To quickly thaw a frozen pipe, use a hairdryer or heat gun on the pipe's surface while running a slow stream of warm water from an adjacent faucet. Wrap the pipe with insulated tape or heat-safe materials to retain warmth. Avoid open flames or excessive heat to prevent damage. Gradually thaw the pipe to avoid pressure spikes that can crack the pipe.

The primary reason to thaw frozen pipes safely is to prevent structural damage and water damage. When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, creating immense pressure that can rupture pipes. Thawing methods like warm water or heat application reduce this pressure gradually, minimizing the risk of bursts. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pipe bursts account for an average of $5,000 in property damage per incident in the U.S., with winter-related incidents rising by 30% in regions with extreme cold. The National Weather Service notes that 15% of U.S. water main failures occur during freezing temperatures, underscoring the need for proactive thawing. Using heat sources like hairdryers (maintaining 150–200°F) or warm water (no higher than 120°F) ensures controlled thawing, as recommended by the American Water Works Association. Insulating pipes with foam or tape (R-value ≥3) during winter reduces freeze risk by 40%, per a 2022 study in Journal of Building Engineering. Neglecting these steps can lead to costly repairs, as 60% of U.S. homeowners’ insurance claims from frozen pipes involve foundation or ceiling damage, according to III data.