It was a let-off for the Hammers who were poor, sloppy and lacked imagination.
Nuno's 10 changes looked like it could backfire with Burton the better side for long spells.
A more dynamic side would have taken advantage of the visitors, who needed their man of the moment Summerville to save them from at least going to penalties.
The travelling fans, who chanted "sack the board" early on after the plane circled the ground would have had more ammunition if Burton had sprung a shock.
Ultimately they have progressed - but it was nervy and West Ham had to ride out some late Burton pressure and chances.
Nuno can claim it was mission accomplished, he rested several key players and West Ham still went through. But it does not offer much comfort over the depth of his squad before the relegation run-in.