--- title: "Kirkland and Shaw Inc." description: "When a water heater failed on a Sunday and flooded a Burlington basement, this plumbing and heating shop had someone on the emergency line almost immediate" doc_version: "2026-09-13" last_updated: "2026-09-13" --- # Kirkland and Shaw Inc. **Trade:** Plumbing · **Address:** 5 Adams St, Burlington, MA 01803 · **Phone:** (781) 272-2670 · **Website:** https://www.kirklandandshaw.com/ · **Languages:** English **Rating: 4.3/5** (medium confidence) — from 19 reviews across 7 sources. 89% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 4 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read When a water heater failed on a Sunday and flooded a Burlington basement, this plumbing and heating shop had someone on the emergency line almost immediately and walked the homeowner through shutting off the water before a truck even arrived. That kind of response is what keeps people calling Kirkland and Shaw, a family business that traces back to 1953, when Henry Kirkland opened it in Lexington before partnering with Bob Shaw and moving the shop to its current Burlington location in 1961. It's now run by Steve Kirkland and covers MetroWest towns from Arlington and Lexington to Waltham and Weston. Reviewers keep coming back for the same crew year after year — one customer says they've used the company for ten years and calls the technicians reliable, and another says the crew showed up same-day twice within a few months to resolve issues at a new house. A heat pump installation earlier this year drew praise for a thorough walkthrough that worked around a tricky layout. In a 2025 review, mini splits installed the year before were still running well, and another 2025 review described a boiler leak that took months to get replacement parts for, with the crew staying on it until it was fixed. Two separate Reddit threads in r/massachusetts name the company as a local favorite. Its Massachusetts plumbing license is active on the state registry, held by Stephen Gardner as the company's registered master plumber, and the Better Business Bureau has given it an A+ rating. Not every account is glowing. A caller in a late-2024 review described the manager as rude and dismissive on the phone during a quote request, and a review from earlier that same year advised getting estimates from other plumbers first. For a plumbing emergency, a boiler repair, or a mini-split or heat-pump install, Kirkland and Shaw is a strong call; if the first phone conversation feels off, ask for a different technician or a callback before writing the company off. **Strengths:** - Emergency response — answered a Sunday water-heater flood call right away - Repeat customers — one reviewer reports ten years of continued use - Heat pump installs — praised for a thorough walkthrough around a tricky layout - Reddit recommendations — named favorably in two r/massachusetts threads **Concerns:** - Phone manner — a late-2024 review described a rude, dismissive quote call - Comparison shopping — a February 2024 review urged getting other estimates first ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - Family-run Burlington plumbing and heating company founded in 1953 _(confidence: high)_ - [Official Website](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com) — “A Burlington, MA plumbing and heating contractor founded in 1953, offering plumbing repairs, boiler/heating services, drain cleaning, ductle…” - [Official Website](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com) — “Company history (self-reported): Founded in Lexington, MA in 1953 by Henry Kirkland, who later partnered with Bob Shaw; the company moved to…” - Serves MetroWest towns including Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Waltham and Weston _(confidence: high)_ - [Official Website](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com) — “Stated service area (self-reported): Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Burlington, Cambridge, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, M…” - Answered an emergency water-heater flood call on a Sunday and walked the homeowner through shutting off the water _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tabGVuTk5MVGxJVVVKVlpHWmtka1ZDT1ZscVpXYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkZlenNNLTlIUUJVZGZkdkVCOVlqZWc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Water heater went south on Sunday. Water everywhere in the basement, wife lost it. Shut down the water and pull the breaker... Called th…” - One customer has used the company for ten years and calls the technicians reliable and knowledgeable _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pCSGNrZHpWMHc1WDJNeGIweDNTV1l6ZGxGbFozYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjBHckdzV0w5X2Mxb0x3SWYzdlFlZ3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have used Kirkland and Shaw for 10 years, top notch company and all the Service Technicians are reliable, knowledgeable and get the job…” - Came same-day twice within a few months to resolve plumbing issues at a new house _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2poeWEybG5NVE5PVjBsaGJ6bEtUM0Y2TlVWcFkzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjhya2lnMTNOV0lhbzlKT3F6NUVpY3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Called twice in a few months for issues at our new house and both times someone was at our house that day and able to resolve our issues.