# Alewife Co

**Trade:** Plumbing · **Address:** 254 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA · **Phone:** (617) 864-2550 · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.1/5** (medium confidence) — from 24 reviews across 4 sources. A 0–5 star rating built from what customers and the public say (every review and mention weighted by where it was posted, how old, how detailed and how credible it is, shrunk toward a 3.5★ baseline when evidence is thin) plus what the record shows (Reddit recommendations or warnings, a registry-verified licence, how recently they were reviewed, customer work photos, BBB grade, negative news, a revoked licence). Positive record counts only as far as the reviews have earned it; penalties count in full. Confidence describes how much weighted evidence stands behind the number, never the number itself: low when fewer than about five normal reviews' worth of weight (or mentions only) support it, medium up to about twenty, high beyond that across at least two sources. An operator flag for a suspicious review pattern caps a rating at 3.5★ and marks it low.
79% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 3 reviews, 1 negative.

## The honest read

Alewife Co is a Cambridge plumbing outfit whose strongest evidence is loyalty — several reviewers describe sticking with the company for 10, 15, even 20 years across both plumbing and construction work, and more than one mentions a final bill that came in under the original estimate.

The jobs described are the everyday plumbing calls: toilets replaced and repiped, faucets and shower valves swapped out, a boiler serviced with two new valves that a customer says ran better than ever that winter, and a furnace kept going with regular inspections. On a larger scale, one property manager describes Alewife coordinating a building-wide drain-down to replace aging water shutoffs during a kitchen renovation in a 10-unit Brookline condo — arriving as scheduled and suggesting better valve placement along the way.

That said, the written record also holds real complaints, not just star counts. In a 2021 review, a customer described a plumber breaking a valve while fixing a hot-water issue, leaving the unit without water and, after Alewife asked for more money to fix its own mistake, ending up paying about $700 to a different plumber to sort it out. A 2026 review described reaching out by phone and email for a week with no response after asking for a repair and a quote. And in a 2024 review, a customer called the company overpriced and condescending, saying the same job was done elsewhere for less than half the price.

On paper, the company's Massachusetts plumbing license is registry-verified but currently shows expired. Its Better Business Bureau profile lists it as a 45-year Cambridge plumber, though it isn't BBB accredited and carries no BBB rating.

For routine plumbing work, this is a company with a genuine long-term customer base behind it — worth confirming pricing upfront and the state of that license before booking, given the complaints on file.

**Strengths:**
- Long-time customers — several reviewers report 10 to 20 years with the company
- Under-estimate work — repair costs came in below quoted price more than once
- Property-scale jobs — coordinated valve and drain work across multi-unit condos
- Named technicians — Frank, Rob, and Mike get repeat, specific praise

**Concerns:**
- License lapsed — its Massachusetts plumbing license currently shows expired
- Costly mistake — a 2021 review described a botched valve repair
- Slow to respond — a 2026 review described no reply for a week
- Price and attitude — a 2024 review described a costlier, condescending visit

## Claims & citations

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

- Its Massachusetts plumber license (1954-PL-C) is registry-verified but currently shows expired _(confidence: high)_
  - [State License Registry](https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page) — “MA plumber license 1954-PL-C registry-verified expired — registry holder of record: Alewife Co Inc M 7893”
- In a 2021 review, a customer described a plumber breaking a valve during a hot-water repair, leaving the unit without water and requiring a costly follow-up fix _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURxLTQyNmNnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDq-426cg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ They sent a plumber to attach a pressure tank, fix the hot water issues we were having. They were fast to ship, though.

