---
title: "GEM Plumbing and Heating"
description: "GEM Plumbing and Heating is a Lincoln, Rhode Island plumbing and heating company, and a 2019 article on phcppros.com said it was started in 1949 by Gloria "
doc_version: "2026-10-06"
last_updated: "2026-10-06"
---

# GEM Plumbing and Heating

**Trade:** Plumbing · **Address:** 1 Wellington Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865 · **Phone:** (401) 234-2503 · **Website:** https://askgem.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=GMB%20Listing · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 1.9/5** (high confidence) — from 42 reviews across 9 sources.
50% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 4 reviews, 1 negative.

## The honest read

GEM Plumbing and Heating is a Lincoln, Rhode Island plumbing and heating company, and a 2019 article on phcppros.com said it was started in 1949 by Gloria and Larry Gemma. On Google it holds 4.6 stars from 7,162 ratings, while HomeAdvisor and Angi each show 2.7 stars from 25 ratings. Its BBB grade is A-, and the BBB counts 51 complaints against it.

A recent Google customer with a plumbing emergency said GEM had someone on their doorstep within half an hour. A recent Google customer said the price put them in sticker shock but said they did a great job and explained what they did. A recent HomeAdvisor customer said a leak-detection visit took half an hour, told them what they already knew, and cost $575.

A 2024 customer said Nick and Brian from the drain service team cleared roots from their pipes after a sewage backup, used a camera to check the pipes, and cleaned up after themselves. A 2025 customer wrote that Steve and Diego showed up on time to fix their system and explained every step of the repair. A 2025 Reddit commenter in r/providence said a visit cost $199 and the quote for a new 40-gallon gas hot water heater was $4,300.

A 2025 customer said GEM charged $800 to install a supplied bathroom faucet that later lost water pressure, and that a technician then offered a $400 flush or an $1,800 whole-house filter. A 2025 customer with a mini-split said the technician quoted $312 per pound for R-410A refrigerant. A 2024 customer said GEM installed a water heater without an expansion tank, which another plumber pointed out a year later. A 2024 customer said they were told a new boiler would get a $500 RI Energy rebate, then learned it was not a high-efficiency boiler and did not qualify. A 2025 Reddit commenter wrote that GEM was purchased by a larger company.

**Strengths:**
- Emergency response — a recent customer had someone there within half an hour
- Sewage backup clearing — a 2024 customer said roots were cleared from pipes

**Concerns:**
- Leak-detection charge — a recent customer paid $575 for a half-hour visit
- Missing expansion tank — a 2024 customer said another plumber found none
- Boiler rebate mix-up — a 2024 customer's new boiler did not qualify
- BBB complaints — the BBB counts 51 complaints

**Where sources disagree:**
- Google shows 4.6 stars from 7,162 ratings while HomeAdvisor and Angi each show 2.7 stars from 25 ratings

