Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Plumbing & Heating Partner in Burlington, MA
Founded in 1953 by Henry Kirkland and Bob Shaw, our company has built a legacy of excellence in plumbing and heating services. With over 70 years of combined experience, we relocated to Burlington, Massachusetts in 1961 and have since expanded our expertise to serve residential and commercial clients across Metro-West. Our team of certified technicians delivers 24/7 emergency response, same-day service, and meticulous attention to detail. We specialize in gas, oil, steam, and radiant heating systems, along with comprehensive plumbing solutions from leak repairs to full-scale renovations.As a family-owned business now led by Steve Kirkland, we maintain rigorous licensing standards, including MA Master Plumber License #15166 and MA HIC #116377. Our commitment to punctuality, transparency, and technical mastery has earned us enduring trust in communities like Arlington, Lexington, and Cambridge. Every service call reflects our core values: no job is too small, every client deserves personalized care, and lasting relationships are built through consistent reliability.
Services
Plumbing Repairs
Steam Boiler Installation
Oil to Gas Conversion
Ductless Mini Split
Kitchen Remodeling
Bathroom Renovation
Drain Cleaning
Radiant Heating
Gas Piping
Water Heater Replacement
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of combined plumbing and heating expertise
- Our team provides 24/7 emergency service with rapid response times
- We guarantee same-day service for urgent plumbing needs
- Our technicians are fully licensed with MA Master Plumber License #15166
- We serve 12+ communities including Lexington, Concord, and Cambridge
What people say
Fast, efficient and professional
Excellent, friendly, reliable service
Real pro - as I'm sure your well aware
Expert & kind care
Great and very efficient
Services
Plumbing Repairs
Our licensed technicians handle all plumbing emergencies including burst pipes, leaks, and frozen pipe thawing. We use advanced leak detection technology with automatic shutoff systems to minimize water damage. Customers receive same-day service for urgent repairs, with weekend and holiday availability maintained since 1953.
Steam Boiler Installation
We specialize in steam boiler systems for residential and commercial properties. Our services include new installations, annual maintenance, and repairs for all boiler types. Technicians follow manufacturer-recommended service protocols to ensure optimal efficiency and safety compliance for systems using oil, gas, or hybrid configurations.
Oil to Gas Conversion
Our team facilitates complete oil-to-gas heating system conversions. This includes gas piping installation, appliance connections, and system reconfiguration. We help homeowners qualify for Mass Save rebates while ensuring proper gas meter installation and leak detection testing during the transition process.
Ductless Mini Split
We install and service ductless mini-split systems for zoned climate control. Our technicians handle both residential and commercial applications, including outdoor unit placement and refrigerant line installation. The service includes system diagnostics, filter replacement, and seasonal maintenance to maintain energy efficiency.
Kitchen Remodeling
Our remodeling services cover complete kitchen and bathroom renovations. We handle plumbing rough-ins, fixture installation, and final connections. Specialized offerings include steam bath systems, bidet installations, and luxury fixture upgrades while maintaining compliance with local building codes during all renovation projects.
People
Steve Kirkland
Owner
Third-generation plumbing expert with 40+ years in the family business. Oversees daily operations and technical standards while maintaining the company's founding commitment to quality service since 1953.
Craig Chamberlain
Master Plumber
Certified plumbing specialist with 25 years of experience. Recognized for precision installations and complex system diagnostics. Holds multiple technical certifications including MA Master Plumber License #15166.
Adam
Service Technician
Experienced field technician specializing in emergency repairs and residential service calls. Known for punctuality and clear communication during service visits across Metro-West communities.
Tom
Heating Specialist
HVAC expert with focus on boiler systems and oil-to-gas conversions. Provides technical training to junior staff while handling complex heating system installations and maintenance contracts.
Andrew
Bathroom Remodel Lead
Remodeling specialist with expertise in modern bathroom installations. Coordinates fixture upgrades and complete system replacements while ensuring code compliance during renovation projects.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve 12 Metro-West communities including Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Burlington, Cambridge, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Weston, and Winchester.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing and heating services with technicians on call for urgent issues like burst pipes or heating failures.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major credit cards for completed services. Payment terms for large projects can be discussed with our billing department.
Are estimates free?
Yes, we offer free project estimates through our online form or by phone. Emergency service calls receive immediate cost assessment upon arrival.
How quickly can you respond?
Emergency calls receive immediate dispatch with average response time under 2 hours. Routine service appointments are typically available within 24-48 hours.
Do you handle commercial projects?
Yes, we service both residential and commercial properties with specialized teams for large-scale heating systems and business plumbing needs.
Reviews (7)
Beverly W.
Dec 28, 2021
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I was nervous going with a contracting company but the plumber professional that serviced my appointment was professional. Extremely knowledgeable. Courteous and exceeded my expectations. I only wish I could get him all the time
Steve B.
Oct 08, 2021
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Our water heater started leaking so last night I filled out online estimate requests from Kirkland and Shaw and from the Home Depot. Last night I heard back from HD and settled on a price for purchase, installation and removal of our old water heater. Installation was scheduled for today. This morning , Tom from K&S called and I told him that I had already committed to HD. Soon afterward, the installer from HD called and told me that the earliest install he could do was next Wednesday....which means that my water heater would be leaking for another four plus days. So I called Tom at K
Maureen Meyer
Sep 07, 2021
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This plumbing business came highly recommended. The plumbers do know their business. For example, a different local plumber told us were were going to have to replace the entire shower mechanism where when K&S plumbers came out, they knew the devise was still made and just needed a part. So that was great. The plumbers who showed up were professional and explain things well, etc. First visit they got right to work and installed some sinks. They looked at two other jobs and said they would get back to us. Well, the second job took six months before it was complete. We waited a while and called
Seth Earley
Aug 14, 2021
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Great service and very responsive. They even referred me to another business for a specialized area where they had limited resources. But here is the kicker - they sent a note of appreciation for my business and prompt payment. It was a very well written note from the business owner. As a business owner, I appreciated that touch. Highly recommend Kirkland & Shaw.
Jean Colbath
Jul 27, 2021
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I had an appointment scheduled. When no one showed up after 30 minutes I called. Steve Kirkland picked up the phone. He advised, he knew nothing of what I was speaking and could not have been more condescending and sarcastic to me. He put down the phone, returned, and advised, 'he' had sent the person for a COVID test, and he remained as angry as when he initially picked up the phone. BTW-This was pricing for a job that easily could cost roughly $4K. I have never experienced the rudeness, unkindness and uncaring, inflicted upon me by Steve. I had also advised Steve I had recently lost my husband
Juan J.
Feb 15, 2021
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Great service, good communication, showed up on time, they had to call a helper to get the water heater out and Paul showed up promptly. They took the old water heater away to Home Depot and surprisingly came back with what I think is a better one from the State brand (A.O. Smith). They also installed an inline sediment filter I had bought some time ago but had doubts about DYI, and replaced valves that had corrosion and needed to go. All in all I am very pleased with the result and glad to be able to take a hot bath after a week of waiting for an incompetent Choice Home Warranty service that never
Mark B.
Jan 23, 2021
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They won't give you an up front estimate, and just say you will receive a bill a few days after service. If you finally get them to give you an estimate it's twice as much as other plumbers.
