Our water pipes are frozen, we have electric heat wire taped to the pipe which was unfortunatley unplugged and now they are frozen. When we plugged it back in again the light on the socket goes on and off every five minutes? Does this mean it is broken? The wire doesnt seem to heat up, does this mean it needs replacing? Or is the thermostat broken? Also what do I need to do with my hotwater tank? Thanks for your advice, it is greatly needed.