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Started in 1949 by Gloria and Larry Gemma, according to a 2019 article on phcppros.com _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Local News](https://www.phcppros.com/articles/10571-gem-plumbing-and-heatings-rebrand-means-more-than-just-a-new-look?page=2) — “phcppros.com — GEM Plumbing and Heating, Lincoln, Rhode Island, was started in 1949 by Gloria and Larry Gemma.”
- 4.6 stars from 7,162 Google ratings; 2.7 stars from 25 ratings on HomeAdvisor and on Angi _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=GEM%20Plumbing%20and%20Heating&query_place_id=ChIJb6e_gX1B5IkRqP8mA9f5ybI) — “Google: 4.6★ from 7162 ratings”
  - [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ri/lincoln/gem-plumbing-heating-services-llc-reviews-1.htm) — “Angi: 2.7★ from 25 ratings”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “HomeAdvisor: 2.7★ from 25 ratings”
- BBB grade A-, with 51 BBB complaints _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ri/lincoln/profile/plumber/gem-plumbing-heating-services-0021-98088) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A-”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ri/lincoln/profile/plumber/gem-plumbing-heating-services-0021-98088) — “51 complaint(s) on file (count only)”
- A recent customer with a plumbing emergency had someone at the door within half an hour _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tnMVpucExkbmQ2VldkcE1sTlhWVUpOVFRBeFdYYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xb2c9f9d70326ffa8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkg1ZnpLdnd6VWdpMlNXVUJNTTAxWXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had a plumbing emergency today & GEM had a guy on my doorstep within 1/2 hour.
I couldn’t even get a return phone call from anyone else…”
- A 2024 customer said roots were cleared from their pipes after a sewage backup, with a camera check and cleanup _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “5★ We called a few Plumbing Services and found that GEM was the best fit. Even though they were not the "Cheapest" They were definit…”
- A 2025 customer said Steve and Diego arrived on time and explained every step of the repair _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “5★ Once again, Steve and Diego showed up to fix our system on time,and with perfection. They explained every step of the repair,and quickly …”
- A recent customer said a half-hour leak-detection visit cost $575 _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “1★ lol. Leak detection they claim. I call them. I tell them the area. They spend half hour. Tell me what I told them. $575. lol. Horrible”
- A 2025 customer said an $800 faucet install lost water pressure and was followed by a $400 or $1,800 offer _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “1★ Absolutely horrible service and over priced. They installed a faucet for me in my bathroom, they charged me $800 dollars to install a sup…”
- A 2024 customer said a water heater was installed without an expansion tank _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “1★ We used GEM to put in a new water heater. Not only was it high in cost (parts and labor), but a year later when we found out that it was …”
- A 2024 customer said a new boiler did not qualify for the $500 RI Energy rebate they were told about _(confidence: medium)_
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “0.5★ BEWARE!!!! Ryan sold us a new boiler. Ryan and the installers told us that Gem Plumbing would take care of the paperwork to get us the …”
- A 2025 Reddit commenter wrote that GEM was purchased by a larger company _(confidence: low)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/1nbyvl2/rhode_islanders_need_to_wake_up/nd70iv1/) — “r/RhodeIsland — GEM plumbing was purchased by a larger company, Ortho RI was purchased by another corporate company.”
- Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tnMVpucExkbmQ2VldkcE1sTlhWVUpOVFRBeFdYYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xb2c9f9d70326ffa8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkg1ZnpLdnd6VWdpMlNXVUJNTTAxWXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had a plumbing emergency today & GEM had a guy on my doorstep within 1/2 hour.
I couldn’t even get a return phone call from anyone else…”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “5★ We called a few Plumbing Services and found that GEM was the best fit. Even though they were not the "Cheapest" They were definit…”
- Also offers HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](https://askgem.com) — “About (self-reported, verbatim): Heating & CoolingIf you’re in need of a repair or system replacement, trust our licensed HVAC technicians.H…”
  - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html) — “5★ Once again, Steve and Diego showed up to fix our system on time,and with perfection. They explained every step of the repair,and quickly …”

## License

Status: **active** (#MP007576, plumber) — verified against the official RI state registry on 2026-10-06, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://dltweb.dlt.ri.gov/profregsonline/LicenseSearch

## Sources

- [Local News](https://www.phcppros.com/articles/10571-gem-plumbing-and-heatings-rebrand-means-more-than-just-a-new-look): Listed on this source
- [Procore Construction Network](https://network.procore.com/p/gem-plumbing-lincoln): Listed on this source
- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=GEM%20Plumbing%20and%20Heating&query_place_id=ChIJb6e_gX1B5IkRqP8mA9f5ybI): 4.6★ from 7162 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=GEM%20Plumbing%20and%20Heating&query_place_id=ChIJb6e_gX1B5IkRqP8mA9f5ybI): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](https://askgem.com): 75 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ri/lincoln/profile/plumber/gem-plumbing-heating-services-0021-98088): Listed on this source
- [Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ri/lincoln/gem-plumbing-heating-services-llc-reviews-1.htm): 2.7★ from 25 ratings
- [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.JimPlumbingandHeating.121024606.html): 2.7★ from 25 ratings
- [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/gem-plumbing-and-heating-ri): 5.0★ from 2 ratings

