Data Monitoring / PostgreSQL Monitoring
PostgreSQL: Autovacuum backlog
Dead tuples increase while updates continue. Compare table statistics, autovacuum history and long-running transactions that may delay cleanup.
Environment and inputs: PostgreSQL 18 documentation baseline; views, extensions and permissions vary across versions and managed services.
Failure scenario
Dead tuples increase while updates continue. Confirm the cause before choosing a fix.
Evidence to collect
Compare table statistics, autovacuum history and long-running transactions that may delay cleanup. Record the time, affected scope and a healthy comparison interval.
Fix the confirmed cause
Remove the demonstrated obstruction and tune scoped settings only after checking workload and maintenance impact. Write the expected result first. Change one relevant setting at a time.
Check the result and hand over
Repeat the check for autovacuum backlog using the same scope and a representative interval. Check that the symptom is resolved, expected records are present and downstream results are correct. If coverage, correctness or latency worsens, restore the recorded configuration through the agreed rollback process.
Scope and precautions
Prefer read-only access and limit queries to the relevant period or dataset. This example has not been tested on your systems. Test changes in an approved environment. Keep credentials and sensitive data out of shared evidence.