He did the press…”
- A 2026 review described reaching out by phone and email for a week with no response after requesting a repair and a quote _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pSUFpqQjJPRzlZWkV0Nk9XcGFha2hHWmw4MVkyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjRPZjB2OG9YZEt6OWpaakhGZl81Y2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “2★ In the past I've had decent experiences with Alewife Co and recommended them to others. Unfortunately my most recent experience will be t…”
- In a 2024 review, a customer described the company as overpriced and condescending, and said the same job was done elsewhere for less than half the price _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3NTVyMTFBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID755r11AE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Rude, way overpriced, condescending to women who ask “too many questions.”
Got the same job done by another more polite plumber for less …”
- Better Business Bureau's profile describes the company as a Cambridge plumber in business 45 years, though it is not BBB accredited and carries no BBB rating _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/cambridge/profile/plumber/alewife-company-0021-539667) — “BBB profile confirms Alewife Company as a Cambridge, MA plumber in business 45 years, but it is not BBB accredited, has no BBB rating, and l…”
- Several long-time customers describe using the company for 10 to 20 years across plumbing and construction work _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25aS2JsVlZTekJQZEU5VFh6RlRiSHBhZUZsWWIxRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnZKblVVSzBPdE9TXzFTbHpaeFlYb1E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had my furnace inspected to see if everything was working properly.  There have been starts and stops.  But, Alewife has responded well…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzbDdLLXRnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID3l7K-tgE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My wife and I have used Alewife for both construction and plumbing on many occasions over the past 10--15 years.  Their work has always b…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNab2VySHZ3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICZoerHvwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have been using Alewife Co. for all our plumbing needs since almost 15 years as they always have been reliable, helpful and efficient.
…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQta05PU013EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-kNOSMw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've worked with Alewife Co. for over 10 years, and recently as well. The plumbers sent are always professional, skilled, and helpful - t…”
- More than one review describes the final bill coming in below the original estimate _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tkbFVrWTFRVGRrUkdaVU9HMDFNVkpSV1hsVGRuYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkdlUkY1QTdkRGZUOG01MVJRWXlTdnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've been using Alewife for years. They have always done great work. I recently had a new toilet installed that also required repiping an…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21OUlowVkVUWFZZZVhaR1ZXRk1kblpGY1ZwNGMyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmNRZ0VETXVYeXZGVWFMdnZFcVp4c2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Can I give 20 stars? Absolutely the best. Professional, kind, thorough -- and they came in well under the quote. Thanks to Mike and the e…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNhLUltQk13EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICa-ImBMw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Alewife Co. did a shower valve replacement in my condo. Victor (office) and Rob (on-site work) were both professional and courteous, and …”
- A Brookline condo project describes Alewife coordinating a building-wide drain-down to replace old water shutoffs during a kitchen renovation _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tWMVFsaFBZazF6TjA1VGIxTnZaVmxRV0V3eFNsRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkV1QlhPYk1zN05Tb1NvZVlQWEwxSlE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Alewife Plumbing was terrific.  As part of a new kitchen in a 10 unit condo in Brookline we had to have a building drain down to replace …”
- Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pkUmVsZEVhWG8xU2pFdGVURlhlV0pmVEMxYU1sRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjdReldEaXo1SjEteTFXeWJfTC1aMlE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Frank was terrific. he hooked up new gas dryer to gasline and also installed new toilet flush button i had procured from Monique's on his…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pSUFpqQjJPRzlZWkV0Nk9XcGFha2hHWmw4MVkyYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjRPZjB2OG9YZEt6OWpaakhGZl81Y2c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “2★ In the past I've had decent experiences with Alewife Co and recommended them to others. Unfortunately my most recent experience will be t…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xScWRraFlZVTVzU1dkZmVEUmFZV2xZTlZSeVVXYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlRqdkhYYU5sSWdfeDRaYWlYNVRyUWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ The plumber (Greg or Craig) came over to fix the faucet in the bath tub and told me he'll need to replace it and I said sounds good call …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tkbFVrWTFRVGRrUkdaVU9HMDFNVkpSV1hsVGRuYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkdlUkY1QTdkRGZUOG01MVJRWXlTdnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've been using Alewife for years. They have always done great work. I recently had a new toilet installed that also required repiping an…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tWMVFsaFBZazF6TjA1VGIxTnZaVmxRV0V3eFNsRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkV1QlhPYk1zN05Tb1NvZVlQWEwxSlE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Alewife Plumbing was terrific.  As part of a new kitchen in a 10 unit condo in Brookline we had to have a building drain down to replace …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25KSmJFMURkbE5NV1dwSGRXaGZlazlvUjFSR2FWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnJJbE1DdlNMWWpHdWhfek9oR1RGaVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Alewife Plumbing was fantastic.  We scheduled the work with them and they started and finished as scheduled.  Terrific work!”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRMGI2ZGdnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMDQ0b6dggE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've used Alewife many times over the years for personal projects and for my HOA. Rob was out to help with new kitchen faucet today - he …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzbDdLLXRnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID3l7K-tgE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My wife and I have used Alewife for both construction and plumbing on many occasions over the past 10--15 years.  Their work has always b…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYc1lydjF3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICXsYrv1wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Excellent service! Rob, was extremely conscientious, he provided absolutely excellent service and went above and beyond to make sure I un…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNab2VySHZ3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICZoerHvwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have been using Alewife Co. for all our plumbing needs since almost 15 years as they always have been reliable, helpful and efficient.
…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQta05PU013EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-kNOSMw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've worked with Alewife Co. for over 10 years, and recently as well. The plumbers sent are always professional, skilled, and helpful - t…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNhLUltQk13EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICa-ImBMw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Alewife Co. did a shower valve replacement in my condo. Victor (office) and Rob (on-site work) were both professional and courteous, and …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURxLTQyNmNnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDq-426cg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ They sent a plumber to attach a pressure tank, fix the hot water issues we were having. They were fast to ship, though.

