3″ CH&E Replacement Diaphragm – Neoprene
CH&E 3 Inch Neoprene Replacement Diaphragm P2726N is a replacement diaphragm for selected CH&E 3 inch diaphragm pumps in the 5500 aluminum and 6500 cast iron series. The CH&E parts information identifies the diaphragm under base part number P2726, with P2726N designating the neoprene version.
This diaphragm is designed for construction dewatering, groundwater removal, slurry handling, municipal work, and other applications where neoprene provides a useful combination of flexibility, abrasion resistance, and outdoor durability. Confirm your CH&E pump model and serial number before ordering.
Key Product Features
- Replacement neoprene diaphragm for selected CH&E 3 inch diaphragm pumps
- Material-specific part number: P2726N
- Base CH&E diaphragm part number: P2726
- Used in selected CH&E 5500 Series aluminum pumps
- Used in selected CH&E 6500 Series cast iron pumps
- One diaphragm used per pump in the applications covered here
- Neoprene construction for demanding water, slurry, and outdoor pumping applications
- Matching neoprene rebuild kit: W103-030.0N
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Replacement Diaphragm |
| Pump Brand | CH&E |
| Manufacturer | C. H. & E. Manufacturing Co. Inc. |
| Base Part Number | P2726 |
| Neoprene Part Number | P2726N |
| Nominal Pump Size | 3 Inch |
| Material | Neoprene |
| CH&E Pump Series | Selected 5500 Series aluminum and 6500 Series cast iron pumps |
| Model Range | Selected models within the 5500 to 6535 range, confirm before ordering |
| Quantity Per Pump | 1 |
| Matching Rebuild Kit | W103-030.0N |
| Matching Neoprene Flap Valve | SA-10001N |
CH&E Pump Applications
The P2726N neoprene diaphragm is used in selected CH&E 3 inch diaphragm pumps, including applications within the:
- CH&E 5500 Series aluminum pump family
- CH&E 6500 Series cast iron pump family
CH&E model numbers within this product family may range from 5500 through 6535. Always confirm the exact pump model and serial number before ordering because model variations and service history can affect replacement-part requirements.
Why Choose Neoprene for a CH&E 3 Inch Pump?
Neoprene is commonly selected for construction, dewatering, slurry, and outdoor pumping applications because it provides a useful balance of flexibility, physical durability, weather resistance, and resistance to repeated flexing.
This material may be appropriate for:
- Construction dewatering
- Groundwater removal
- Sediment-laden water
- Water-based slurry
- Outdoor pump operation
- Municipal and utility pumping
Diaphragm material should be selected according to the actual fluid and operating conditions. If the pump handles petroleum products, unusual chemicals, or other demanding fluids, confirm the appropriate CH&E diaphragm material before ordering.
How to Confirm the Correct CH&E Diaphragm
Use the pump model and part information rather than diaphragm appearance alone.
- Locate the CH&E pump nameplate. Record the model number and serial number.
- Confirm the pump is a 3 inch model. The 3 inch designation refers to the nominal pump connection, not the physical diaphragm diameter.
- Check the existing diaphragm. Look for the P2726 or P2726N identification when available.
- Compare the original part. Review the diameter, mounting arrangement, thickness, and general configuration before installation.
If any identification detail is uncertain, contact Ken’s Distributing with the CH&E model number, serial number, and photographs of the existing diaphragm.
About Part Number P2726N
P2726 is the base diaphragm number identified for the CH&E 3 inch pump applications covered here. The N suffix identifies the neoprene material version, making the complete part number P2726N.
Other diaphragm materials may be available for selected CH&E applications. Do not change material based solely on the shared base number or physical dimensions. Select the diaphragm material according to the CH&E pump requirements and the fluid being handled.
