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Boston Water Heaters is a family plumbing and heating operation out of Melrose, run by Rich Mathews — the reviews are almost all about him personally, not a crew. The Mathews family says its plumbing roots go back to 1928 with Ed Mathews Sr., and it's now run as Rich Mathews & Son Plumbing Inc., three generations in. The through-line across a dozen five-star Google reviews spanning 2021 to 2026 is speed and follow-through on emergency calls. When a carbon-monoxide alarm went off and the gas company shut off the gas, Rich was the one contractor out of 15-20 called who offered same-day help. Another homeowner called on a Sunday morning with a leaking water heater and had it fully replaced by the next day. Reviewers also describe him fixing things beyond the original ask — patching a basement window gap while replacing a water heater, or correcting unsafe wiring he found mid-furnace-install — and one reviewer got a discount after already settling on the original price. The work covers furnaces, steam boilers, and gas, electric, tankless and hybrid water heaters, and reviewers reach for 'plumber' about as often as 'heating guy' to describe him. One thing worth a quick check: the company's own site states differing tenure claims — 'over 30 years' on some pages, 'over 50 years' on another — so ask directly how long Rich Mathews & Son has run under its current name if that matters to you.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Boston Water Heaters. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$5,000 – $11,400
Typical HVAC project around $8,200
Rich Mathews did a great job replacing my furnace and old hot water heater. If you need a good plumber he is the guy to call. Excellent service and reasonable prices.
Anyone in need for plumbing & heating service look no further! Rich Matthew's @ Boston Water Heaters is the absolute best!!
Rich did an excellent job replacing my steam boiler! He is extremely knowledgeable, skilled, trustworthy and kind. He took the time to explain everything at the beginning of the process - providing full transparency of the work that would be done. He was very meticulous with his work, making sure everything was done properly and running smoothly. You can tell that he truly cares about his customers and provides absolutely incredible service. The entire experience exceeded my expectations, and I am now 100% sticking with Rich for all of my future boiler needs! I highly recommend him!!
Absolutely fantastic service! Rich, Rich Mathews & Son Inc. replaced my old water heater tank and the whole experience was smooth and professional. The work was done perfectly, and I highly appreciated the discount he offered after we settled on the original price. It was a nice touch that his wife was with him; they were both very kind. If you need a new water heater, look no further; they do excellent work!
Rich was terrific to work with and did a great job replacing our water heater. He was prompt, professional, and communicative throughout the entire process. His pricing was fair, and he went above and beyond to ensure the work was done correctly. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a reliable plumber.
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Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
Established 3.9 rating