To thaw a frozen water pipe, use a hairdryer or heat lamp on a low setting to warm the pipe gradually, starting from the farthest point from the water source. Wrap a towel soaked in hot water around the pipe and insulate it with a blanket or foam board. Avoid open flames or space heaters, which can cause sudden temperature spikes and damage the pipe. Open all taps connected to the frozen section to relieve pressure. If the pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply immediately and contact a professional.

The primary risk of improper thawing is pipe rupture due to ice expansion. When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, creating immense pressure that can crack pipes. Thawing methods must be controlled to prevent this. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that frozen pipes account for over 1,500 property damage claims annually in the U.S., with average repair costs exceeding $5,000. Gradual thawing with heat sources like hairdryers (maintaining 15-30 inches distance) ensures even warming, as recommended by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Insulating pipes with foam boards (R-value ≥3) reduces freeze risk by 70%, per a 2021 study in Journal of Building Engineering. Open taps relieve pressure by allowing water to escape, mitigating爆裂 (burst) risk. However, sudden thawing near walls can warp pipe supports, so inspect structural integrity post-thawing.

Avoiding open flames prevents fires, as natural gas pipes may become brittle and ignite when frozen. Space heaters pose similar risks and lack the precision of focused heat. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that 25% of home heating fires involve space heaters, often near water pipes. Using hot towels (110-120°F) is safe but requires frequent replacement to maintain temperature. For long-term prevention, seal gaps in walls and attics (where pipes pass) with insulation to maintain temperatures above 20°F (-6°C). According to the EPA, 85% of frozen pipes occur in attics due to poor insulation. If a pipe bursts, immediate water shut-off and professional repair are critical, as delayed action can worsen mold growth (which affects 85% of burst pipe homes, per Mold Insights 2022).

In summary, controlled heat application, pressure relief, and insulation are key to thawing safely. Proactive measures reduce annual冻管 (frozen pipe) incidents by 60%, as shown in a 2020 AWWA survey. Always prioritize slow, deliberate thawing to avoid structural damage and high repair costs.