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “Gem Plumbing came out this evening ($199) and quoted me $4300 for a new 40 gallon gas hot water heater.” — u/siouxmac in r/providence (2025-12-11) — https://www.reddit.com/r/providence/comments/1owcbzz/cost_to_install_a_gas_water_heater/ntjy5mj/
- “GEM plumbing was purchased by a larger company, Ortho RI was purchased by another corporate company.” — u/Unoriginal4167 in r/RhodeIsland (2025-09-09) — https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/1nbyvl2/rhode_islanders_need_to_wake_up/nd70iv1/
- “GEM Plumbing and Heating (Lincoln, Bellingham & Cape Cod) which has an electrical division.” — u/2000_Mann in r/RhodeIsland (2024-11-14) — https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/1gr97sb/electrical_companies_hiring/lx5eyaw/
- “I used gem plumbing and they did a fine job. They were the best of 3 estimates for replacing the system and also enlightened me about why a humidifier was unnecessary and they were correct.” — u/Moelarrycheeze in r/RhodeIsland (2024-07-13) — https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/1e2effg/hvac_recommendations/ld0d20l/
- “A week later I went back over and saw a Gem Plumbing receipt on the refrigerator door.” — u/Wuchyutalknboutluis in r/RhodeIsland (2024-05-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/15svi45/no_plumbahs_left_in_ri/l2997ay/
- “Please never use GEM Heating and Plumbing, they are scum of the earth” — u/cojwa in r/RhodeIsland (2023-08-16) — https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/15svi45/no_plumbahs_left_in_ri/jwh0pb0/
- “I have had great luck with **Gem Plumbing.**  Been using them for years.  They will give you a full estimate prior to the work starting.” — a Reddit commenter in r/RhodeIsland (2022-05-22) — https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/uvhjtx/anyone_know_a_licensed_plumber_who_can_direct/i9lkrsh/
- “GEM Plumbing and Heating, Lincoln, Rhode Island, was started in 1949 by Gloria and Larry Gemma.” — phcppros.com (2019-12-05) — https://www.phcppros.com/articles/10571-gem-plumbing-and-heatings-rebrand-means-more-than-just-a-new-look?page=2
- “Two years ago, Gem Plumbing & Heating of Lincoln, R.I., trademarked the phone number in the early 1980s hit” — foxnews.com (2007-05-19) — https://www.foxnews.com/story/2-plumbing-companies-battle-for-rights-to-867-5309-telephone-number

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kate Kelley · 2026-10-01**: I had a plumbing emergency today & GEM had a guy on my doorstep within 1/2 hour.
I couldn’t even get a return phone call from anyone else. Excellent service!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kate Pomert · 2026-10-01**: the price put me in sticker shock .....but the work was exceptional. they did a great job and explained to me what they did.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Buck Bruce · 2026-10-01**: Seemed very knowledgeable and very informative. Friendly service as well.
- **1/5 · HomeAdvisor · David L. · 2026-06-16**: lol. Leak detection they claim. I call them. I tell them the area. They spend half hour. Tell me what I told them. $575. lol. Horrible
- **1/5 · HomeAdvisor · Carolyn T. · 2025-12-10**: If I could give them less than a ZERO I would!! Called to take advantage of a rebate and financing. They gave me a non qualifying system and the wrong financing. They wouldn't call me back until I got the manufacturer and a company that oversees these issue. They finally had to remove and reinst…
- **1/5 · HomeAdvisor · Jessica A. · 2025-12-08**: highway robbery is the best way to describe this company! Now if you have so much money that you don't care about throwing it away by all means use this despicable company. My boyfriend was a plumber for 20 years, but is recovering from back surgery and was unable to do the repair himself. We ha…
- **Angi · Carolyn T. · 2025-12-01**: If I could give them less than a ZERO I would!! Called to take advantage of a rebate and financing. They gave me a non qualifying system and the wrong financing. They wouldn't call me back until I got the manufacturer and a company that oversees these issue. They finally had to remove and reinstall …
- **Angi · Jessica A. · 2025-12-01**: highway robbery is the best way to describe this company! Now if you have so much money that you don't care about throwing it away by all means use this despicable company. My boyfriend was a plumber for 20 years, but is recovering from back surgery and was unable to do the repair himself. We had a …
- **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Tom K. · 2025-07-10**: Once again, Steve and Diego showed up to fix our system on time,and with perfection. They explained every step of the repair,and quickly resolved our issue. These guys are awesome! This is why I always count on Gem when I need help. I couldn't be happier with these guys, and would absolutely recomme…
- **1/5 · HomeAdvisor · Robert B. · 2025-07-08**: Job now 6 mo the old Stool not working despite multiple vista by technician Unreliable when they say they are coming Do not keep appointmens

---

Data freshness: last scanned 2026-10-06T01:33:22.511Z.
Cite as: GEM Plumbing and Heating — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/gem-plumbing-and-heating-lincoln-92792)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/gem-plumbing-and-heating-lincoln-92792

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