…” - A heat pump installation drew praise for a thorough walkthrough around a tricky home layout _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21aaldrMUtNblJ4YXpoU2RVTjNWRTFsVXpKclkzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmZjWk1KMnRxazhSdUN3VE1lUzJrY3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ "I recently had Kirkland and Shaw install a new heat pump system, and the experience was top-notch from start to finish. They were incred…” - Mini splits installed the year before a 2025 review were still running well _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25sMlRrVk1WMHBsWnpJeE16VlNVWE51VG5OT2VVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnl2TkVMV0plZzIxMzVSUXNuTnNOeUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ During this heat wave, we were reflecting on how appreciative we are of the mini splits that were installed last year by Kirkland and Sha…” - Stayed on a delayed parts order until a boiler leak was repaired, per a 2025 review _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VMS0tuYUxxaTlIVEd3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKELKKnaLqi9HTGw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have been a client of K&S for past 3 years. This past winter, the Rheem boiler had a leak but continued to operate. The parts (from a …” - Named favorably by two separate commenters in r/massachusetts threads _(confidence: medium)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/massachusetts/comments/1kfrsj2/plumbers_boiler_maintenance_concord_area/mqt1ek3/) — “r/massachusetts — My favorite is Kirkland and Shaw in Burlington.” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/massachusetts/comments/1kfrsj2/plumbers_boiler_maintenance_concord_area/n27cr8p/) — “r/massachusetts — I agree, Kirkland and Shaw are excellent.” - Massachusetts plumbing license 15166-PL-M is registry-verified active, with Stephen Gardner as registered master plumber _(confidence: high)_ - [State License Registry](https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page) — “MA plumber license 15166-PL-M registry-verified active — registry holder of record: Stephen Gardner” - Better Business Bureau A+ rating, in business since 1953 _(confidence: high)_ - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/plumber/kirkland-shaw-inc-0021-59780) — “BBB profile for Kirkland & Shaw, Inc., 5 Adams Street, Burlington MA 01803: NOT BBB accredited, BBB rating A+, 73 years in business, busines…” - A late-2024 review described the manager as rude and dismissive during a phone quote request _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQcVpYUG5RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDPqZXPnQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ Tom the manager was super rude. Called him to get a quote for a property. His tone was annoyed and his responses were sarcastic from the …” - A February 2024 review advised getting estimates from other plumbers first _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkdHQ2RC1RRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICdtt6D-QE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “1★ You should get estimates from a bunch of other plumbers before hiring these guys!” - Specializes in Plumbing _(confidence: high)_ - [Official Website](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com) — “A Burlington, Massachusetts plumbing and heating contractor serving MetroWest homeowners and building contractors with plumbing repairs, boi…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pCSGNrZHpWMHc1WDJNeGIweDNTV1l6ZGxGbFozYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjBHckdzV0w5X2Mxb0x3SWYzdlFlZ3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have used Kirkland and Shaw for 10 years, top notch company and all the Service Technicians are reliable, knowledgeable and get the job…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25WUlpHdzRhVXc1Y1d0d2FESnRjbmRaWDNjM1NWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnVRZGw4aUw5cWtwaDJtcndZX3c3SVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have found our plumbers in Kirkland and Shaw. We'd been looking for our go-to plumbers and heard good things about Kirkland and Shaw. …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2s5WlJVOUtVVEo2TjJoUmFIUlBlR3M0UTBRMGJuYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOk9ZRU9KUTJ6N2hRaHRPeGs4Q0Q0bnc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have been having problems with old cast iron sewage pipes leaking over the years. The last two situations were handled by Kirkland an…” - [State License Registry](https://occupationallicensingandpermitting.mass.gov/madol/s/license-search-page) — “MA plumber license 15166-PL-M registry-verified active — registry holder of record: Stephen Gardner” - Specializes in HVAC / Heating & Cooling _(confidence: high)_ - [Official Website](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com) — “A Burlington, Massachusetts plumbing and heating contractor serving MetroWest homeowners and building contractors with plumbing repairs, boi…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21aaldrMUtNblJ4YXpoU2RVTjNWRTFsVXpKclkzYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmZjWk1KMnRxazhSdUN3VE1lUzJrY3c%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ "I recently had Kirkland and Shaw install a new heat pump system, and the experience was top-notch from start to finish. They were incred…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT25sMlRrVk1WMHBsWnpJeE16VlNVWE51VG5OT2VVRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOnl2TkVMV0plZzIxMzVSUXNuTnNOeUE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ During this heat wave, we were reflecting on how appreciative we are of the mini splits that were installed last year by Kirkland and Sha…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VMS0tuYUxxaTlIVEd3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKELKKnaLqi9HTGw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We have been a client of K&S for past 3 years. This past winter, the Rheem boiler had a leak but continued to operate. The parts (from a …” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfdk9McWtRRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x8922c01c4b7064fe!