# Bartlett & Steadman Plumbing, Heating & AC

**Trade:** HVAC / Heating & Cooling · **Part of:** Townsend Energy · **Address:** 67R Village St, Marblehead, MA 01945, USA · **Phone:** (781) 365-5828 · **Website:** https://www.bartlettandsteadman.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 2.6/5** (high confidence) — from 464 reviews across 7 sources.
98% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 0 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Bartlett & Steadman is a long-established plumbing, heating and AC contractor based in Marblehead, MA, with 464 reviews on file and a 4.9-star Google rating from 619 ratings. Customers who hired them for day-to-day plumbing and heating work describe a large team (recurring names like Jason, Dennis, Chris, Nick, Mike B., and owner Mike Steadman himself) that responds quickly to emergencies: same-day fixes for burst pipes during cold snaps, lost heat and hot water, and boiler failures, including one case where a boiler the company had installed years earlier was repaired at no charge. Reviews describe whole-house water filtration installs, a same-day water heater replacement with the manufacturer's warranty honored, drain clearing, toilet replacements, and boiler and AC installs handled by the same crew, along with a case where the company was called in after a previous vendor failed to diagnose a boiler problem.

In January 2025, however, the company and its owner, Michael Steadman, were named in a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging gross negligence, unsafe practices and corporate indifference, after three people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Nahant. The suit, reported by Marblehead Current, is corroborated by several independent Reddit and Nextdoor posts from 2024-2025 that specifically reference the Nahant deaths and warn people away from the company; one Reddit commenter separately says other plumbers they have hired have repeatedly had to fix downstream problems traced back to a Bartlett & Steadman job.

A smaller number of Google reviews raise pricing and sales-pressure concerns. In a February 2025 review, one customer was quoted $1,470 for a single faucet installation after nearly an hour of estimating. In a November 2024 review, another said a technician pushed an unneeded $6,000 HVAC system replacement on a unit that "works fine." A December 2025 review also describes a missed appointment window with no notice, which the reviewer attributed to a recent ownership change.

Anyone considering Bartlett & Steadman should weigh the strength of the day-to-day service record, which is genuinely deep and largely positive, against the seriousness of the wrongful-death allegation, which the company's near-perfect Google rating does not reflect on its own. For routine plumbing and heating repairs, reviewers consistently describe prompt, competent work from an experienced crew, but the carbon monoxide case is a real, unresolved legal matter worth researching directly before hiring for any gas or combustion equipment work.

**Strengths:**
- Emergency response — reached and repaired burst pipes and lost heat the same day
- Boiler expertise — diagnosed a years-long wailing noise other techs had missed
- Fast water heater swap — replaced a failed unit within two days, warranty honored
- Long tenure — reviewers describe using them for plumbing needs over many years

**Concerns:**
- Wrongful-death lawsuit — named with its owner over three 2025 carbon monoxide deaths in Nahant
- Repeat warnings — several Reddit and Nextdoor posts urge avoiding the company
- Pricing complaint — one customer was quoted $1,470 for a single faucet install
- Upselling concern — a customer said a tech pushed an unneeded $6,000 HVAC system

**Where sources disagree:**
- Google's 4.9-star rating from 619 ratings does not reflect the 2025 wrongful-death lawsuit and multiple third-party warnings found off-platform

