Wait Type BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT

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 provide insights into potential performance bottlenecks and task delays. The BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT wait type is associated with Service Broker, a SQL Server feature that facilitates reliable messaging and asynchronous task processing. This wait type occurs when a task is being submitted to the Service Broker’s task pool but must wait for available resources. Understanding this wait type can help you ensure that your Service Broker configuration is operating efficiently.

What Is the BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT Wait Type?

The BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT wait type appears when SQL Server attempts to submit a task to the Service Broker task pool, but the task cannot proceed immediately due to resource constraints or task pool limitations. Tasks submitted to the Service Broker typically handle operations like message processing or queue management. When resources are insufficient or the task pool is full, tasks must wait before they can be executed.

When Does BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT Appear?

This wait type can occur in the following scenarios:

• High Task Volume – When many tasks are submitted to the Service Broker simultaneously, the task pool may become overloaded.
• Resource Contention – Limited CPU or memory resources can delay task submission and execution.
• Message Backlogs – A large number of pending messages in Service Broker queues can contribute to delays in task submission.
• Misconfigured Service Broker – Inadequate configuration of the task pool or Service Broker settings may prevent tasks from being processed efficiently.

Why BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT Waits Matter

While some BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT waits are normal in high-throughput systems, frequent or prolonged waits can signal underlying issues that may impact performance. Common causes include:

• Overloaded Task Pool – When the Service Broker’s task pool reaches its limit, additional tasks must wait for resources to become available.
• High Message Volume – Systems with heavy messaging workloads may generate more tasks than the pool can handle efficiently.
• Resource Bottlenecks – Insufficient server resources can prevent tasks from being processed in a timely manner.
• Slow Queue Processing – Delays in processing Service Broker queues can slow down task submission and execution.

How to Address BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT Waits

If this wait type is affecting your SQL Server performance, consider these strategies:

• Monitor and Clear Queues – Process messages in Service Broker queues regularly to prevent backlogs from overloading the task pool.
• Optimize Resource Allocation – Ensure that sufficient CPU and memory are allocated to handle Service Broker tasks efficiently.
• Tune Service Broker Configuration – Review and optimize the configuration of the Service Broker task pool and associated settings to match your workload requirements.
• Distribute Workloads – Balance workloads across multiple databases or servers to reduce contention on a single task pool.
• Schedule Maintenance – Perform Service Broker-related maintenance during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on regular operations.

Monitoring BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT Waits

To monitor this wait type effectively, you can use the Historic Waits Monitoring feature in Database Health Monitor. This tool helps track wait statistics over time, identify patterns, and pinpoint bottlenecks in your Service Broker configuration. Regular monitoring can help you proactively address issues and maintain optimal performance in your SQL Server environment.

Stedman Solutions specializes in SQL Server performance tuning and optimization. Whether you’re dealing with BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT waits or other performance challenges, our Database Health Monitor provides powerful insights, and our managed services deliver expert support to keep your SQL Server running efficiently. Contact us today to learn how we can help improve your SQL Server performance and reliability.

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Applies to

Related Waits

See Also

• More About BROKER_TASK_SUBMIT