The water in my area is pretty hard...lots of tiny rocks. I do not use a water softener. Every few years, I develope a slow drip. When this occurs is it a simple replacement of a washer that'll do the trick, or do I need to replace the entire faucet?

Thanks

Unless the body of the faucet is corroded, a simple repair is usually sufficient. What brand of faucet? Where is it located? Have you repaired it yourself before?

Does the manufacturer of your faucet have replacement ceramic cartridges? I'd look into those to replace.

Best Wishes

hard water does not mean it has tiny 'rocks' in it.
besides softening the water you will need a particulate filter as well.

Ice is also "hard water".

so, conversely, steam is 'soft' water?

As steam doesn't contain ions, yes, it would be

Isn't Steam a gas?

Best Wishes

definitely, especially when it condenses into a liquid.

And "water under the bridge "needs no comment