## Claims & citations

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

- Named, with owner Michael Steadman, in a January 2025 wrongful-death lawsuit alleging gross negligence after three people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Nahant _(confidence: high)_
  - [Local News](https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/01/28/marblehead-hvac-company-named-in-wrongful-death-suit/) — “marbleheadcurrent.org — ty, Top StoriesMarblehead HVAC company named in wrongful death suit Leigh BlanderJanuary 28, 2025January 28, 2025 Fa…”
  - [marbleheadcurrent.org](https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/01/28/marblehead-hvac-company-named-in-wrongful-death-suit/) — “marbleheadcurrent.org — gross negligence, unsafe practices and corporate indifference to basic safety standards”
- Several 2024-2025 Reddit and Nextdoor posts warn people away from the company, one citing the Nahant deaths directly _(confidence: medium)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/SalemMA/comments/1ll9e0c/best_hvac_company_in_area/mzy1r9o/) — “r/SalemMA — Just dont do bartlett and steadman. They are responsible for a couple deaths in nahant…look it up”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/SalemMA/comments/1ll9e0c/best_hvac_company_in_area/mzygkgk/) — “r/SalemMA — Switched from Bartlett and steadman, who on top of their bad headlines, also just could not accomplish anything with the heat pu…”
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/SalemMA/comments/1dt7mff/plumber_and_sewer_contractor_recommendations/lb7jx9b/) — “r/SalemMA — Avoid Bartlett & Steadman at all costs. Every plumber / HVAC tech I’ve had to hire for downstream fixes has asked if xyz thing w…”
  - [Nextdoor](https://nextdoor.com/p/f7xpNMZwJzS_) — “Nextdoor (Salem, MA) — avoid Bartlett & Steadman. They are way overpriced.”
- Reviewers describe same-day emergency response to burst pipes and lost heat during cold snaps _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VQWHcycGEtai11Sm1RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEPXw2pa-j-uJmQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ As is often the case, an "emergency" happens at night or over the weekend. In our case, we lost heat and hot water on Saturday afternoon …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNOemRLTS1RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICNzdKM-QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an urgent problem with our water heater that was not making hot water during a windy day. We called on a Thursday night to leave a…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURoMk1Td1FBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDh2MSwQA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ A great experience working with this company from start to finish. After the cold snap left me without heat and loads of busted pipes, Da…”
- In a 2024 review, replaced a failed 75-gallon water heater within two days and got the manufacturer to honor its warranty _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4OUxldmhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICx9LevhAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Our 75 gallon hot water heater failed after only 5 years and Bartlett & Steadman dispatched their team within one hour to dry vacuum our …”
- In a 2024 review, installed a new boiler after a previous vendor failed to diagnose the problem, restoring heat during winter _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEcDRQNUJ3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICDp4P5Bw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Bartlett & Steadman came to the rescue when a previous vendor failed to diagnose a serious issue with the boiler, leaving us without heat…”
- Holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 619 ratings _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12663087034059818401&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) — “Google: 4.9★ from 619 ratings”
- In a February 2025 review, a customer was quoted $1,470 for a single faucet installation after nearly an hour of estimating _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnejQ3TnlBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCgz47NyAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ WOW what a rip off this company is.  I hired them to install a faucet in my half bath and they spent nearly an hour doing  nothing except…”
- In a November 2024 review, a customer said a technician pushed an unneeded $6,000 HVAC system replacement _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNMdnJDaFRREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICLvrChTQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Every time they come out they try to sell me something I don’t need. Guy tried to tell me I need a whole new hvac system for like $6k...i…”
- In a December 2025 review, a customer described a missed appointment window with no notice, attributed to a recent ownership change _(confidence: low)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xWb1REWnVlV0l5VkdGc1dVdzNOVVZIVjFWRVYzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOlVoTDZueWIyVGFsWUw3NUVHV1VEV3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Unfortunately, it seems that things are changing at Bartlett Steadman since their recent buyout by Townsend. I called two weeks ago today…”
- Installs whole-house water filtration systems _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRMVpfcUhBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMDQ1Z_qHA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had Bartless & Steadman install a two-stage whole-house water filter system.  The did a fantastic job quickly.  Installation looks like a…”
- Diagnoses and repairs gas boiler noise and performance issues _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURXN3FDWEhnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDW7qCXHg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Bartlett and Steadman

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To:

katherine katherineprouty.com

Thu 3/24/2022 1:32 PM

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- Specializes in HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VQWHcycGEtai11Sm1RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEPXw2pa-j-uJmQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ As is often the case, an "emergency" happens at night or over the weekend. In our case, we lost heat and hot water on Saturday afternoon …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnN01iVmJ3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCg7MbVbw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ It was a pleasure having Jason, Ozzy and team  from Bartlett & Steadman in our home! They recently replaced our furnace/hot water heater …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNOemRLTS1RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICNzdKM-QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We had an urgent problem with our water heater that was not making hot water during a windy day. We called on a Thursday night to leave a…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ2dFlyZHRRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID6tYrdtQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Highly recommend Bartlett and Steadman. We had to replace our AC and furnace and received  three estimates from very well known area busi…”
- Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJbWxoTEgyNmQ2THBnRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEImlhLH26d6LpgE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Chris from Bartlett and Steadman helped with a few toilet repairs today. Chris was nice, efficient, and gave me a few options for repairs…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURRMVpfcUhBEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMDQ1Z_qHA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Had Bartless & Steadman install a two-stage whole-house water filter system.  The did a fantastic job quickly.  Installation looks like a…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNRbXBHZTJRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCQmpGe2QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Drains were backing up! 16 people excpected for dinnner!! Help!!! Drains by James arrived within an hour . Diagnosed clogged drains, clea…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNnejQ3TnlBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgMCgz47NyAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ WOW what a rip off this company is.  I hired them to install a faucet in my half bath and they spent nearly an hour doing  nothing except…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4OUxldmhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0xafbc5290c8fd85a1!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICx9LevhAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Our 75 gallon hot water heater failed after only 5 years and Bartlett & Steadman dispatched their team within one hour to dry vacuum our …”

