Passway™ How to Start Your System

“Starting” a grease trap is really about commissioning it properly—making sure the chamber is set up to separate grease immediately, and that the site’s day-to-day habits support good performance. When the trap is commissioned correctly, it behaves predictably from the first week of use and is far easier to service on schedule.

After installation, the first step is to fill the unit with clean water until you can confirm flow through the outlet. This establishes the correct operating water level and ensures the chamber is hydraulically ready to receive kitchen discharge. Any internal components that are supplied for separation and servicing—such as the removable basket—must also be fitted correctly before the system is put into normal use.

From there, successful commissioning depends on setting expectations for the kitchen. A grease trap is not a “set-and-forget” device—it is a controlled capture point. Encourage user habits that reduce unnecessary loading, such as scraping plates and cookware before washing, disposing of oils and fats to a suitable container rather than tipping them into the sink, and using strainers where appropriate to reduce solids entering the line.

Finally, plan the first inspection early. The initial weeks of operation will reveal the site’s true loading rate and help confirm the most sensible cleaning interval. Once that baseline is set, ongoing operation becomes simple: normal kitchen use, predictable capture, and scheduled servicing that keeps the plumbing system protected.

For a New Zealand–focused cleaning reference, see How to clean and service a grease trap in New Zealand.

Warranty note: Passway™ grease traps are supplied with a Limited Warranty. Coverage is conditional on warranty registration and proof of purchase being returned within the required timeframe, and on installation being completed in compliance with the instructions and applicable standards by a licensed plumber. If installed by anyone other than a trade professional, warranty cover is limited to 1 year. Remedies are limited to refund, repair, or replacement and exclude labour/installation costs; full exclusions and conditions apply.

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