Hawle ZAK – Threadless Pipe Connections

Reliable since its development in 1995, the patented Hawle ZAK-system makes connecting valves and fittings quick and easy. The simple bayonet-style connection can be installed in seconds and can be removed for reuse just as quickly if needed. Making dependable threadless connections for water and wastewater service pipeline valves and fittings has never been easier. 

“ZAK” is a reference to the German statement „Zugfest – Arretierbar – Korrosionssicher“, which translates to “restraint – lockable – corrosion resistant”. It also sounds similar to the German expression “zack-zack”, which means “quickly” or “hurry up” and corresponds to the fast, easy assembly of ZAK-system fittings and valves.

The bayonet-style connection of the ZAK-system is simple and fast, meaning service line connections can be made or removed in seconds. Simply: 

1. Grease the two O-rings,
2. Push the two connections together,
3. Rotate one fitting 90° clockwise,
4. Pull fittings apart to lock them, and
5. ​​Insert the supplied snap ring to keep them locked together.  

The ZAK-system saves time and does not require separate sealing products to make 100% leak-proof connections. 

• Flexible and adjustable to your needs 

Depending on the model, ZAK fittings can be rotated 360° during installation, allowing assembly in any orientation. The ZAK-system is also flexible 3° in any direction after installation, compensating for perpendicular ground movements in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This makes it highly resistant to the types of failures caused by earthquakes, ground settling, or ground heaving which would cause threaded connections to break.  

• 100% Leak-proof double O-ring design 

The ZAK-system is 100% leak-proof in any orientation, maintaining a complete seal even after ground shifting. Separate sealing products like hemp are not required for the ZAK-system, making installation even faster over traditional threaded connections.

• Safe and durable connections 

Water pressure keeps the ZAK-system completely locked while in service, but a safety snap ring adds a second layer of protection and keeps fittings in place when the line is not pressurized. The Hawle ZAK-system can withstand pressures up to 16 Bar (PN 16). 

• Corrosion proof and incrustation resistant 

Threaded connections have bare metal that is susceptible to corrosion and incrustation, degrading the threads and binding them together, potentially leading to leaks. With the ZAK-system, valves and fittings are completely epoxy powder coated to GSK standard requirements, leaving no exposed surfaces for corrosion to occur or rough surfaces for deposits to accumulate.

Capable of drilling under pressures up to 16 bar on in-service water mains, the Hawle ZAK-system is perfect for your hot tapping operations. The ZAK-drilling adapter pairs effortlessly with the Hawle pipe drilling machine and a drilling saddle, enabling you to drill cast iron, steel, PVC, PE and AC pipelines simply and effectively, with or without internal pressure.

• Fast – save time on jobs that have high hourly rates or tight deadlines
• Flexible – compensates ground movement and vibrations
• Corrosion-proof – long-lasting and can be removed and reused easily
• Leak-proof – completely sealing up to 16 bar
• Reliable – durable construction with high quality materials and rigorous quality checks
• Versatile – a wide product range for various house connections.