# Barter Plumbing and Heating **Trade:** Plumbing · **Address:** 22 Hawthorne St, Malden, MA 02148, USA · **Phone:** (781) 321-7586 · **Website:** http://www.321plumbing.com/ · **Languages:** English **Rating: 4.3/5** (high confidence) — from 51 reviews across 4 sources. 100% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 3 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read Fifty-one Google reviews, every one five stars — Barter Plumbing and Heating is a one-person Malden operation run by Earl Barter, handling both plumbing and home heating: furnaces, boilers, and the water heaters that always seem to fail at 6 a.m. In a 2025 review, one customer put it simply — he serves the Malden and nearby community — and the record backs that up with jobs across Malden, Melrose and the surrounding towns going back to 2021. The recurring theme is speed under pressure. In a 2022 review, a homeowner described her furnace dying overnight with a toddler at home — Earl picked up, heard the situation, and was there in 15 minutes. In a 2024 review, a customer described a tenant's unsafe dryer disconnect that left a gas line exposed; Earl capped it and secured the hangers within the week. A 2025 review recounted him pulling a permit and coordinating a DPW water shutoff to replace an out-of-code water line, and along the way catching a gas-heater exhaust gap and excess PEX tubing a previous plumber had left behind. That pattern of catching another contractor's mistakes isn't a one-off: a separate 2022 review describes him finding a defunct boiler that had been wired incorrectly by someone else. Pricing comes up often too, across years of reviews — customers repeatedly call his rates fair or lower than other plumbers quoted, and more than one says he undercharged for the work. This year's reviews read the same as those from four years ago: responsive, communicative, and willing to work a complicated older house without cutting corners. The one wrinkle in an otherwise consistent file is a 2022 review that mentioned early miscommunication scheduling a faucet repair — the same reviewer said the job itself gave them nothing to complain about. There's little to flag before calling beyond the obvious: this is a busy one-person shop, so scheduling can depend on how backed up things are, though the record suggests emergencies get squeezed in. For anything from a leaking faucet to a boiler on the fritz in the Malden area, the history here is about as consistent as they come. **Strengths:** - Fast response — often same-day, even without an appointment - Plumbing and heating — faucets and drains to furnaces and boilers - Careful, tidy work — protects floors and tile, cleans up after - Fair pricing — called reasonable or below quote across years of reviews **Concerns:** - Early miscommunication — one 2022 review cited initial scheduling friction ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - Google rating: 5★ from 53 ratings _(confidence: high)_ - [Google](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1807381990344349085&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) — “Google: 5★ from 53 ratings” - Arrived within 15 minutes for an overnight furnace outage with a toddler in the house _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURtcUlIMU1nEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDmqIH1Mg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had my furnace go out with a toddler at home, and couldn't find anyone available to do an emergency call until the next day. Earl was…” - Found and fixed hazardous gas-line and boiler wiring problems left by a previous plumber _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURXdlpyTnVBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDWvZrNuAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Earl is amazing. Kind, knowledgeable, does good work and really cares about doing it well and taking care of people. Came for a leak in a…” - Capped and secured a gas line the same week after a tenant's unsafe dryer disconnect _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIMmZMSF9nRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDH2fLH_gE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I needed a gas line capped and multiple hangers to secure the gas line when my tenant moved out and created a potentially dangerous situ…” - Pulled a permit and coordinated a DPW water shutoff for an out-of-code water line replacement _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25odFZVZFpjSEZmVm5Zd05tVmxabFJvVFhaUWEwRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnhtVUdZcHFfVnYwNmVlZlRoTXZQa0E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Truly white glove experience with Earl’s plumbing service. He helped replace my water line that was out of code, called DPW to shut water…” - Described by one reviewer as serving Malden and the surrounding community _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21kbFNHOW9ibWsxU2t4Zk5uVlVaMWN6Wm01MFdHYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmdlSG9obmk1SkxfNnVUZ1czZm50WGc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I am grateful that Earl of Barter Plumbing and Heating serves the Malden and nearby community because he genuinely cares about his work w…” - One customer described early miscommunication over scheduling before the job itself went smoothly _(confidence: low)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtc2RQbkZREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID-sdPnFQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had a kitchen faucet leakage issue. Called Earl and unfortunately there were some miscommunication issues and things were not smooth init…” - Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21aR2FXZHpVRlJOUkVacFNFMUNkREpSWm5Gck4zYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmZGaWdzUFRNREZpSE1CdDJRZnFrN3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Barter plumbing helped me with a new kitchen faucet! Earl was clean, kind and on time! Will be calling again for sure!” