Is a tankless water heater worth it in Wichita?

For most households, yes. ENERGY STAR data shows certified tankless models can save a family of four roughly $95 a year (about $1,800 over the unit's life) compared to a standard tank water heater, while lasting up to twice as long — about 20 years versus 10–12 years for a typical tank.

What are Wichita's current outdoor watering restrictions?

Wichita has a permanent outdoor watering ordinance based on your address: homes with odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday; even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Check the City of Wichita's Drought Update page for the current drought stage and any additional restrictions.

Are vinegar and baking soda really effective for cleaning drains and toilets?

Yes, for routine cleaning and minor clogs. Baking soda followed by vinegar creates a fizzing reaction that can help loosen light buildup in drains, and the same combination works well for toilet bowls. For a stubborn clog or a drain that keeps backing up, that's usually a sign of a deeper blockage — call a licensed plumber rather than relying on chemical drain cleaners, which can damage older pipes.

Does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita install eco-friendly fixtures?

Yes. We install and service low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads, as well as tankless water heaters, throughout the Wichita area. Call (316) 768-8374 to schedule.

Going Green in Wichita: Environmentally Friendly Plumbing Solutions for Your Home

Kansas summers are hot, Wichita's water supply depends heavily on Cheney Reservoir, and the city has made outdoor watering restrictions a permanent part of life here. Whether or not your address falls on an odd or even watering day, one thing is true for every Wichita homeowner: water conservation matters more here than in many parts of the country, and small changes to your home's plumbing can make a real difference, both for the environment and for your utility bill.

The good news is that going green doesn't require a full remodel. As licensed Wichita plumbers, we've put together practical, high-impact upgrades you can make around your home, from your fixtures to your water heater to your cleaning cabinet.

Why Water Conservation Matters in Wichita

The City of Wichita draws most of its water supply from Cheney Reservoir, and reservoir levels have swung between Stage 1 and Stage 2 drought response multiple times over the past few years. As of late 2025, Wichita moved back into Stage 1 of its drought response plan, and the city has made its odd/even-day outdoor watering schedule a permanent conservation ordinance rather than a temporary drought measure.

That local reality lines up with a national trend that's hitting homeowners' wallets right now: according to Bluefield Research's 2025 Municipal Water & Sewer Rate Index, U.S. household water and sewer bills rose 5.1% in 2025 alone, a five-year high that outpaced inflation. Since 2000, water, sewer, and trash collection costs have climbed 207% nationally, more than double the overall rate of inflation. On top of rising rates, EPA estimates that the average household wastes several thousand gallons of water a year through fixable leaks alone.

In other words, conservation isn't just good citizenship in Wichita — with water rates climbing faster than inflation nationwide, a few simple plumbing upgrades can meaningfully soften that trend for your own household.

Add Low-Flow Fixtures

Older low-flow fixtures had a reputation for weak water pressure, but today's WaterSense-labeled shower heads, faucets, and toilets deliver a strong, satisfying flow at a fraction of the water use, and most are an easy upgrade for a licensed plumber to install in an afternoon.

According to the EPA's WaterSense program:

Replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labeled models can save the average family about 13,000 gallons of water and $130 per year.
Replacing old shower heads with WaterSense-labeled models can save the average family more than 2,700 gallons of water per year and reduce water and electricity costs by about $70 annually.

Since a well-installed toilet or shower head can serve your household reliably for many years, it's worth having it professionally installed by your Wichita Benjamin Franklin Plumbing team to make sure it's sized and fitted correctly the first time.

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Water Heater

Traditional storage water heaters keep a full tank of water hot around the clock, even when no one's home. Tankless (on-demand) water heaters only heat water when you actually turn on the tap, which eliminates that standby energy loss.

According to ENERGY STAR, the U.S. government-backed energy efficiency program:

ENERGY STAR certified gas tankless water heaters can save a family of four about $95 per year, roughly $1,800 over the unit's lifetime, compared to a standard gas storage water heater.
Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of around 20 years, nearly double that of a typical storage tank model.

Beyond the energy savings, a tankless system also removes the risk of a slowly failing tank leaking and causing water damage — one more way an upgrade like this protects both your wallet and your home.

Call (316) 768-8374 to schedule a consultation with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita. We install, maintain, and repair tankless water heaters throughout the Wichita area.

Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaning and Plumbing Products

Conventional cleaning products, especially chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), are effective but come with real downsides: they're corrosive to skin and eyes, the fumes can trigger asthma symptoms, and they're a leading cause of household poisoning incidents involving children. They also contribute to water pollution once rinsed down the drain.

A few Wichita-friendly, eco-conscious alternatives:

Vinegar and baking soda remain the classic combination for at-home cleaning. To clean a toilet, combine the two directly in the bowl. To clear a slow drain, pour a few tablespoons of baking soda down the drain, follow with a cup of vinegar, let it fizz for about 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Branch Basics Concentrate and similar all-in-one, non-toxic cleaners can replace most bleach-based bathroom products.
A pumice stone (sold anywhere personal care products are sold) removes toilet bowl stains without harsh chemicals — just be sure to label it so it isn't mixed up with other household stones.

Six More Water-Saving Tips for Wichita Homeowners

Sweep, don't spray. Clean your driveway or sidewalk with a broom instead of a hose.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. It uses more water than composting or the trash for scraps.
Raise your lawnmower blade to at least 3 inches. Especially for Bermuda and buffalo grass lawns common in Wichita, taller grass promotes deeper roots that hold water better and tolerate the city's watering-day restrictions.
Reuse water where you can. Save the water used to rinse produce for houseplants, or keep a bucket in the shower to catch water while it warms up to water flowers.
Use advanced power strips to stop electronics from drawing power (and indirectly, energy tied to water heating and pumping) when they're off or idle.
Follow Wichita's watering schedule and avoid watering on windy days, when a significant share of outdoor water is lost to evaporation and drift before it ever reaches your lawn.

Ready to Make Your Home’s Plumbing More Efficient?

Whether you need a low-flow toilet properly installed, want to explore a tankless water heater, or just want a professional opinion on where your home is wasting water, the licensed plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita are here to help.

Call (316) 768-8374 to schedule your appointment, or visit Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita to learn more about our eco-friendly plumbing services.