He did the press…”
- Also offers HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pkUmVsZEVhWG8xU2pFdGVURlhlV0pmVEMxYU1sRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjdReldEaXo1SjEteTFXeWJfTC1aMlE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Frank was terrific. he hooked up new gas dryer to gasline and also installed new toilet flush button i had procured from Monique's on his…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25aS2JsVlZTekJQZEU5VFh6RlRiSHBhZUZsWWIxRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x87d307f713964fc8!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnZKblVVSzBPdE9TXzFTbHpaeFlYb1E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had my furnace inspected to see if everything was working properly.  There have been starts and stops.  But, Alewife has responded well…”

## License

Status: **expired** (#1954-PL-C, plumber) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-07-01, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Alewife%20Co&query_place_id=ChIJ5Z2u5Ux344kRyE-WE_cH04c): 4.2★ from 44 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Alewife%20Co&query_place_id=ChIJ5Z2u5Ux344kRyE-WE_cH04c): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/cambridge/profile/plumber/alewife-company-0021-539667): Listed on this source
- [Exa](https://www.checkbook.org/ma/cambridge/plumbers/alewife/j5a31): 7 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Robin Parmelee · 2026-03-25**: Frank was terrific. he hooked up new gas dryer to gasline and also installed new toilet flush button i had procured from Monique's on his advice. His last visit, he serviced my boiler including replacing two valves. it has never run so efficiently as this winter. THANK YOU, FRANK!
- **2/5 · Google Reviews · Morgan Staples · 2026-03-15**: In the past I've had decent experiences with Alewife Co and recommended them to others. Unfortunately my most recent experience will be the last.

I asked them to come out a fix 1 issue and quote the repair of another. It's been a week and I've reached out via phone and email and they've given zero …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jack Lieder · 2026-03-05**: Mike is the best! Need plumbing service at your property? Highly recommend calling Alewife Co.
- **1/5 · Google Reviews · Yu MIya · 2026-02-09**: The plumber (Greg or Craig) came over to fix the faucet in the bath tub and told me he'll need to replace it and I said sounds good call me if you need something and I went to the living room to work.

He calls me and shows me the detached faucet and tells me something and I said "that's a lot of ca…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Merrill Shea · 2026-02-04**: I've been using Alewife for years. They have always done great work. I recently had a new toilet installed that also required repiping and the final cost came in below their estimate.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Sarah Howard Parker · 2025-11-18**: Can I give 20 stars? Absolutely the best. Professional, kind, thorough -- and they came in well under the quote. Thanks to Mike and the entire team. Don't call anyone else!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Marjorie Ayres · 2025-10-06**: I had my furnace inspected to see if everything was working properly.  There have been starts and stops.  But, Alewife has responded well!!  They are always ready to fix problems and show up on time!  I've done business with Alewife for about 20 YEARS!!  I plan to stick with them.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Terence Brennan · 2025-08-15**: Alewife Plumbing was terrific.  As part of a new kitchen in a 10 unit condo in Brookline we had to have a building drain down to replace the hot and cold water shutoffs which we old and not closing completely.  We scheduled the work with Alewife and the property manager.  Alewife arrived bed as sche…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Rosemary Brennan · 2025-08-15**: Alewife Plumbing was fantastic.  We scheduled the work with them and they started and finished as scheduled.  Terrific work!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Hawley Appleton · 2025-04-28**: Great, fast service!  Nice guys and the kind woman on the phone was very helpful!

---

Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-01T18:37:46.328Z.
Cite as: Alewife Co — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/alewife-co-cambridge)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/alewife-co-cambridge