Water leak problems installing cast iron baseboard

TLDMA

We installed a bunch of Burnham cast iron baseboard by request of the customer during a complete remodel. We filled the system last week & came back to a bunch of water leaks at the push nipples. One leak was in the casting itself. We installed as the instructions specified. Did we miss something, is there something not included in the instructions, is there some secret trick, is this bad quality control?

Ironman

Did you use the draw tool to assemble them?

Did you lubricate the nipples? We use RTV and have never had a leak.

yellowdog

The last cast radiator I installed had a leak in the middle of the casting. Had to replace it.

TLDMA

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1840047#Comment_1840047

We used the tool rented from the supplier. It seemed awfully loose & worn out & slipped at the end causing whoever used it to punch the fins on the back of the cast baseboards with all their weight. We got a different one when we re-did them & felt a more definite closure this time. But we couldn’t get a consistent answer on if the push nips should be dry or have something added. About half say don’t add anything, others say use dope, some say graphite, maybe it depends on brand?

KC_Jones

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1840142#Comment_1840142

Why not just follow what Burnham says? They have clearly written instructions for how to do this.

TLDMA

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1840146#Comment_1840146

So this version says to use nipple lubricant (whatever that is) while the instructions we were given at the time did not say that. What is nip lube & am I going to get cancelled for saying that term?

ChrisJ

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1840158#Comment_1840158

I have no clue, but if it was me I'd use either pipe dope, or cutting oil, or tapping oil, way lube etc. They just want some lubrication when going together. If you have cutting oil or tap oil (tap magic, rapid tap etc) that would probably be best.

mattmia2

I'd use RTV like @Ironman suggested if it is leaking.

TLDMA

looks like we have more bad castings.

delcrossv

😲😲😲

I'd call Burnham. That's a serious QC issue.

tim smith

Burnham/US Boiler Rep always had nipple lube for us to purchase, still have cans around probably. We always cleaned the ports and nipples and wiped out, then lubed lightly the port & nipples. Assembled and pressed, always paid close attention to even pull together. We did have a few doa sections from factory over the years but hundreds of feet of baseray usually went ok. Dry press together not good. Also usually little rust in the ports from sitting around. Hope goes better for you.