Signs Your CH&E Diaphragm May Need Replacement
Inspect the diaphragm when pump performance changes or during routine maintenance. Common warning signs include:
- Longer priming time
- Reduced suction
- Lower discharge flow
- Irregular pump operation
- Visible cracking, stiffening, thinning, or deformation
- Leakage around the diaphragm area
A damaged diaphragm should be serviced promptly. Continued operation can reduce pump performance and may contribute to additional wear on internal pump components.
Installation Information
For the CH&E 3 inch pump applications covered here, the diaphragm is mounted between the pump frame and water box and attached to the diaphragm bottom plate.
Follow the CH&E service procedure for your exact model. The installation information provided for these 3 inch pumps specifies:
- Position the connecting rod appropriately before removing the diaphragm assembly.
- Remove the hardware securing the diaphragm between the pump frame and water box.
- Remove the fasteners securing the diaphragm to the bottom plate.
- Install the replacement diaphragm evenly on the mounting studs and bottom plate.
- Center the diaphragm correctly before tightening the housing hardware.
- Tighten clamping hardware evenly in a crossing pattern.
The service information provided for these CH&E 3 inch pumps specifies approximately 45 to 54 N-m, or 35 to 40 lb-ft, for the relevant diaphragm mounting hardware. Confirm the torque specification for your exact CH&E model before installation.
Related CH&E Parts to Inspect
When the pump is already disassembled for diaphragm service, inspect the surrounding wear components for damage, corrosion, or deterioration.
- Neoprene flap valve: SA-10001N
- Neoprene flap valve with cloth insert: SA-10002N
- Diaphragm bottom plate: P3306
- Retaining washers: P3317
- Connecting rod: P3305
- Neoprene rebuild kit: W103-030.0N
If several wear components need service at the same time, ask Ken’s Distributing whether the CH&E rebuild kit is appropriate for your pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CH&E pumps use the P2726N diaphragm?
P2726N is the neoprene version of the P2726 diaphragm used in selected CH&E 3 inch pumps within the 5500 Series aluminum and 6500 Series cast iron families. Confirm the complete CH&E model and serial number before ordering.
What does the N mean in P2726N?
The N identifies the neoprene material version of the P2726 diaphragm. P2726 is the base diaphragm number, while the suffix identifies the material.
Is 3 inch the physical diameter of the diaphragm?
No. The 3 inch designation refers to the nominal pump connection size. The diaphragm itself is considerably larger. Use the CH&E pump model and part number to identify the replacement rather than ordering by diaphragm diameter alone.
What is the difference between the CH&E 5500 and 6500 Series?
The information provided for these pump families identifies the 5500 Series as aluminum construction and the 6500 Series as cast iron construction. Selected models in both families use the P2726 diaphragm. Confirm the exact pump model before ordering.
What torque should I use when installing this diaphragm?
The service information provided for the CH&E 3 inch applications covered here specifies approximately 45 to 54 N-m, or 35 to 40 lb-ft, for the relevant diaphragm mounting hardware. Always confirm the service specification for your exact CH&E model before installation.
Can I change from neoprene to another diaphragm material?
The replacement material should be selected according to the requirements of the specific CH&E pump and application. Do not choose another material based solely on the P2726 base number or physical dimensions. Confirm the fluid, operating conditions, and pump requirements before changing materials.
What other parts should I inspect during diaphragm replacement?
Inspect the flap valve, diaphragm bottom plate, retaining washers, connecting rod, mounting hardware, and other nearby wear components. If several parts require service, the W103-030.0N neoprene rebuild kit may be worth considering for the appropriate CH&E pump.
How can I confirm this is the correct CH&E diaphragm?
Provide Ken’s Distributing with the CH&E pump model number, serial number, and any identification visible on the existing diaphragm. Photographs of the pump and removed diaphragm can also help confirm the correct replacement.
Can I order CH&E diaphragms in quantity?
Yes. Ken’s Distributing offers bulk and blanket order programs for qualifying contractors, rental operations, municipalities, distributors, and businesses maintaining multiple diaphragm pumps.