Step 2 · Apply Gentle, Safe Heat

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Select a safe heat source. The best and most recommended tool is a common household hair dryer. With the faucet still open, begin applying heat to the pipe. **It is crucial to start heating the section of pipe closest to the open faucet and slowly work your way backward toward the frozen blockage.** This technique ensures that melting ice and steam can flow out of the open faucet, rather than getting trapped and building more pressure. Hold the hair dryer a few inches from the pipe's surface and move it continuously back and forth. Do not hold it in one spot for too long, as this can overheat the pipe or surrounding materials. Alternative methods include using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe or wrapping the pipe in several towels and pouring hot (not boiling) water over them.