Any tips on unthawing pipes?

Do not use a blow torch as I run on many fires after this is done. ume the pipes are copper so will not split. if plastic they might. Insulate them after they thaw with your already boughten heat tape touching the pipe and use a very large insulation to cover the pipe. like 3 to 5 inch thick all around. Foam against pipe and fibergl wrap over that. Keep it fluffy and protect against wind with paper or plastic cover over all insulation. No pipe in North America should be uninsulated and rely on heat tape, you are just asking for trouble. Insulation is cheep and hotels (after you run out of water to put out a fire...) are expensive, congratulations on the knowledge you have gained by making this common mistake, don't repeat it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...