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID_vOLqkQE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I've been a customer for a few years now. I feel I get good, honest service with quality work on my natural gas furnace and related equi…” - Also offers Bathroom Remodel _(confidence: low)_ - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/plumber/kirkland-shaw-inc-0021-59780) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Residential Plumbing, Heating, Gas Fitting, Water Heaters, Boiler Installation, Radiant Heating, …” ## License Status: **active** (#15166-PL-M, plumber) — verified against the official MA state registry on 2026-09-01, 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=Kirkland%20and%20Shaw%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJuXHBpBWe44kR_mRwSxzAIok): 4.4★ from 21 ratings - [Procore Construction Network](https://network.procore.com/p/kirkland-and-shaw-inc-burlington): Listed on this source - [Local Chambers of Commerce](https://business.burlingtonchamberofcommerce.org/list/member/kirkland-shaw-plumbing-and-heating-177): Listed on this source - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Kirkland%20and%20Shaw%20Inc.&query_place_id=ChIJuXHBpBWe44kR_mRwSxzAIok): Listed on this source - [Official Website](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com): 73 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details - [Exa](https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington/calendar/event/20250308/8986adbc-97f5-4850-b0d0-710f8e3c890d/alarmed-in-lexington): 0 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source) - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/plumber/kirkland-shaw-inc-0021-59780): 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. - “I agree, Kirkland and Shaw are excellent.” — u/No_Writer4876 in r/massachusetts (2025-07-09) — https://www.reddit.com/r/massachusetts/comments/1kfrsj2/plumbers_boiler_maintenance_concord_area/n27cr8p/ - “My favorite is Kirkland and Shaw in Burlington.” — u/Mindless-Errors in r/massachusetts (2025-05-06) — https://www.reddit.com/r/massachusetts/comments/1kfrsj2/plumbers_boiler_maintenance_concord_area/mqt1ek3/ - “This program is funded in part by[Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing and Heating](https://www.kirklandandshaw.com/), and by a grant from the[Lexington Council for the Arts](https://www.lexartscouncil.org/), a…” — patch.com (2025-01-26) — https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington/calendar/event/20250308/8986adbc-97f5-4850-b0d0-710f8e3c890d/alarmed-in-lexington - “In 1953, Henry founded Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing and Heating.” — schulerfamily.org — https://www.schulerfamily.org/getperson.php?personID=I000767&tree=02 ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Judith Bombara · 2026-07-23**: I have used Kirkland and Shaw for 10 years, top notch company and all the Service Technicians are reliable, knowledgeable and get the job done! - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Juan Jiménez · 2026-06-22**: Water heater went south on Sunday. Water everywhere in the basement, wife lost it. Shut down the water and pull the breaker... Called the number, dialed the selection for emergency service, someone answered almost immediately. After texting images of the problem and the product label, he said he co… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Tim McCarthy · 2026-05-07**: "I recently had Kirkland and Shaw install a new heat pump system, and the experience was top-notch from start to finish. They were incredibly thorough during the initial walkthrough, ensuring the units' design efficiently leveraged the challenging layout of my home. They were professional, respectfu… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Benjamin Tocci · 2026-04-28**: Called twice in a few months for issues at our new house and both times someone was at our house that day and able to resolve our issues. Our guy was knowledgeable and gave us advice on maintenance for our sump pump which we really appreciated. Would absolutely use again and recommend. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · G · 2026-01-15**: K&S is always very responsive to solve or complete a plumbing issue for me. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · B K · 2025-10-24**: We have found our plumbers in Kirkland and Shaw. We'd been looking for our go-to plumbers and heard good things about Kirkland and Shaw. We needed a backwater preventer installed and Paul and Demetri (and one person whose name I don't know) did great job. Paul was our point person and was very respo… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Amy Ellentuck · 2025-09-19**: The folks at Kirkland & Shaw are professional, flexible, confident in their work, patient, neat and kind. Highly recommend. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Valerie Levitre · 2025-07-18**: During this heat wave, we were reflecting on how appreciative we are of the mini splits that were installed last year by Kirkland and Shaw. Not only where they competitive in price, but they were thorough and professional in the installation and maintenance of the units. They were attentive to our c… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Charles Hatvany · 2025-06-14**: We have been having problems with old cast iron sewage pipes leaking over the years. The last two situations were handled by Kirkland and Shaw. We had a plumber on site the next morning each time, They knew what was needed and did in quickly and well. Highly recommend them. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Surendra Shah · 2025-05-21**: We have been a client of K&S for past 3 years. This past winter, the Rheem boiler had a leak but continued to operate. The parts (from a distributor) took forever but K&S stayed focused on the parts delivery. The boiler is repaired and working well. K&S stayed focused in resolving the leak; responde… --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-09-01T11:57:32.437Z. Cite as: Kirkland and Shaw Inc. — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/kirkland-and-shaw-inc-burlington) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/kirkland-and-shaw-inc-burlington ## Sitemap [Full site index](https://tavlee.com/sitemap.md)