3″ CH&E Replacement Diaphragm – Rubber
3 Inch CH&E Replacement Diaphragm – Rubber P2726R is a replacement diaphragm for selected CH&E 3 inch pumps in the 5500 aluminum and 6500 cast iron series. CH&E parts information identifies the diaphragm under base part number P2726, with P2726R designating the rubber version.
This diaphragm is intended for general water-handling and dewatering applications where rubber is the appropriate material. Confirm the CH&E pump model, serial number, required diaphragm material, and operating conditions before ordering.
Product Highlights
- Replacement rubber diaphragm for selected CH&E 3 inch diaphragm pumps
- Material-specific part number: P2726R
- 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
- Matching rubber rebuild kit: W103-030.0R
- Model and serial number should be confirmed before ordering
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Replacement Diaphragm |
| Pump Brand | CH&E |
| Manufacturer | C. H. & E. Manufacturing Co. Inc. |
| Base Part Number | P2726 |
| Rubber Part Number | P2726R |
| Nominal Pump Size | 3 Inch |
| Diaphragm Material | Rubber |
| 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 |
| Mounting Design | Mounted between the pump frame and water box and secured to the diaphragm bottom plate |
| Installation Torque | 45 to 54 N-m, 35 to 40 lb-ft, for the relevant 3 inch diaphragm mounting hardware. Confirm for the exact model. |
| Quantity Per Pump | 1 |
| Matching Rebuild Kit | W103-030.0R |
CH&E Pump Applications
The P2726R rubber diaphragm is used in selected CH&E 3 inch diaphragm pumps within the:
- CH&E 5500 Series aluminum pump family
- CH&E 6500 Series cast iron pump family
Model numbers within these CH&E product families may range from 5500 through 6535. Confirm the complete pump model and serial number before ordering because model variations and previous service work can affect replacement-part requirements.
Why Choose a Rubber Diaphragm for a CH&E 3 Inch Pump?
Rubber is a practical diaphragm material for clean water, groundwater, general dewatering, and other water-handling applications where significant petroleum contamination or aggressive chemical exposure is not present.
Common applications may include:
- Construction dewatering
- Groundwater removal
- Surface water pumping
- General water transfer
- Lightly sediment-laden water
The appropriate diaphragm material depends on the fluid being pumped and the operating environment. If the pump handles petroleum products, unusual chemicals, abrasive slurry, or other demanding fluids, confirm the appropriate CH&E diaphragm material before ordering.
How to Confirm the Correct CH&E Diaphragm
Use the CH&E pump model and part information rather than diaphragm appearance alone.
- Locate the pump nameplate. Record the complete CH&E model number and serial number.
- Confirm the pump size. The 3 inch designation refers to the nominal pump connection size, not the physical diameter of the diaphragm.
- Inspect the existing diaphragm. Look for P2726, P2726R, or other identifying information when available.
- Compare the original part. Record the outside diameter, thickness, mounting arrangement, and other identifying dimensions.
If the old diaphragm has no readable number, provide Ken’s Distributing with photographs, measurements, the CH&E model number, and serial number for assistance identifying the correct replacement.
Do not order by appearance alone. Diaphragms from different pump models can look similar while requiring different mounting dimensions or specifications.
About Part Number P2726R
P2726 is the base diaphragm number identified for the CH&E 3 inch applications covered here. The R suffix identifies the rubber material version, producing the complete part number P2726R.
CH&E also lists other diaphragm materials within this product family. Material selection should be based on the specific CH&E pump requirements, fluid being handled, and operating conditions. Do not change diaphragm material solely because another version uses the same base number.
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, thinning, hardening, 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 secured to the diaphragm bottom plate.
Follow the CH&E service procedure for the exact pump model. The installation information provided for these 3 inch pumps includes the following general steps:
- 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 the 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 the exact CH&E model before installation.
Related CH&E Parts to Inspect
When the pump is already disassembled for diaphragm service, inspect nearby wear components for deterioration, damage, or corrosion.
- Buna-N flap valve: SA-10001B
- Neoprene flap valve: SA-10001N
- Viton flap valve: SA-10001V
- Neoprene flap valve with cloth insert: SA-10002N
- Diaphragm bottom plate: P3306
- Retaining washers: P3317
- Connecting rod: P3305
- Rubber rebuild kit: W103-030.0R
The CH&E parts information provided does not list a rubber flap valve for this pump. Confirm the appropriate valve material and part number for the exact pump model before ordering.
If several wear components require service at the same time, ask Ken’s Distributing whether the W103-030.0R rebuild kit is appropriate for your CH&E pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CH&E pumps use the P2726R diaphragm?
P2726R is the rubber 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 R mean in P2726R?
The R identifies the rubber material version of the P2726 diaphragm. P2726 is the base diaphragm number, while the suffix identifies the material.
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.
Is the 3 inch measurement the diameter of the diaphragm?
No. The 3 inch designation refers to the nominal pump connection size. The physical diaphragm is larger. Identify the replacement using the CH&E pump model and part number rather than ordering by diaphragm diameter alone.
Is the CH&E 3 inch diaphragm the same as the CH&E 2 inch diaphragm?
No. The CH&E 3 inch applications covered here use the P2726 diaphragm family, while the CH&E 2 inch pump family uses different diaphragm part numbers and service specifications. Confirm the pump size and model before ordering or installing service parts.
What if my CH&E model does not begin with 55 or 65?
The information provided for this product covers selected CH&E 5500 and 6500 Series pumps. If your model falls outside those families, contact Ken’s Distributing with the complete model number, serial number, photographs, and existing diaphragm measurements 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. Confirm the service specification for the exact pump model before installation.
Can I change from rubber 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 solely because it uses the same P2726 base number or appears physically similar. Confirm the fluid, operating conditions, and pump requirements before changing materials.
Which other parts should I inspect while the pump is open?
Inspect the flap valve assembly, diaphragm bottom plate, retaining washers, connecting rod, mounting hardware, and nearby wear components. If several parts require replacement, the W103-030.0R rubber rebuild kit may be worth considering for the appropriate CH&E pump.
How can I identify the diaphragm if the old part has no number?
Record the outside diameter, thickness, mounting arrangement, and any visible markings. Photograph both sides of the diaphragm and provide the CH&E pump model and serial number. Ken’s Distributing can use that information to help identify the appropriate replacement.
Can I order CH&E replacement 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.