## 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=Bartlett%20%26%20Steadman%20Plumbing%2C%20Heating%20%26%20AC&query_place_id=ChIJ-RzBfPwU44kRoYX9yJBSvK8): 4.9★ from 618 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Bartlett%20%26%20Steadman%20Plumbing%2C%20Heating%20%26%20AC&query_place_id=ChIJ-RzBfPwU44kRoYX9yJBSvK8): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/marblehead/profile/plumbing-and-heating/bartlett-steadman-plumbing-corp-0021-24011): Listed on this source
- [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bartlett-and-steadman-plumbing-heating-and-ac-marblehead): Listed on this source
- [Official Website](https://www.bartlettandsteadman.com): 72 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Exa](https://www.bartlettandsteadman.com/service-areas/hvac-salem-ma/): 0 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [Exa](https://www.bestprosintown.com/ma/marblehead/bartlett-and-steadman-plumbing-heating-and-ac-/): 7 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/bartlett-steadman-plumbing-inc): Listed on this source

## Mentions

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

- “Switched from Bartlett and steadman, who on top of their bad headlines, also just could not accomplish anything with the heat pump at my house.” — u/mharper418 in r/SalemMA (2025-06-26) — https://www.reddit.com/r/SalemMA/comments/1ll9e0c/best_hvac_company_in_area/mzygkgk/
- “Just dont do bartlett and steadman. They are responsible for a couple deaths in nahant…look it up” — u/LordTomofHouseBrady in r/SalemMA (2025-06-26) — https://www.reddit.com/r/SalemMA/comments/1ll9e0c/best_hvac_company_in_area/mzy1r9o/
- “avoid Bartlett & Steadman. They are way overpriced.” — nextdoor.com (2025-05-31) — https://nextdoor.com/p/f7xpNMZwJzS_
- “I had the same problem years ago and was recommended Bartlett and Steadman in Marblehead. They were very reasonable and did a great job.” — nextdoor.com (2025-05-31) — https://nextdoor.com/p/f7xpNMZwJzS_
- “gross negligence, unsafe practices and corporate indifference to basic safety standards” — marbleheadcurrent.org (2025-01-28) — https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/01/28/marblehead-hvac-company-named-in-wrongful-death-suit/
- “ty, Top StoriesMarblehead HVAC company named in wrongful death suit Leigh BlanderJanuary 28, 2025January 28, 2025 FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterestStumbleuponEmail Share The relatives of three people k…” — marbleheadcurrent.org (2025-01-28) — https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/01/28/marblehead-hvac-company-named-in-wrongful-death-suit/
- “Avoid Bartlett & Steadman at all costs. Every plumber / HVAC tech I’ve had to hire for downstream fixes has asked if xyz thing was a B&S job.” — u/lobsterpasta in r/SalemMA (2024-07-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/SalemMA/comments/1dt7mff/plumber_and_sewer_contractor_recommendations/lb7jx9b/

## Recent reviews

- **1/5 · Google Reviews · David A. · 2025-12-01**: Unfortunately, it seems that things are changing at Bartlett Steadman since their recent buyout by Townsend. I called two weeks ago today and set a up a service appointment taking their earliest appointment which was for a full week out during a 1-4 pm time slot. My heating system is operating ok bu…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Frank Keller · 2025-05-25**: As is often the case, an "emergency" happens at night or over the weekend. In our case, we lost heat and hot water on Saturday afternoon and after a cold night and waking up to a cold morning and no hot water, I made the call to Bartlett & Steadman for help.

Jason was very quick to call us back and…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Meredith Irwin · 2025-05-07**: Chris from Bartlett and Steadman helped with a few toilet repairs today. Chris was nice, efficient, and gave me a few options for repairs to ensure it fit my budget. I would definitely recommend!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Marchetti Household · 2025-04-02**: Extremely knowledgeable and competent, and have caught multiple minor issues that would have turned into major repairs had they gone unaddressed.  I highly recommend Bartlett & Steadman
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Andrew Purviance · 2025-04-02**: Prompt service, helpful techs, our go-to plumber in the area.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Stacy McCauley · 2025-03-31**: Bartlett & Steadman are the best around!  Their team is amazing...always friendly and very knowledgeable. We highly recommend them!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · MaryAnn Schultz · 2025-03-25**: The problem was corrected the same day as I called. Terrific service. I would totally recommend using the company. MaryAnn
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Benjamin Breed · 2025-03-24**: These guys are the best in the business would highly recommend to anyone to use them! Super friendly, professional and helpful. They got a 5 day job done in 3! Amazed by how everything turned out.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Suellen Costarino · 2025-03-24**: He was professional, knowledgeable and personable! Great job!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Cyrus Martin · 2025-03-24**: My boiler stopped working unexpectedly. Bartlett Steadman showed up the same day and solved the issue at no charge as they originally installed the unit. I always find them incredibly responsive, which is appreciated when you have no heat.

---

Data freshness: last scanned 2026-07-02T10:08:36.963Z.
Cite as: Bartlett & Steadman Plumbing, Heating & AC — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/bartlett-and-steadman-plumbing-heating-and-ac-marblehead)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/bartlett-and-steadman-plumbing-heating-and-ac-marblehead