Spongy ring in tank?

[BBRRaider]

Hi there, first time poster. I've done minor repairs on toilets I've had, but I looked in the tank of my toilet and I've seen something that I'm not familiar with and not sure if it should be there or be replaced. Looking for some insight.

Around my tank flapper, there is a spongy/foamy ring. It's extremely soft and soggy. When I touch it, it will break apart. I took a picture which I'm attaching.

It has no odor and it seems almost perfectly donut shaped, so I think it was intentionally put there, but not sure.

Again, I'm not a plumber, I've just don't minor toilet repairs so this may be normal, but when I search online I can't find anything.

What is it? Assuming it should be there, is it at the point it needs to be replaced? Thanks for any help and insight. I searched and couldn't find anything so I apologize if this has been discussed and I missed it.

 

[Rickyman]

Looks pretty beat up, have you been using bleach tablets in the tank? This looks like the gasket

https://www.amazon.com/Kohler-GP83888-Gasket-Some-Toilets/dp/B001GZZHF6

 

[BBRRaider]

Hi Rickyman, thanks for the reply. I have not been using bleach tablets. This toilet has been here since I moved in 8 years ago and I haven't had any problems with it so I've never looked in the tank until today, so I'm not sure if it's been like this for a while. Maybe before I moved in there were bleach tablets used. Sound like I should look into removing that old gasket and replace it with one like you linked. Thanks!

 

[Rickyman]

Hi Rickyman, thanks for the reply. I have not been using bleach tablets. This toilet has been here since I moved in 8 years ago and I haven't had any problems with it so I've never looked in the tank until today, so I'm not sure if it's been like this for a while. Maybe before I moved in there were bleach tablets used. Sound like I should look into removing that old gasket and replace it with one like you linked. Thanks!

If it’s not causing any problems just leave it. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it

 

[BBRRaider]

That's what I like to hear. Thanks again!

 

[Jeff Handy]

It will eventually start to leak, and the tank will slowly leak under the flapper into the bowl.
Kohler has rebuild kits for all their one zillion different toilet designs.
Post a pic of the info molded or printed on the inside of the back of the tank.

 

[BBRRaider]

It's a Kohler k3360ba (Revival). I looked, didn't see much on how to replace it, but I'm assuming it's pretty straightforward...

 

[sarg]

I have a small dedicated wet vac to clean the sediment from my water heater and toilet tank.
Looks like you need one as well.