Push nipples

kcopp

Hi All.

I have been asked to look at a CI baseboard project that has been given to me as the last contractor gave up.

Old baseboard was pulled out and tossed aside figuring it would not go back in during a remodel.

The HO protested and it went back in.

Now they are having leaks between the sections.

Its old Weil baseboard approx 7" tall. A bit short compared to the new Snug. (9 3/4")

Question… are the push nipples the same on the old stuff compared to the new?

I am hoping to pull apart and re-work. T.I.A.

Jamie Hall

Probably not — but you might get lucky.

However, that doesn't mean you're out of luck. Take it apart — carefully; oddly, it is possible to damage a nipple by getting the sections at an angle. Then clean everything very thoroughly. Look for scratches and such things (just like the faces of a union). Try putting it back with possibly no more than a little dish soap for lubrication. Still leaks? Look at the nipples and their seats again. If they aren't pretty darn near perfect, you may get away with a VERY small bead of sealant — like FormAGasket — all the way around the end of the nipple (well, both ends) and then pull it back together.

kcopp

Thanks.

This is on a huge run of CI BB.

6' on the left side then a 90* turn and 21'

Pulling it on and off multiple times would be a real pain.

It looks like the other contractor used a good amount of Rectorseal on the joints. Its oozing out of a few places.

Jamie Hall

I have to wonder if he used it on the nipple seating surfaces… or did he put a ring of it on the faces of the sections???

But you're right — taking it apart and putting it back together is going to be a pain!

EBEBRATT-Ed

Maybe a phone call to Weil McLain would be worth it about the nipples.

If they tossed the baseboards around during the demo it is no wonder, they leak.

mattmia2

you could always buy new baseray too, might be less expensive when you account for the extra labor and it holding up other contractors