NOT just an annoying sound.

Why does a faucet leak?

     A faucet leaks when a drip, a trickle, or a flow of water comes out of the spout even when the handle is in the closed position. Faucets are supposed to efficiently regulate water flow but age and heavy usage leads to the wear and tear of the rubber o-rings and washers inside the fixture. When these worn-out washers fail to seal the faucet pipes properly, water leaks through.

Why is it important to fix a leaky faucet?

     A small drip can send gallons of clean water down the drain every day. Allowing a drip to last for days is a huge waste of a precious natural resource. Also, a leaky faucet can make an irritating tapping sound that magnifies into a sleep-disturbing nuisance in the quiet of the night; and long-standing drips can leave nasty stains on the sink.