A Hack to Safely Drain Pasta Water

Those with mobility challenges deal with many difficulties in the kitchen. One of the most difficult challenges is how to safely cook pasta. Once the pasta is done cooking, how does someone in a wheelchair get the pot full of hot water to the sink without burning themselves? In this instructable, we will show a safe solution using a device microbrewers have been using for years.

Materials Needed:

1. Food Grade Water Pump with Speed Control - Available on Amazon for about $25. Ensure it can handle temperatures up to 100°C.
2. Scrap 2x4 - 7 inches long
3. Wood Screw
4. Extension Cord

Tools Needed:

1. Drill
2. 1/8” Drill Bit
3. Pencil/Marker
4. Screwdriver
5. Utility Knife

1. Use the scrap piece of 2x4 to anchor the pump.
2. Set the pump on the wood to find the best position.
3. Line up the pump clip so it holds the pump in the middle.
4. Mark where the screw will go to hold the clip.

1. Set the pump and clip aside.
2. Drill the pilot hole for the screw.
3. Place the clip over the hole and screw it in place.

1. Determine the in and out ports (on my pump, the in port was on top).
2. Snap the pump into the clip.

1. Measure the hose length needed to reach from the stove to the sink.
2. Use the utility knife to cut the hose to size.
3. Attach the hose going to the stove on the in port and to the sink on the out port.
4. Slide the screen filter on the end of the in hose.
5. Plug the extension cord into the speed control.

1. Position the pump on the counter between the stove and the sink.
2. With the pump control in the off position, plug the extension cord into an outlet.
3. Place the end of the out hose into the sink.
4. Place a colander in the sink next to the hose.

1. Place a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

1. When the noodles are done, turn off the heat.
2. Carefully lower the end of the hose with the filter into the pot.
3. Turn the pump on slowly until the water starts moving (do not turn it up too high to avoid splashing).
4. Using a pot holder, reposition the hose in the pot to remove as much water as possible. Be cautious, as the hose will be hot!

1. When the pump starts to gurgle, turn it off.
2. Unplug the pump from the outlet.
3. Carefully remove the hose from the pot.
4. Using pot holders, carefully move the pot off the stove and pour the pasta into the waiting colander.

I hope this instructable will help make the process of cooking noodles safer and easier for those with mobility challenges. Happy cooking!