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pkUE5EVm9MWEExUzNwaVVFWlFSRzVJUkVRdFRVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjdPNDVoLXA1S3piUEZQRG5IREQtTUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I called them for a leak under my kitchen sink. They were able to come right away. They were very nice, found the problem quickly and sol…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25odFZVZFpjSEZmVm5Zd05tVmxabFJvVFhaUWEwRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnhtVUdZcHFfVnYwNmVlZlRoTXZQa0E%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Truly white glove experience with Earl’s plumbing service. He helped replace my water line that was out of code, called DPW to shut water…” - Specializes in HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURBaElQV0VBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMDAhIPWEA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I was very happy with Earl Bartlett. I moved into a new house and was told my steam boiler needed immediate service. It was banging and c…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURtcUlIMU1nEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDmqIH1Mg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I had my furnace go out with a toddler at home, and couldn't find anyone available to do an emergency call until the next day. Earl was…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNtbGFtWDJRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x19151c5823e9d59d!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICmlamX2QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Earl was very helpful at first when I called, My Heat system was not turning on, he was quick responding to my call and finding out what …” ## License Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, 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=Barter%20Plumbing%20and%20Heating&query_place_id=ChIJ7ZynAudx44kRndXpI1gcFRk): 5.0★ from 53 ratings - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Barter%20Plumbing%20and%20Heating&query_place_id=ChIJ7ZynAudx44kRndXpI1gcFRk): Listed on this source - [Official Website](http://www.321plumbing.com): Self-reported profile and service details - [Exa](https://reviews.birdeye.com/barter-plumbing-and-heating-166912769060343): 9 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source) ## Mentions Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding. - “I needed a gas line capped and multiple hangers to secure the gas line when my tenant moved out and created a potentially dangerous situation because he unsafely disconnected his clothes dryer himself…” — directorii.com — https://directorii.com/us/ma/malden/barter-plumbing-and-heating-reviews-11112/ ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jim Finn · 2026-03-19**: We have worked with Barter Plumbing and heating on several projects both planned and unplanned. They have been incredible to work with and have been exceptionally responsive and communicative every step of the way. We have a complex older house that can be difficult to work in and the job always get… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Danielle McKenzie · 2026-03-11**: Barter Plumbing & Heating is super reliable and always there when you need them. Fast, professional, and trustworthy highly recommend! - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Amy Chinappi · 2026-03-06**: Barter plumbing helped me with a new kitchen faucet! Earl was clean, kind and on time! Will be calling again for sure! - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Simon McAuliffe · 2026-01-09**: I called them for a leak under my kitchen sink. They were able to come right away. They were very nice, found the problem quickly and solved it quickly. Excellent customer service and nice people as well. I'll definitely use them again. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Casablanca Wireless · 2025-12-21**: Fast, friendly, and honest. Thanks Earl - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jimmy Kwan · 2025-12-03**: Earl arrived and resolved my issue quickly. He was very attentive and respectful, even removing his shoes while in my home without me asking. Also checked in on me the next day to make sure everything was running smoothly. A true professional. Will not hesitate to reach out to again for service. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kodiak · 2025-08-20**: I am grateful that Earl of Barter Plumbing and Heating serves the Malden and nearby community because he genuinely cares about his work which is of the highest quality. He returns phone calls and shows up when he says he will. He is enthusiastic, smart, courteous, respectful and professional. Di… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · DARIO SLJUKA · 2025-08-19**: Good price and really good work. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kenny Hyde · 2025-07-23**: We decided to contact Earl to fix hot water issues with our upstairs bathtub and shower, as the reviews indicated he would likely be able to fix the issues. The main problem we had was with the bathtub, as it would not give us hot water, and then the flow of water would stop after trying to get hot … - **5/5 · Google Reviews · S · 2025-07-10**: Truly white glove experience with Earl’s plumbing service. He helped replace my water line that was out of code, called DPW to shut water off and pulled permit without me lifting a finger. While doing so he spotted and fixed a few additional plumbing issues like gaps in gas heater exhaust and excess… --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-01T19:23:30.006Z. Cite as: Barter Plumbing and Heating — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/barter-plumbing-and-heating-malden) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/barter-plumbing-and-heating-malden