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Push nipples

kcopp
kcopp Member Posts: 4,468

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.

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,738

    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.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,468

    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
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,738

    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!

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,405

    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
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 10,858

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