installed backflow preventers maintain normal water flow. GEM calibrates each system to ensure it performs reliably so your household water needs are fully met.