Seekonk Supply

Kenneth C.

This is actually a plumbing supply business. I used to go here more often earlier in my career, but now it's not my first choice when it comes to plumbing supplies. Their selection and inventory is not as good as it once was. They're okay for basic stuff, but if you need any out-of-the-ordinary plumbing items (which, on the east side of Providence, is quite often, considering the number of old houses), you are better off going elsewhere, such as Ardente Supply.

One time, one of the plumbers I work with was replacing some rotted 4"" cast iron drainage pipe in an old house. He stayed on the job while he sent his helper to Seekonk Supply with a list of PVC pipe and fittings. When Seekonk Supply had picked most of the order, the apprentice called the plumber to inform him that the supply house did not have one common, but critical, fitting. So, the plumber told his apprentice to leave the rest of the items there and go somewhere else.

Unlike some other plumbing supply companies, I have rarely seen homeowners in here, so they seem to cater almost exclusively to trade professionals. Their parking lot is quite small, although there is on-street parking available.

Over the years I've been coming here, most of the countermen - who've been a mix of older and younger guys - have been decent. Today, however, the older guy who waited on me was struggling pretty badly with a simple order.

This location is actually a branch store of Seekonk Supply; their main location is in Rehoboth, Mass., and has a much wider selection of plumbing supplies, including pipe and fittings used in commercial and industrial plumbing.

One good thing I can say about the Providence branch of Seekonk Supply: they are one of the few supply companies that have free coffee!