If none of these materials is available to you you can always elect water line repair to soak rags or towels in hot water and wrap them around the frozen pipe. This will probably take longer than any of the methods previously mentioned.
With a putty knife, carefully scrape the remaining parts of the wax ring from the area. Clean the spot so that the new wax ring will be level. Place a new wax ring on the opening and replace the toilet. Bolt it back onto the floor, reconnect the water line repair supply tube and watch for leaks as the water is turned back on.
You don't want to be paying your plumber to clear the area before they start work particularly if you are paying an hourly rate. Empty cupboards and make sure there is nothing that may cost the plumber time and you money gaining access to the job.
Working on the gas lines is also a complex job that only a licensed plumber can handle because it is very dangerous. Small leaks can't always be detected by odor alone, but a licensed professional has the proper equipment that's needed to ensure that you don't have any leaks in the line.
These are people who would naturally refer to each other because they typically refer to each other. What about a "Home" referral team? people that support the "home" industry. More people are electing to keep their home and are willing to do the maintaining or fixing up. Electrician, plumber, window, roofer, siding, flooring, and so on. Think about these people getting together once a week to talk about projects that they are working on and creating a water line repair core of competent reliable partners that refer to each other. Inevitably, a person needs carpentry work after the electrician leaves.
From your own point of view, it is important that the plumber be trustworthy and credible. Ensure the plumber comes with at least two strong references which you can verify. This will help you be more secure and suffer less anxiety.
Find out if the plumber works on a 24 hour basis and, if so, what are the extra charges involved. More important than the costs however are the person's trustworthiness and reputation. After all, he or she will be in your home and around your possessions. You should feel comfortable with their presence and confident that they are honest.