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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

GEM Technicial Inside Van


(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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Emergency Service


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

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

4.6
Based on 9537 reviews
Anthony was amazing very happy with the service that I received. Thank you!!!!
I am still waiting for an email from office about another water heater options.
jkmlbx 52
1 day ago
Joan did an awesome job if I could I would give him 10 stars
tracey baker
1 day ago
Walter and Anthony did a great job and very knowledgeable.
Denise Norden
1 day ago
Replaced our gas clothes dryer, so we needed the old one disconnected and the new one connected which included replacing the dryer vent. The service people from GEM did a great job in a very reasonable amount of time.
Adam Tankanow
1 day ago
John from GEM was a delight: on time, thorough, and open and honest about the work that was being done.
Kevin Lamphier
2 days ago
Smart , personable and honest.
on time,pleasant tech did a good job knowledgeable
tom johnson
2 days ago
David did a terrific job repaired a couple of switches on the water heater repair a leaky pipe and also flushed the system and bleed the air out of it very professional very happy With his work Would use them again
Peter Gauvin
2 days ago
Friendly, honest and upfront about what they are going to do …
James Kakish
2 days ago
Anthony was great.
Aya Kamil
2 days ago
mason was great got the job done quickly and efficiently
Don Gignac
2 days ago
Rainey did an excellent job in assessing our issues with our central air system. He was thorough in his evaluation and then explained the best course of action for us to take in remediating the problem. He also performed an annual check of our hot water heater and our gas furnace. He identify a couple of issues during the review and explained those to me.
Stephen Crowell
3 days ago
Christopher did a very good job. Explained everything very well.
Bob Slott
3 days ago
Douglas was courteous and efficient.
John Walsh
3 days ago
Very professional , great communicator, also neat and tidy. Aaron is very knowledgeable and professional.
Donald Watts
4 days ago
The techs were early and all I did was show them the generator. They did their job with no problems
Janet Secatore
4 days ago
Sorry for the delay in rating the service I got for my HVAC checkup in September. It went as expected and the two service men were efficient, courteous and communicative. Thanks!
Daniel Linger
5 days ago
In a world where you call HVAC companies and either get no answer, an AI receptionist or a human who takes all your information just to tell you they can’t service you until next week, these guys were a breath of fresh air! Same day service. Fair price. Incredibly kind people from the receptionist to the service worker. Thank you guys!
Jodi Livermore
5 days ago
I was so grateful to get such quick, great service, especially on a holiday weekend. Devin was excellent, explaining everything to me and making recommendations. My go to company for all future plumbing needs!
Brendan Murphy
5 days ago
Incredible job on short notice- will definitely use again. Helpful, responsive, and professional which is exactly what you want with a plumber.
Bruce Keeler
6 days ago
Excellent service from Davontay and Anthony. They were quick and explained what they were doing in an easily understandable manner. Great representatives of the company!
Ed Wirtanen
6 days ago
I called GEM for an issue concerning my the cold water intake for my washing machine. Chris responded within a couple of hours and promptly identified the problem and installed the new part. He is very customer focused and thorough. Chris is a very friendly guy with an objective to make the job is done right.
Susan McCaffrey
1 week ago
Excellent professional service!
Barbara Amiro
1 week ago
I was very pleased with Aaron N. professionalism in servicing our water heater. This service is included in my service plan.


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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.

GEM Plumbing technician smiling in front of company van

(833) 222-2953


customer and technician interaction

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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Other Plumbing Services You May Need


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.