Wait Type BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN

Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the database, the request is placed in a queue and the client application must wait for its turn to access the data. The time that the query spends waiting is called a "wait" and is tracked by SQL Server. This information can be used to identify potential performance bottlenecks and optimize the performance of the database. Wait statistics are commonly used by database administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues in SQL Server.

SQL Server uses wait types to help identify where tasks may encounter delays. The BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN wait type is specific to Service Broker, a feature designed for reliable messaging and asynchronous processing in SQL Server. This wait type occurs when a Service Broker task is being shut down. Understanding this wait type is important for managing and optimizing systems that use Service Broker for their operations.

What Is the BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN Wait Type?

The BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN wait type appears when SQL Server is shutting down tasks related to the Service Broker. These tasks could include processing messages, managing queues, or maintaining conversations. When the system shuts down or a specific Service Broker-related operation ends, this wait type ensures that tasks are properly cleaned up without leaving unfinished work.

When Does BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN Appear?

This wait type typically occurs in the following scenarios:

• Server Shutdown – When SQL Server is shutting down, it cleans up Service Broker tasks as part of the shutdown process.
• Service Broker Disablement – When Service Broker is disabled on a database, all associated tasks are terminated gracefully.
• Database Offline or Detach – If a database with Service Broker enabled is taken offline or detached, this wait type may be logged.
• High Message Volumes – Systems with many pending or active messages may experience this wait type when tasks are stopped or cleaned up.

Why BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN Waits Matter

While this wait type is expected in certain situations, frequent or prolonged BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN waits may signal underlying issues. Common causes include:

• High Message Backlogs – Large numbers of unprocessed messages can delay task shutdowns.
• Resource Bottlenecks – Limited CPU, memory, or disk resources can slow down the shutdown of Service Broker tasks.
• Blocking Issues – Active transactions or locks may prevent tasks from shutting down cleanly.
• Configuration Errors – Misconfigured Service Broker settings may cause delays during task termination.

How to Address BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN Waits

If this wait type appears frequently or lasts longer than expected, consider these strategies:

• Clear Queues – Monitor and process Service Broker queues to ensure that tasks can shut down without delays.
• Optimize Resources – Allocate sufficient CPU, memory, and disk resources to support Service Broker operations.
• Monitor Blocking Transactions – Use tools like Activity Monitor or dynamic management views to identify and resolve blocking issues.
• Validate Configurations – Ensure that Service Broker is correctly configured and aligned with workload requirements.
• Schedule Maintenance – Perform Service Broker-related maintenance during low-traffic periods to reduce the impact of task shutdowns.

Monitoring BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN Waits

To monitor this wait type effectively, use the Historic Waits Monitoring feature in Database Health Monitor. This tool allows you to track wait statistics over time, helping you identify patterns and address potential issues before they impact performance. Regular monitoring of wait types ensures that your Service Broker operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Stedman Solutions specializes in SQL Server performance tuning and optimization. Whether you’re dealing with BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN waits or other performance challenges, our Database Health Monitor tool provides detailed insights, and our managed services deliver expert support to keep your SQL Server environment running at its best. Contact us today to learn how we can help enhance your SQL Server performance and reliability.

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Applies to

Related Waits

See Also

• More About BROKER_TASK_SHUTDOWN