| Method | Time to thaw (typical 2ft ice plug) | Pipe safety | |--------|--------------------------------------|--------------| | Warm water flush | 30–90 min | Safe (PVC/metal) | | Hair dryer via overflow | 20–45 min | Safe | | Space heater on pipe | 1–3 hrs | Safe | | Heat tape | 2–4 hrs | Safe for rated pipes | | Steam machine | 2–5 min | Very safe | | Electric thawing (metal only) | 5–15 min | Professional only |