Minerals such as calcium carbonate, the mineral primarily responsible for limescale formation, are dissolved in the solution as TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). When temperature or pressure change occurs, minerals precipitate out of solution, accumulating as hard scale in pipes, in holding tanks, and on heating elements. It is important to understand that scale buildup in pipe systems, heating and cooling elements, and appliances come at a significant cost. In fact, a quarter of an inch of scale buildup results in a 38 percent loss of efficiency – and that means your energy bills increase substantially.